A MUM has set up a virtual storytime live session for children and young people stuck in isolation following the closures of libraries and schools across Swindon.

Lisa Shearing along with her two children Jack, nine and Billy, five, hosted their first 15-minute session on the Liden library Facebook page last week and it has since been viewed more than 3,000 times.

The 40-year-old said: “After seeing that a lot of resources were going virtual and because I’m really missing the library, I thought it was important to stay connected with our regulars at this time.

“To be honest, I don’t really like doing live sessions on Facebook because I get really nervous.

“I much prefer face-to-face, but obviously that’s not possible for now.

"So I felt it right to embrace alternative ways of delivering story time and staying in touch with the Liden library goers.”

She added: “I’ve been doing storytimes for two years now, so I have lots of sessions already planned out.

"But I may have to review them slightly, so they work with an online audience.”

The mum-of-two includes in her sessions singing, storytelling, colouring and craft activities intended for babies and children aged up to five years old.

“On our first craft session we made daffodil pictures using paper and egg cartons and on the storytime session we made binoculars and story maps,” Lisa told the Adver.

“I did a mini exercise workout for little ones to We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.

“It was a bit hectic with two boys helping and a few connectivity issues, but it seemed to go well, and we’ve had some lovely comments from the regulars.

“When I’m planning I use books social media, google and things I see out and about.

“I also plan storytimes around obvious annual events, Easter, Mother’s Day, Valentines but also things like safety awareness week, starting school, national book week and Elmer Day.”

Lisa runs weekly sessions every Wednesday from 10:30am but she might end up doing more.

“If it’s popular I might do more. We did not expect to get more than 3,000 views," she said.

“We were dancing when we got to 1,000.”

Librarian Diane Rendell said: “We have seen a fantastic response to our live Storytime from Liden Library.

“Lisa has shown dedication and initiative at this time and we have been able to reach many families.”

For further information about the Facebook live stream go to facebook.com/LidenLibraryStorytots/