Story Hour Library —
Community Voices Reading to Community Children.
A free digital library where volunteers record themselves reading children's books. Children access the library anytime — no account, no login, no cost. Every title links to a physical book purchase.
How Story Hour Works
Volunteer Readers Record
Community members, educators, AIC congregation members, and J Merrill Publishing authors record themselves reading a children's book. Simple setup — phone, tablet, or laptop.
Foundation Reviews
Every recording goes through a content and quality review before publishing. Copyright compliance, audio quality, and child-appropriateness are verified.
Added to the Library
Approved readings are added to the Story Hour digital library. The book title, reader name, and a purchase link are attached to every video.
Children Watch Free
Any child can access the library without an account. No sign-up, no subscription, no cost. Scan the QR code at any Reading Station to reach the library.
The QR Bridge
Every J Merrill Foundation Reading Station has a weatherproof QR code placard inside the box. Scan it to go directly to the Story Hour library — connecting the physical book in the child's hand to a reading of that book on screen.
QR code → Story Hour Library
What Books Can Be Read?
We operate a strict two-tier copyright model to protect the Foundation and our volunteer readers:
- Public domain children's books
- J Merrill Publishing titles
- Books with written publisher authorization
- Licensed publisher agreements
- Author consent contracts (tracked in Dataverse)
- Major publisher partnerships
Become a Story Hour Reader
You do not need to be a professional. You need to love a book and be willing to read it on camera. Every voice matters in this library.
Sign Up as a Reader