Live Magic Shows vs. Storytime: What’s Better for Engagement?

Planning strong library programs can feel overwhelming, especially when you want to capture the attention of busy kids and families. You have choices to make. You have budgets to juggle. And you want events that actually get kids excited—not bored.

Two of the most common choices in library kids programming ideas are simple storytimes and live magic shows. Both can work. Both can help kids learn. But each one engages children in different ways. When you understand these differences, you can make smart choices that fit your community and boost attendance.

This guide shows how storytime and magic shows each work, how they compare, and when to choose one over the other. You’ll walk away with clear steps for offering engaging children’s entertainment that truly lights up your library.

WHAT IS LIBRARY PROGRAMMING?

Library programming includes all the events and activities offered beyond regular book borrowing. It’s everything from storytime and craft sessions to magic shows, concerts, workshops, and outreach events.

Good programming turns a quiet library into a lively community space. It draws new families, builds excitement, and shows funders that your library matters.

Programs usually fall into these groups:

Educational Programs

These teach skills and knowledge.Examples: computer basics, homework help, STEM workshops, language learning.

Cultural Programs

These bring art, stories, music, and performances into the library.Examples: author visits, music shows, art displays.

Recreational Programs

These focus on fun and social connection.Examples: game nights, crafts, magic shows.

Informational Programs

These help with real-life needs.Examples: health classes, legal help, tax prep, voter info.

When choosing between storytime and a magic show, you’re choosing between two different programming categories—each with unique benefits.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR AUDIENCE

Before picking a program, you must know who you serve.

Talk to families, observe who visits the library, and ask what they want. Short surveys, social media polls, and simple checkout-desk conversations all help.

Learn details like:

• Preferred days and times

• Kids’ ages

• Interests

• Barriers (transportation, childcare, noise level, sensory needs)

Some families love quiet storytime. Others need fast-paced, high-energy experiences like magic shows.

Spotting Underserved Groups

Walk through your city. Notice the families at parks, shops, and playgrounds who never come to the library. These groups might want different programming than families who already attend.

Partner with:

• Schools

• Daycare centers

• After-school programs

• Cultural groups

• Social service agencies

These partners help you understand what your community really needs.

Create Patron Personas

Build simple profiles to help plan your programs:

• Busy Parent Paula: Has two kids, works full-time, needs short weekend programs.

• Energetic Kindergartner Max: Loves movement, sound, and magic tricks.

• Quiet Preschooler Mya: Loves calm stories, soft music, and simple crafts.

• Teen Artist Leo: Wants creative outlets and hands-on making.

These personas help you pick between storytime and magic shows—and blend both when needed.

LIVE MAGIC SHOWS VS. STORYTIME: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Magic shows and storytimes are both powerful tools for libraries. But they create different kinds of engagement.

STORYTIME: QUIET, COMFORTING, AND CONNECTION-FOCUSED

Storytime builds early literacy and family bonding. It’s one of the most common library kids programming ideas because kids love being read to.

What Storytime Does Best

• Builds early reading habits

• Helps kids practice listening skills

• Encourages parent-child bonding

• Works well for toddlers and preschoolers

• Requires low cost and low setup

• Creates a calm, predictable routine

Storytime offers a gentle, warm experience. Kids sit close. They hear your voice. They hear new words. This feels safe and familiar.

When Storytime Struggles

Storytime can lose its magic if:

• Kids are too energetic

• Ages vary too widely

• Kids need sensory movement

• Families want something bigger, louder, or more special

Some kids tune out after a few minutes. Some parents prefer something more “event-like” to get kids excited.

LIVE MAGIC SHOWS: HIGH-ENERGY, EXCITING, AND WIDE-APPEAL

Magic shows bring fast movement, bright visuals, humor, and audience participation. They are a strong form of engaging children’s entertainment, especially for mixed ages.

What Magic Shows Do Best

• Keep kids attention for the full show

• Engage kids who don’t normally sit still

• Work well for ages 4–12

• Create “wow” moments that kids talk about for weeks

• Make the library feel fun and exciting

• Draw big crowds

Magic shows are also great for promotion. Parents are more likely to say “YES, we’re going!” when they see an exciting performance advertised.

This is why so many libraries use magic shows for:

• Summer Reading kickoffs

• Big holiday events

• End-of-summer celebrations

• All-ages family nights

Magic shows feel special—and families want to show up for special.

WHICH ONE IS BETTER FOR ENGAGEMENT?

Both.But they work in different ways.

Storytime Is Best For:

• Building literacy in young children

• Smaller, calmer groups

• Regular weekly routines

• Families who want predictable schedules

• Parents who want bonding time

Storytime creates comfort, closeness, and learning.

Magic Shows Are Best For:

• Bringing in new families

• Large crowds

• Mixed-age groups

• High-energy seasons like Summer Reading

• Patrons who don’t usually attend events

Magic shows create laughter, excitement, and buzz.

So Which Should You Choose?

Think about these questions:

1. What is the goal of the event?

   
   

   Learning? Excitement? A kickoff? A quiet literacy program?

2. What ages are you serving?

   
   

   Preschoolers vs. mixed ages.

3. What’s your budget?

   
   

   Storytime is low-cost. Magic shows cost more but attract bigger crowds.

4. Do you need marketing power?

   
   

   Magic shows draw attention fast.

5. Do families need something calm or high-energy?

   
   

   Choose based on your community’s current needs.

Many libraries blend both options to balance reading and entertainment.

PROGRAM PLANNING BASICS (APPLIES TO BOTH MAGIC SHOWS AND STORYTIME)

Whether you choose storytime or magic, smart planning matters.

SET CLEAR GOALS

Decide exactly what you want from the event:

• Build literacy?

• Create a family bonding moment?

• Bring new people into the library?

• Increase summer reading participation?

• Boost community visibility?

Clear goals shape the entire experience.

CHOOSE STRONG TOPICS

Pick themes kids love:

• Animals

• Space

• Weather

• Magic and mystery

• STEAM

• Superheroes

Kids love programs that feel fun, not formal. Choose themes that match your community’s excitement level.

BUDGET WISELY

Magic shows cost more than storytime. But they also draw bigger crowds and bigger buzz.

Look for:

• Grants

• Friends of the Library support

• Local business sponsors

• Partnerships with schools

Some entertainers offer early booking discounts—especially in spring. Details about timing and booking can be found here:https://www.annlincoln.com/post/why-spring-is-the-perfect-time-to-book-a-library-entertainer

PROGRAM FORMATS: MIX AND MATCH

To create the best engaging children’s entertainment, use a mix of formats:

In-Person Programs

Great for magic shows, crafts, storytime, and live interaction.

Virtual Sessions

Good for authors, science demos, or when families have tight schedules.

Hybrid Options

Bring a performer in virtually while families gather at the library.

Pop-Up Programs

Take storytime or a mini-magic teaser to:

• Parks

• Schools

• Farmers markets

• Festivals

These surprise moments draw people into the library later.

PARTNERSHIPS MAKE BOTH MAGIC SHOWS AND STORYTIME BETTER

Partner with:

• Schools

• Daycares

• Local theaters

• Youth centers

• Museums

• Animal shelters

• Cultural associations

They can help spread the word, share costs, or provide space.

And when you put “magic show!” or “special storytime!” on school flyers, attendance jumps.

MARKETING YOUR PROGRAMS FOR MAXIMUM ATTENDANCE

Even the best program fails if no one hears about it.

Learn how to promote library programs with strong, clear marketing.

Start Early

Promote 4–6 weeks ahead for big events.

Use Multiple Channels

• Flyers in busy areas

• Email newsletters

• Website updates

• Facebook events

• Instagram posts

• Posters at schools and parks

• Community bulletin boards

Be Specific

Families want to know:

• Age range

• Time and length

• Cost (FREE!)

• Location

• What kids will DO

Use Strong Visuals

Magic shows and themed storytimes need exciting images to attract attention.

REGISTRATION AND LOGISTICS

Storytime might not require registration. Magic shows usually do.

Manage Sign-Ups

Use online forms, phone calls, or front-desk registration.

Plan the Space

• Storytime needs cozy areas

• Magic shows need clear sightlines and more seating

Test Equipment

Especially important for performers.

Have Extra Supplies

Families often bring extra children or unexpected guests.

PROGRAM EXECUTION

Arrive Early

Set up the room. Test equipment. Prep craft supplies if needed.

Welcome Families Warmly

A friendly greeting increases comfort.

Explain the Plan

Tell families what will happen and how long it will take.

Stay Flexible

Kids wiggle. Babies cry. Someone spills something. Be calm and caring.

Focus on Quality

Energy and enthusiasm go a long way in both storytime and magic shows.

EVALUATION AND IMPROVEMENT

After the event, ask simple questions:

• What did you like?

• What didn’t work?

• Would you attend again?

• What other topics interest you?

Track:

• Attendance

• New vs. returning families

• Ages of participants

• Marketing sources

• Library card signups

Review this data every season to improve your programming.

PROGRAM SERIES AND ONGOING INITIATIVES

Storytime works beautifully as a weekly series. Magic shows work well for seasonal anchors—kickoffs, finales, or special events.

Use both:

• Storytime = consistency

• Magic shows = excitement

Together, they strengthen your library’s identity.

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

• Assuming you know what families want

• Poor promotion

• Scheduling at bad times

• Programs that are too complicated

• Ignoring feedback

• Trying to run too many events

Start simple. Improve each time. Build confidence.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR LIBRARY PROGRAMMERS

Grow your skills by:

• Taking marketing or public speaking classes

• Watching other libraries’ programs

• Joining programming groups online

• Attending workshops or webinars

The better your skills, the better your programs.

CONCLUSION

Both storytime and magic shows have strong benefits. Storytime builds literacy and comfort. Magic shows create excitement and attract new families. The best libraries use both, mixing calm and high-energy events throughout the year.

By understanding your audience, planning wisely, and using smart promotion, you can deliver engaging children’s entertainment that families return for again and again. Use this guide to choose programs that meet your goals and bring joy to your community. Your next great event starts here.

Want the best library performer in the area? Check out Ann Lincoln's programs today!