At the Waterloo Public Library, a storyteller and discussion leader meet with families to read and talk about award-winning children’s books. Invigorating and inspiring children to think analytically, develop a lifelong interest in learning and reading, and create connections between storybooks and real-life situations.

Originally created by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities in 1991, Prime Time offers programs designed to engage, educate, and support children and families. In one study published in 2010 by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, found that students who participated in Prime Time Family Reading during their early elementary years outperformed their peers on grade level content in standardized exams. Prime Time students scored higher in language arts and reading, mathematics, science, life science and other subjects.