LeVar Burton continues to host virtual livestream storytime via Twitter three times a week.
April 3, LeVar Burton (Reading Rainbow, Star Trek: Next Generation, Roots) started regularly hosting storytime livestreams to comfort us all through the coronavirus crisis. LeVar Burton Reads will feature three weekly readings divided by age group. Children’s stories will stream live on Mon at 11 a.m. CT, Young Adults Literature on Wed at 5 p.m. CT, and stories for adults on Fri at 8 p.m. CT.
THIS FRIDAY, APRIL 4th, it begins right here on @twitter pic.twitter.com/pxWZ5lat5k
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) April 1, 2020
Before the coronavirus outbreak, Burton hosted a Stitcher Originals podcast also named LeVar Burton Reads, aimed at grown-up fans of Reading Rainbow, Burton’s 1983-2006 PBS kids show. The podcast features Burton reading handpicked short stories. After the outbreak hit the U.S., Burton was inspired by the many musicians live-streaming concerts from their living rooms and wanted to give back, too.
According to Variety, he wanted to read books for free live on Twitter but struggled to find material that was in the public domain. After tweeting his frustrations, best-selling author Neil Gaiman (Good Omens, Coraline, American Gods) responded giving Burton blanket permission to read his work aloud. Not long after that, the Twitter livestream edition of LeVar Burton Reads was born!
You have my blanket permission for any of my stories Levar.
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) March 25, 2020
For Burton’s first livestream event, he read Gaiman’s short story We Can Get Them For You Wholesale. Monday morning, he read Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman for his first Children’s storytime. For anyone who grew up watching Reading Rainbow, LeVar Burton Reads is both nostalgic and comforting during this time of uncertainty.
Welcome, all! I’ll be reading “Amazing Grace” by Mary Hoffman & my own children’s book. Enjoy. https://t.co/643BPVC7s6
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) April 6, 2020
Follow @levarburton to catch LeVar Burton Reads live on Twitter!
Mondays for Children: 11 a.m. CT
Wednesdays for YA: 5 p.m.
Fridays for Adults: 8 p.m.
Read also: Here’s how to download free media from your local library!
Feature photo @dolcemidtown, Stitcher