What You Need for a Storytime Performance

A storytime performance needs more than books and chairs. Plan the room around clear sightlines, a comfortable reading spot, reliable sound and a simple refreshment table. This shopping list covers the practical items that are easy to overlook, from microphone cables and directional signs to enough cups, serving pieces and thermos flasks. Check quantities against your visitor list before shopping, especially when registrations and dietary requirements are still changing.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Chairsqty 70
Tablesqty 6
Reading table
Reading chair
Coat racksqty 4

Equipment

Wireless microphone
Speaker
Microphone stand
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Laptop
Presentation clicker

Lighting

LED floor lampsqty 2
Mood lightingqty 2

Decorations

Book-themed bannersqty 4
Colorful buntingqty 2
Tableclothsqty 6
Flower arrangementsqty 3
Book standsqty 3
Directional signsqty 6

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 70
Glassesqty 70
Platesqty 70
Teaspoonsqty 70
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 4
Coolersqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 2
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving trays with lidsqty 4
Serving tongsqty 4
Bottle openersqty 2

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Dish brushesqty 3
Hand broomsqty 2
Trash binsqty 4
Broom and dustpan
Mopqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Orange juice - 4 liters
- Cola - 3 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Apples - 5 kilograms
- Bananas - 3 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Mandarins - 3 kilograms
- Mini cucumbers - 3 packs
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Salted sticks - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Wholegrain crackers - 4 packs
- Rice cakes - 3 packs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Mini muffins - 100 pieces
- Butter cookies - 4 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 2 packs
- Vegan cookies - 2 packs
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 2 packs
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs

Tips

Provide one chair per registered visitor, plus a small number of spare seats if the room allows. Add a reading chair and a separate reading table so the performer can keep books and texts within reach.
Test the wireless microphone, speaker, microphone stand, laptop and presentation clicker before visitors arrive. Keep extension cords and power strips available, and tape or route cables where nobody will trip over them.
Plan the refreshment table for the full audience, not just the expected early arrivals. Count cups, glasses, plates and teaspoons, then add serving spoons for snacks and keep water jugs available alongside coffee and tea.
Set up coat racks and directional signs before opening the venue. Visitors should be able to find the entrance, reception desk, seating area and refreshments without asking staff during the performance.
Use book stands, tablecloths and modest book-themed decorations to make the reading table easy to identify. Prepare LED floor lamps or mood lighting in advance, but check that the light still reaches the text clearly.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a storytime performance?: You need seating and reading furniture, sound equipment, lighting, decorations, refreshments, tableware and practical kitchen items. The exact quantities depend on your visitor list, but start by matching one chair, cup and plate to each registered guest where applicable.
How many chairs do I need for a storytime event?: Prepare one chair per confirmed visitor and add spare chairs if the venue has room. Keep one reading chair separate from the audience seating, so the performer has a clear, comfortable place to read.
How much coffee and tea should I buy for storytime?: For a short reception, allow roughly two cups of hot drinks per adult, then adjust for children and the event length. Prepare the coffee and tea close to opening time and keep extra hot water available in thermos flasks.
When should I test the microphone and presentation equipment?: Test the wireless microphone, speaker, laptop and clicker at least 60 minutes before visitors arrive. This gives you time to check the sound level, replace batteries or reposition the speaker without interrupting registration.

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