Copyright Information for Faith Formation and Youth Ministries

 

Licensing Basics

 

Licensing the Reading of Children’s Storybooks Online (Live Streaming and Recording)

Any recording or live streaming of the reading and sharing of children’s storybooks requires permission, according to the US copyright law,  from the book’s publisher or author, whichever holds the rights to the book.

During the pandemic, many publishers and authors waived permission fees, some of which are still in effect; however, this does not apply to all publishers and authors, and it is against the law to offer a children’s storybook reading online without appropriate permission. Just visit the publisher’s and/or author’s official website and locate the permissions page.
Here's a helpful 2020 blog from the Association of Library Service to Children (ALSC), most of which can be reinterpreted for recorded children's messages and church story times: Pausing to Talk About Copyright and Virtual Storytimes.

Websites that keep abreast of literary copyright laws:
Association of Library Service to Children
Library of Congress 
School Library Journal

 

Licensing Video and Music