This section has resources for general programming planning for adults and seniors, as well as idea resources for low cost and passive programming.
February Passive Program: Make a Valentine’s Card for Someone You Love – Sowing Seeds Librarian
Ice Cream Club glory Over the years, we've done alot of playing with "Check-Out Clubs," special stealth (passive) programs. These clubs...
In the books I loved to read as a kid, libraries are crazy old buildings full of secrets. The Treasure of Alpheus Winterborn sends Anthony Monday all over the library, following obscure clues to uncover something of great wealth. I vividly remember the scene from Yobgorgle: Mystery Monster of Lake Ontario where Eugene Winkleman visits…
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This summer, one of our self-directed programs is our Engineering Table. During the school year, we offer a craft table with a different self-directed craft each month. Over the summer, it's too cumbersome to refill supplies and keep a craft table stocked, so we have turned it into an activity table. This year, to go with our Summer Reading theme of Build a Better World, the table is all about engineering. I put the Engineering Table up this week when our Summer Reading Club started and it has already been a big hit! I wasn't sure if kids would engage with the materials - they look so handmade - but they dive into it, making some really interesting creations. We've seen a lot of families engage in the table together, having some great conversations as they build together. That's exactly what we wanted! I love providing self-directed activities because it means that no matter when a family stops by the library, there's something for them to do. We may not have a program for their age going on every single day this summer, but we always have some type of activity they can do. We mention the Engineering Table in our printed program calendar and I added it to our web calendar so that families who are looking will realize that there is always something for them to do at the library. Each week, I'll change it out with some activities being more "handmade" and some being more polished (see our full schedule below). I purchased several sets from Lakeshore Learning to use with the table. Some of these sets could be homemade if you're tight on funds. I was tight on time, so ordering the sets was easier for me. Here's what I'm planning for each week: Week 1: Building with craft sticks, clothespins, and binder clips (source: Frugal Fun 4 Boys). Week 2: Fairy Tale Problem Solving Kit: The Three Billy Goats Gruff (Lakeshore Learning) Week 3: Building with pool noodles and sponges (source: Handmade Kids Art) Week 4: House Building Engineering Center (Lakeshore Learning) Week 5: Letter Builder Set (this is similar - not sure if it's the same set we ordered several years ago) (Lakeshore Learning) Week 6: Fairy Tale Problem Solving Kit: The Three Little Pigs (Lakeshore Learning) Week 7: Building with cardboard boxes (source: 2014 Preschool Lab; we'll be using smaller boxes so that they'll fill on our table) Week 8: Vehicle Building Engineering Center (Lakeshore Learning) Week 9: Bridge Building Engineering Center (Lakeshore Learning) Do you have any self-directed programming planned for this summer? I would love to hear about it in comments!
Explore Bobbi Newman's 2158 photos on Flickr!
More reasons to hide out in a library all day!
Since February is Library Lover's Month, I wanted to showcase something that librarians work very hard on and that patrons love: all those wonderful book displays! I've worked in a few libraries and bookstores, and putting together unique and creative displays (and watching readers discover new books because of them) was one of my favorite…
I asked our young patrons what they loved about the library, and they amazed me with all of their responses!
Learn how to quickly add poetry to your school library in this helpful blog post from Library Learners!
Kids ages 8 to 12 are often too busy with scheduled activities of their own to make it to library programs in the afternoons or evenings. For librarians who wish to increase attendance at programs for this age group, this can be very frustrating, but it also opens up an opportunity to offer passive programming.
A blog about children's books, story time, library service, and literacy activities written by a children's librarian turned stay-at-home mom.
What are Maker Kits? Maker Kits are low-cost, versatile materials for open-ended creating put together in one container around a themed craft. Each kit is filled with supplies that are easy to use with minimal supervision if not entirely self-directed. Because of that they require minimal preparation making them ideal for passive programming or quick…
Explore NMRLSphotos' 1721 photos on Flickr!
BOOK SPINE POETRY CONTEST - Celebrate Teen Read Week and join in our Book Spine Poetry Contest at South East Junior High Library in Iowa City!
Way back when, the teachers in British Columbia were on strike for VERY GOOD REASON which led to more kids in the library than we were used to in June and September, and the Summer Reading Club (while so much fun) didn’t quite stretch far enough. It was at this time that I learned of... Continue reading Passive Programs Throw Down!
The Fugitive Book Characters scavenger hunt at the Wichita Falls Public Library! Kids located fugitive book characters to return them to their books. Images of the characters were scattered around the youth area, and prizes were awarded to those who found 10 or more!
