The other day I (literally) woke up thinking about the next plan for the library window display. I want it to be fun. I want students to care. I want to get students into the library. So I will bribe them with candy. We have put up a Puzzle It Out display. There are 5…
Passive programs for the library (self-directed programming)
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.
January is kind of a quiet time at the library, so I thought it would be a great time for a contest! I had the Where's Waldo idea for a whil...
Happy Star Trek flashback. A passive activity at the Richfield Library.
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…
Calling all crossword puzzle fans. Try your skill at our Collaborrative Crossword puzzle posted on the bulletin board in the Teen Area. This interactive puzzle was the brainchild of one our creative teens. It's clever and fun! Do you know the " heavy metal band fronted by Gene Simmons "? That's 81 across. Or how about "this special…
With this post, the patience to cut hundreds of circles, and around $5, you and your community can create a beautiful piece of collaborative art. Supplies: Cardstock (white or a variety of colors – your choice) Markers, crayons, or chalk String Glue A sign (optional) Room set-up: Like Art Links or Squart, this is another activity that is ideal for outreach events or a simple table-top craft. If you want to make it a program, do all three activities in the same room! Program prep: Cut a lot of circles out of cardstock. Bonus if you have a circle cutter. Make a sign if you want. Get something to draw with (markers, crayons or chalk). Put it all out on a table. Invite kids and grown-ups to make art. Art on the Spot was this summer’s outreach art activity at Rochester Public Library (MN). We visited community events with our...
Children's display asking children if they were a herbivore, carnivores or omnivore. Supplies included dino cutouts, tape, and signs made in Canva. #library #librarydisplays #dinosaur #learning #librarian #thisorthat
Scavenger hunts are always an easy win. But cutting out all your Waldos or whatever, and placing them around the library can be a pain. That's why setting up a "permanent" scavenger hunt can be a huge time-saver. It's great for rainy days or large groups too!! I got this idea from the Milwaukee Art…
This section has resources for general programming planning for adults and seniors, as well as idea resources for low cost and passive programming.
A fun passive program idea for libraries to try out! #wouldyourather #passiveprogram #publiclibrary #library #libraries #program #interactive #cornmaze #hayride #fall #fallactivity
Remember how I was just saying that I love me some self directed programs? Well, I do! I especially love self directed crafting programs. And how's this for an easy peasy teen program? Materials: -Ziplock bags -embroidery floss -print out of instructions -labels -an accessible spot to put your super sweet DIY To Go kits for your…
I'll be running this again at the MCM Expo this weekend but if you can't make it, give it a go by printing this image out!
"Share your favorite books with us. Choose a sticky note. Write (or draw or scribble) about a book. Stick it up!" Interactive exhibition, August 10 - September 2, 2012.
I made the puppy dog.
It’s time for the annual bookmark contest again! Children in grades K through 8 are eligible to participate. Just create an original bookmark using the form. See rules listed on the form. Paper forms are available at the library service desk.
Explore Bobbi Newman's 2158 photos on Flickr!
