Our library is talking about how to serve children in more tech-free ways. Everyone loves a good scavenger hunt, but how do we give our community some of the fun passive activities we are used to while keeping our staff and families safe? I know we are all missing our kiddos and their grown-ups and they are missing us. We want to feel connected and lately the virtual connection doesn’t feel like enough. So I looked around to see what other libraries are doing and here are a few of the things I found.
Scavenger Hunts:
Check lists like hunts from Glenside Public Library District are easy to replicate and hunt lists could be tucked into books if locations are doing curbside check outs.
Neighborhood hunts have also been very popular and are simple to participate in, the Northbrook Public Library’s Bear Hunt is cute and book based. Quite a few libraries have done something similar. This works great for buildings in a walkable neighborhood.
Art Kits:
This is a great way to get materials in kids hands and partners well with curbside pickup. I am loving the ones that include all the materials needed for the project. Think egg cartons, recycled materials, pipe cleaners and more. I even saw someone who figured out how to include paint.
Obstacle, Challenge and Movement Courses:
Illinois Prairie District Public Library’s sidewalk obstacle course has been a guide for many to create similar courses. This is a great option if you have a walking path nearby or in a neighborhood you have a relationship with. We have seen many painted sidewalk signs in our neighborhood and this feels like a more interactive twist on that.
Do you have any great ideas you have been working on? Share in the comments!
Erin Lovelace is a Children’s Librarian in Virginia. She loves gardening, taking walks and sitting quietly. She is currently collecting twist ties and has no idea why. Erin is the co-chair of the Library Services to Underserved Children and Their Caregivers Committee.