The second day of #alsc16 Institute is well underway and providing much inspiration. As I sit and try to keep up with my note taking, discussion chat and twitter; my mind is spinning – in a wonderful way!
The “Oh Baby! Unconventional Programming for your Youngest Patrons” session, which just completed, was especially exciting. Kendra Jones and Brooke Newberry inspired the audience with their philosophy of focusing infant and baby programming around play, I could not jot down ideas fast enough. Ideas started with the traditional variety of props (scarves, shakers, parachute) to the unconventional activity of using fingerpaint on windows, blow up baby pools and bubble wrap walls. Who else but Children’s Librarians would even consider allowing a group of toddlers loose in a room with shredded paper?
I can’t wait to transfer some of these ideas to my own community and watch the joy of children and their caregivers as they play and develop skills for the future. Watch out children, you may see a Cookie Monster make an appearance in the Children’s Department very soon!!
