Author: Kaitlin Frick

Blogger Kaitlin Frick

Taking the Library Home with You: Little Library Boxes

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Box containing a picture book, brochure, booklist and program materials

It’s been quite a while since I last wrote about something other than book recommendations – most of my time is spent with books these days, so in many ways that’s become my default. But this month I’m proud to present a program series planned and implemented by the incredible Youth Services team at Darien Library, one that I hope will resonate with some of you and find a home in your libraries as well. The program series is called Little Library Boxes, and to provide information about it – from conception to implementation – I’ve interviewed the brains behind the operation herself, Children’s Program Coordinator Samantha Cardone.

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Blogger Kaitlin Frick

Picture (Book) This: Black History Month Picks

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February is Black History Month, and while I as a white woman can’t begin to understand the Black experience, I can do my part to educate myself and my young patrons – and to actively work toward an anti-racist future. To that end, here are 10 picture book titles I’ll be highlighting and recommending this February ( as well as the rest of the year):

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Blogger Kaitlin Frick

A Few of My Favorite Books: 2020 Edition

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I think we can all agree that 2020 has been a challenging year to say the least. But as we head into the new year, one thing I can safely say is that 2020 has given us some excellent new children’s books. Perusing lists share by various review sources, I’ve been blown away by the variety I’ve seen. While some titles appear in many lists, others make surprise appearances – and yet, I agree with almost every selection.

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Blogger Kaitlin Frick

Helping Young Children Cope with COVID-Related Changes

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Recently at my library, we’ve been getting a lot of questions from teachers and parents who are looking for titles to share with their young charges as they struggle to adjust to remote learning and deal with the disappointment of not seeing loved ones over the holiday season. And even as the person who should be most prepared for this question at my branch, I’ve struggled to find just-right recommendations that will help children cope with the continued changes COVID is throwing into their paths.

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Blogger Kaitlin Frick

To-Go Library Services

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How has your library been handling programming in the time of COVID? At Darien, most of what we do – from storytimes to vendor programming – has gone virtual. But as the months wear on, we’ve come to realize that patrons (much like their hard-working librarians) are pretty burnt out on technology. So last month when we reopened to the public, the Youth Services Team rolled out a few fresh ideas for engaging with our community.

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