I’ll admit it: I love a Youth Services department that looks like children actually spend time there. Give me colorful bulletin boards, giant cardboard creations, characters peeking out from bookshelves, seasonal decorations, interactive displays, and something slightly ridiculous made out of butcher paper.
Category: Blogger Jessica Brownley
Summer Scares: Bringing Campfire Stories Indoors
I have always loved spooky books. There is something fun about being scared—especially when you know you are safe and can enjoy the suspense, mystery, and occasional jump along the way. Some of my favorite spooky stories are the ones shared around a campfire, where even the smallest sound can suddenly feel a little suspicious. Memories of Summer and its scares often come back when I think of those evenings. That love of spooky stories inspired Summer Scares: Creepy Campfire Stories, a program I recently offered for children in grades 2–3. My goal was to recreate the feeling of sitting around a campfire telling scary stories—just without the actual campfire! Setting the Scene Atmosphere was an important part of the program. I dimmed the lights and used a battery-operated campfire, battery-operated candles, flashlights, and nighttime forest sounds to transform the room into our own indoor campsite. This set the perfect…
When Summer Reading Feels Repetitive
If questions like these sound all too familiar, you may be experiencing Summer Reading burnout. By the time July rolls around, I can almost recite the next question before it’s even fully asked. “Is there still room for this program?”“Can I get another prize?”“Where is the glue?”“Do you have any zoo passes left?” Some days, I feel like I’ve said the same things a hundred times. The repetitive nature of busy library days can leave even the most enthusiastic librarians feeling mentally and physically drained. As a youth services librarian, summer is a fast-paced stretch of planning and programs. My schedule fills with craft programs, visiting performers, and the steady rhythm of families checking in for Summer Reading. After weeks of setup, cleanup, and repetition, even my most creative ideas can start to feel familiar. Staying energized becomes a challenge as the busy season wears on. The Mid-Summer Routine This…
Supporting Emotional Wellness in Library Programs (Without Being a Therapist)
As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, I’ve been thinking about the role libraries play in supporting the emotional well-being of children in library programs. In a recent art program, a participant became frustrated when their painting did not turn out the way they expected. They stopped following instructions, changed their work, and eventually became tearful. In another instance, a child had a strong emotional reaction when they were unable to choose a preferred sticker. In a third situation, a participant became upset when asked to follow a program rule or wait their turn, saying the expectation felt “unfair.” These kinds of moments are not unusual in library spaces. Emotional reactions can show up quickly and may seem big compared to the situation—but they are very real for the child experiencing them. The Role Libraries Play (and Our Limits) In moments like these, I often return to a tension many…
Bringing Laughter to the Library: An April Fools’ Day Program for Kids
What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear! If that made you chuckle, imagine a library full of first- and second-graders bursting with laughter for April Fools’ Day. Giggles erupted as kids tried to keep a straight face while passing a whoopee cushion, froze mid-dance in silly poses, and shared their own jokes. April Fools Fun at its best—where kids could be silly, creative, and laugh together! Such joy makes you realize why laughter in the library is so special. Libraries are often places of learning, but they can also be spaces of joy, creativity, and playful mischief. Celebrating April Fools’ Day with a lighthearted program invites kids into the library for an afternoon filled with fun and laughter in the Library. Last year, I hosted an “April Fools Fun” program with a simple goal: create a space where kids could laugh, be goofy, and enjoy…
How to Host a Library “Tournament of Books” for March Madness
March Madness isn’t just for basketball—it’s a perfect theme to get kids excited about reading! At our library, we combined the thrill of the tournament with a love of books by hosting a “Tournament of Book Characters.” Here’s how we set it up! Step 1: Choose Your Books Pick 8–16 books for your tournament. They can be popular picture books, early readers, or chapter books—whatever fits your audience. Include a mix of genres or themes to spark curiosity. For example, we selected the top circulating titles from the previous year—focusing on books with the most popular characters among those titles. If you plan to run the tournament over several weeks, consider using around 18 books so you can have four weeks of voting, with each round narrowing down the field until a champion is chosen. Step 2: Create Your Bracket Board Step 3: Set Up Your Voting Box and Ballots…
Children’s Librarians and the Rise of AI: What Should We Be Thinking About?
Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept—it’s already part of the everyday experiences of the children and families we serve. From voice assistants answering homework questions to AI-generated stories and learning apps, technology is reshaping how children access information, create content, and engage with the world. In fact, many children’s librarians are already encountering these tools through school assignments, reference questions, or conversations with caregivers. Tools like ChatGPT, which can generate text, stories, or answers to questions, and Microsoft Copilot, which assists with writing, data organization, and productivity across Word, show just how rapidly AI is integrating into learning spaces. Therefore, Children’s Librarians and AI is an important topic because for children’s librarians, this shift raises important questions. What role should we play in guiding children through this new landscape? Also, how can we support learning while maintaining ethical, thoughtful practices? Opportunities for Literacy and Learning AI offers exciting…
Self-Care for Librarians During the Winter Slump
For those of us working in libraries during a Midwest winter—especially in the Chicagoland area—January can feel especially long. Short daylight hours, gray skies, and bitter cold make it harder to stay energized, even as our work continues at full speed. After the whirlwind of holiday programs, many librarians face a “winter slump,” when both physical and emotional energy feel in short supply. But self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Small, intentional strategies can help you stay steady, healthy, and energized—even during the darkest months of the year. Why Winter Hits Librarians Hard Winter brings unique challenges for library work: Recognizing these factors is the first step: understanding that your fatigue is real and valid helps reduce guilt and pressure. Practical, Desk-Friendly Self-Care Tips You don’t need to overhaul your life to feel better at work. Try these approachable strategies: At-Home Self-Care That Actually Works Winter self-care continues…