Caregivers and children work side by side as they investigate electronic components during a hands-on library program. Photo courtesy of Katie Hom.
The Hidden Power of Shared Experiences in School-Age Library Programs
Category: Programming Ideas
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…
Scratch, Read, Repeat: Bringing a Little Extra Joy to Summer Reading with Scratch-off Cards
Every summer, libraries look for creative ways to encourage children and families to keep reading. We spend months planning exciting performers, ordering prizes, and designing promotional materials. But last year, we decided to rethink one of the most familiar parts of Summer Reading: the reading log.
Get Organized: Creating Clear, Scaffolded Learning Paths
This year, I’m viewing “traditional” New Year’s resolutions through a library lens. So far, we’ve explored ways to exercise more, live life to the fullest, eat healthier, lose weight, and save money. This month, we’re looking at organization. While it would be easy to talk about cleaning up supply closets or doing a deep clean of your digital files, I’m taking a different approach. Organization isn’t just about space – it’s also about creating clear paths for learning and engagement. Let’s talk about ways that intentional, scaffolded program structures create organization and clear direction for patrons and staff alike. While each library’s program structure is different, my goal today is to share replicable models that work for all types of libraries and programs. I’ll explore how scaffolded programs help you reach specific audiences and customize patron experiences. At its core, scaffolded programming is about purposeful program design over time. Why…
Bilingual programs beyond storytime
When an #alaac26 session starts with all attendees waving colorful scarves to a welcome song, you know you will leave more energized than you walked in. As one of the last sessions of this 4-day conference, this was key for myself and over 40 other attendees to stay until the very end.
Pokémon Club: More to Explore
In October 2025, ALSC and AASL announced a partnership with The Pokémon Company International to help kickstart Pokémon Clubs at libraries across the country. This launch kickstarted a Poké-craze with librarians, myself included, with many folks interested in starting their very own club. With many librarians asking “how,” ALSC Blogger Ariel Barreras shared some of her preparations for Pokémon Club earlier this year. Now that we are in the throes of summer, and many of our patrons have more time on their hands, I thought it would be a great time to share some additional resources for those who are looking to change up their regular sessions, or for those who are interested in having a summer club!
Passive Dinosaur Programs for Summer Reading 2026!
We are inching closer to Summer Reading and there is so much to do to prepare for all the kids that are ready to Unearth a Story! One of the final touches that I am currently working on is our passive programs for the summer. Passive programs are a great way to engage kids any time your department is open. Here are some passive dinosaur programs that I will be implementing for this year’s summer reading program!
Beyond the A: Creating Space for Pacific Islander Cultures & Stories during AANHPI Heritage Month
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month is a longstanding celebration in schools, libraries, and communities across the country. While Asian cultures are often prominently featured during this month, Pacific Islander cultures can sometimes receive less visibility. Elevating Pacific Islander stories, traditions, and voices is an important way to create a more inclusive celebration and deepen understanding of the rich diversity represented within AANHPI communities.