Are you a project person? I am! Whether it’s scrapbooking, knitting, or making cards, I like to have a variety of projects to work on. In looking at my homeschool programming choices, it’s obvious that my “project personality” extends to the Library as well. I enjoy creating month-long series of programs, which culminate in some sort of project.
Category: Programming Ideas
Hispanic Heritage Month 2021
National Hispanic Heritage Month 2021 is upon us! Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15…celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. [Starting] in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Johnson, it was later expanded by President Reagan in 1988 to cover from September 15 to October 15 The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period. — Library of Congress Why is Hispanic Heritage Month so Important? Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month every year is critical for American…
Social Ties: A Community Art Project
Each year at the Simsbury Public Library, CT we create our own Summer Reading theme. By creating our own unique theme, we can reflect our community and to be responsive to trends and themes that are important locally. Our 2021 Summer Reading theme was “Reading Reconnects Us,” which coincided well with the expanded library hours and services we were able to offer this summer. Our community was eager to return to in-person browsing, programs and volunteer opportunities and it was clear they were looking for opportunities to connect with others.
Inspiring Young Writers at the Library
I love to put on creative writing programs at the library. Kids are natural storytellers, but as they grow up and move through the school system, many of them come to believe that writing is all about having correct spelling and grammar. But a library program can focus on the fun side of writing, throw away the so-called “rules” of writing, and help young writers bring back their creative spark. Read on for three examples of creative writing games you can play at your library.
Summer Reading and Back to School
Summer Reading ending and Back to School planning! It’s that time again! We’re winding down summer reading and gearing up for back to school time. I wanted to give you lots of updates, ideas and of course — all free! Enjoy! All Things Comics These were the buzziest panels at ComicCon At Home. Michael B. Jordan is bringing Black Superman Val-Zod to HBO Max. (If anyone’s keeping track, this is separate from Ta-Nehisi Coates’ and JJ Abrams’ plans to bring a Black Superman to the big screen.) Black Panther gets a new origin story with the launch of Black Panther Legends. Mel Valentine Vargas is adapting Meg Medina’s YA novel, Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass into a graphic novel. Michaela Cole has joined the cast for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Leslie Grace is going to be the new Barbara Gordon in the upcoming Batgirl movie. Plans are in the works to turn The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina into new comics. The greatest seinen manga…
Getting Ready for Summer Reading during a pandemic
Our educational and hybrid strategy for Tails and Tales Summer reading is more important than ever this year as librarians are looking to create programs that combine technology, print resources and personal interaction to offer multiple access points for kids to enjoy educational, fun and safe activities through their local library. And, while we all want summer reading to be a huge success, it goes without saying that planning during a pandemic is quite a challenge!
Passive Programs in a Time of Transition
More of our patrons are getting vaccinated against Covid-19 and our library systems are slowly easing back to normal operating hours and codes of conduct. Children’s librarians are still walking a tightrope of safely providing services while dealing with the reality that our charges (children ages 0-12 years old) are not able to get vaccinated yet. Outdoor programming is great for families that can make it work for their schedules and register far enough in advance to avoid being put on a waitlist. However most of my families do not fit into that category. This summer my library has maintained our focus on “take and make” crafts and projects, and put an increased amount of effort into creating engaging passive programs that families can participate in during their brief visits to pick up books and report summer reading challenge points.
Globetrotters’ Adventure Club
Our Summer Reading Program theme is “Reading Colors Your World.” This theme is perfect for colorful and diverse programming such as a Globetrotters’ Adventure Club . This series of programs, focusing on art and world cultures, would be perfect anytime, not just during the summer.