With this post and around $20-$50, you can take a super simple art activity to any outreach location. Supplies: Dot markers/bingo daubers Stencils (optional) Markers (optional) Paper Set up: Similar to Art Links, Squart, Art on the Spot, and Cotton Swab Pointillism, this is a perfect outreach activity. Throw your supplies into a small tote and off you go. Find a table somewhere (park, school, etc.), set out your supplies, and make a few samples. We love to take this one out on the ArtCart with a tray for the stencils & markers. Program prep: Just gather your supplies. Go and make some dots!
ALA ANNUAL 2022 and Intellectual Freedom
Spotlight on: Summer Reading Prizes
Today’s post focuses on interactive or experienced based prizes, where summer reading participants do something at the library when they complete a reading level.
Hybrid Programming: Evaluating Takeaways from the Pandemic and Moving Library Services Into the Future
In May, the Children & Technology committee presented a We Are ALSC Chat (WAAC) on the topic of hybrid programming in libraries. Our committee was inspired to host this conversation because the evolving nature of library programming (primarily in public libraries) has been a recurring theme in our own committee meetings throughout this term. We were also excited to bring in other library professionals as guests who have expertise, and a variety of experiences on the subject. The conversation was robust, and just what we were hoping for! Below are a few takeaways. Defining “Hybrid Programming” To start this conversation, we wanted to name that the term “hybrid programming” itself does not have one definition. It might mean live streaming, providing at-home kits, offering post-attendance incentives, brainstorming activities that have both virtual and in-person opportunities, and more. The underlying key to success being hands-on engagement and interactivity regardless of the…
Play With Babies in Library Spaces
Play is quite possibly my favorite of the five Early Literacy Practices. Not only because it has the boundless freedom to surprise and delight, but also because it naturally incorporates the other 4 practices – talk, sing, read, and write. When you play, especially with a playmate, talk is a natural part of the fun. If you’re anything like me, you also often make up songs about what you’re doing. Playing games such as I spy or tic-tac-toe incorporate reading and writing. There is just so much possibility with play, and I find that endlessly exciting.
Including STEAM in Summer Library Programs
My library is using the iRead theme this year which is Read Beyond the Beaten Path. We want to include STEAM activities into our summer library program and decided to bring back something the library did before my time called “Creation Stations”. These are passive activities that can be done at each of our locations with a new activity every week. A few of the Creation Stations I have planned this year are yarn art, pipe cleaner constellations, straw rockets, build a tent, and leaf renderings. About half of the stations are science, math, and engineering based, and the other half are art based. I want to share one example of how I planned a creation station, how much prep went into it, and how we plan on executing it at our library.
Impact and Significance of the Work of Children’s Librarians
Greetings ALSC Members! As the world awakens and returns to a post-pandemic sense of normalcy, I can’t help but think about the significance of the work of children’s librarians in today’s chaotic world.
Explore Planet Word with the ALSC Membership Committee
Do you consider yourself a wordsmith or a lover of languages? Are you a current, former, or future member of ALSC or interested in youth services? Then you won’t want to miss out on joining the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) Membership Committee on Friday, June 24th to learn about ALSC, connect with other youth services professionals and kick off ALA in style. The Membership Committee will be walking to and exploring Planet Word, the museum where language comes to life.