When I used to work in a independent library in California, we had crafts or art projects after all our story times… since moving, I have learned that that is not the norm in big city systems! I suppose, I could do them after story time, but we are usually tight on staff and there is a need to cover the desk. It also always depends on how you get funds for art activities. We have a big order we place every fall, but can face delays and or we can only buy from a regimented list. So, I have typically saved crafts and art projects for pop up programs or some once a month family story times. But– I think it is such a miss for our community! Art is not always explored at home because it can make a MESS and then it may only be available as…
Tag: art
Poems and Painting by Douglas Florian
In August, I had a wonderful opportunity to talk with award-winning poet and painter, Douglas Florian, in New York City. He shared stories about his creative process, writing style, research and art mediums. As I walked around his art studio, I was surrounded by years of his amazing paintings and collage pieces. I was excited!
Libraries Rock: Between Summer READing ‘n’ Hard Places
Summer READing is upon us! So, you’ve got everything lined up for summer. Performers – check! Special storytimes – check! Crafts – check! Libraries rock! But what about the unexpected? It’s all happened to us – a performer cancels at the last minute, or a crucial staff member calls in sick. Will you be ready? Here’s some quick and easy hands-on activities that can be turned into full-blown, hour long programs! All on the turn of a dime and just as affordable! Rock – I mean – read on! Libraries Rock – Literally! Zen or Sharpie Stones What could be easier? Take some rocks, get some Sharpies and create simply patterns all over them! These can be as simple or as complex as you want: Mini Rock Garden Easy mode: Get a shoe box lid, add some sand and rocks and create patterns with a plastic fork. Tip: Put them in…
Arts enhance experiences for under-served populations
Before becoming a children’s librarian, I was an arts administrator at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival and National Assembly of State Arts Agencies. From these experiences, I learned about the power of the arts. Arts Education When you hear “arts education” you may think school, but you should also think library. Libraries are wonderful venues for promoting and exploring the arts. Libraries host live performances and offer arts experiences. Below are some resources to create programs and gain ideas for your own activities. As librarians, we believe everyone has a gift that should be encouraged and the arts promote creativity and celebrates differences. Art forms have structures, but the exploration does not have to be structured. The arts allows for a variety of entry points for everyone. For example, there are over 50 types of poems so plenty to explore but you can also use free form. VSAarts, an organization that…
Summer contests
The chance to win something big— like a new bike or a bag of books from your favourite author— appeals to kids and adults alike. Contests are a fun way to spice up the Summer Reading Club.
Saturday Morning Art at the Library
Are you looking for a fun way to combine art and literacy into programming at your library? One great way is to start a recurring weekend art program! We came up with the name Saturday Morning Art- SMArt for short. Other cute names could be Little Artists or Art Explorers. Our program is geared towards patrons in kindergarten through second grade and is typically offered once a month, but you could easily adapt the program for tweens. Here at Rocky River I’m lucky enough to work with a former art teacher, Ms. Heather, who has amazing insight into teaching art concepts to elementary aged students. As a former painting major in college and art lover I was really excited to start a program that could mesh together her invaluable art education background and my librarian education! Together we crafted a program that combines our collective love of art and books. SMArt has been very popular at my library…
What’s the Big Idea?
Want to gather your community for stories, art, and food? Looking for a way to make family literacy a part of daily life? We are trying to do just that with a series we are calling Big Ideas.
Celebrate Women Artists!
Have you explored the amazing selection of famous women biographies in the past few years? Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo, Rad American Women A-Z: Rebels, Trailblazers, and Visionaries who Shaped Our History . . . and Our Future! by Kate Schatz, Ada Lovelace, Poet of Science: The First Computer Programmer by Diane Stanley, I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy and so many more! In December, I spent an afternoon at the Guggenheim exploring Agnes Martin’s art. I enjoyed seeing her selection of paintings from the past 40 years – lines, grids, whites, grays to bold colors conveying “abstract emotions.” It made me think of all of the other strong, persistent, creative women artists. What women artist do you think of during Women’s History Month? Louise Bourgeois and her huge spiders? Meret Oppenheim and her fur dishes? Frida Kahlo and her…