In the spirit of reunification and the inclusion of teens into the charge of the Library Services to Underserved Children and their Caregivers Committee: Many years ago, when I was regularly doing outreach to juvenile detention centers as a teen librarian, I arranged a summer schedule with an intake center nearby. The site served teen boys who were waiting for their placements—they might be released to their parents or assigned to a non-secure or secure detention facility. The center was very short-term; the boys were there no more than a week so planning programming meant something that was contained to that hour-long visit but couldn’t be the same week-to-week because there would be some overlap. That year, the summer reading theme was Get a Clue/You Never Know (I did say this was many years ago!) and as I struggled to come up with an activity for my first visit, I…
Tag: programming
Reduce Harmful Habits: Evaluating Library Programs
This year, “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, save money, get organized, and learn a new skill. This month, tackling one of the most common resolutions: reducing harmful habits. Rather than focusing on our own habits, we’ll explore the habits library programs develop over time. Just because we’ve always offered a program or presented it a certain way doesn’t mean that it’s still the best option. Instead, thoughful evaluation can help us find what no longer serves community needs, library goals, or even staff capacity.
Engaging Teens and Tweens in Fan Programs
Often when I am at the library providing reader’s advisory services, I get asked by young folks, “Can you recommend a book to me?” My immediate follow-up is, “Well, what do you like?” I tell them that it doesn’t have to be a book; it could be a favorite character, movie, or activity. This sparks so many conversations about what youth feel very passionately about. Often, I pocket these conversations not only to help in the moment, but also for later programming ideas.
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…
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!
Save Money: Using Low-Cost Library Programs to Maximize Impact
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, and lose weight. This month, we’re looking at ways to save money. Saving more doesn’t always mean doing less. Instead of budget cuts, let’s talk about intentional spending that creates the most impact. While library budgets are unique and complicated, today’s tips apply to libraries of all sizes and situations. I’ll be looking at ways we can prioritize low-cost and no-cost programming to help stretch your budget and extend your reach.
Paws, Play, and Public Service
As a regular blogger, I’ve written before about Cuyahoga County Public Library’s (CCPL) FamilySpace program, and the ideas generated by the accompanying Family Advisory Committee (FAC). The most recent idea, however, was even more impactful than others as a community event. The South Euclid-Lyndhurst Branch Library FAC wanted to have a Paw Patrol-based program, leveraging the interest many of their children have in that world. The dogs’ jobs are a great way to highlight community helpers, and we proceeded with planning the event. Considering that our participants would be between the ages of 2 and 5, the “Pup Rescue Training Camp” would be play-based and developmentally appropriate. Staff leveraged CCPL’s Toy Library and borrowed any toy that fit the pups’ service jobs—fire, police, construction, recycling, and air-water-snow rescue (real water was used in bins!), etc., along with dog-themed toys. Each was set up in its own area (although the toys…
Lose Weight: Streamline Supplies for Sustainable Success
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, and eat healthier. This month, we’re focusing on the resolution to lose weight. While I can’t give you tips to drop a few extra pounds, I can offer considerations to streamline your supply processes and procedures. This may help save time and sanity, letting you focus on what matters.