In 2015, I was working as a Children’s Librarian at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania). I had to produce and present a summer reading program with iPads for school age kids. This was part of a pilot program that summer to introduce children, especially inner city children, to iPads as a way to decrease the digital divide. STEM programming on an iPad? I had no idea what to do. I didn’t even own a smart phone!
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Incorporating Intellectual Freedom into Programming: Storytime
The ALSC Intellectual Freedom Committee continues a series of blog posts on incorporating intellectual freedom and information literacy into cornerstone, everyday library programs. These techniques enrich the work you already do as a librarian without disrupting your programming routine. For this post, we’ll focus on tips for including intellectual freedom concepts into storytimes for children ages 3 – 5.
5 Reasons Why We Created Our Own Summer Reading Theme at Simsbury (CT) Public Library
Now that Summer Reading 2019 has ended and we’re fully launched into the Back-to-School season, libraries are actively planning for Summer Reading 2020. While it’s popular to adopt the theme selected by the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP), many libraries have decided to forge their own paths in customizing their own Summer Reading Programs.
A Different Library of Things
When kids are given the opportunity to freely explore, children will more easily learn the valuable 21st century skills they need for the constantly changing future. Libraries can encourage talents such as creative problem solving, teamwork, entrepreneurship and resource sharing through a Library of Things.
Library Cards Around the USA #librarylove
I love library cards. They may be one of my favorite aspects about libraries and that’s saying a lot. I appreciate the the fun designs, the smooth plastic-y feeling and everything that they represent: access, a right to read and a place to be. So, when I saw an idea rolling around Facebook about people collecting library cards for displays- I could not pass up the opportunity to start my own collection.
Bridging the Digital Divide with Circulating Tech
Access to technology is crucial to a child’s success in today’s digital world. But what about families who do not have access or families who cannot afford to purchase the latest smartphone, tablet, or tech toy?
Reader’s Advisory Fun
About a two months ago now, I left my job at the Boston Public Library and moved to Pennsylvania. One of my favorite things to do while working at the BPL- and one of my favorite things about being a librarian, actually- was reader’s advisory. When it comes to Reader’s Advisory (RA), I’m like a Dr. Seuss book. I would do RA with a mouse, in a house, with a goat or on a boat. I am grateful that it is one of those things that has always come naturally to me. It’s also why I always loved purchasing books for my branches, because it allowed me to keep an eye out for books that could appeal to my most voracious, yet picky readers.
It’s All Fun and GAMES at ALA Play #ALAac19
I just got in from ALA Play, An Evening of Gaming, Maker, & STEM, sponsored by the Games and Gaming Round Table at #ALAac19. Attendees got to watch demonstrations of and PARTICIPATE in different board games and card games. There were games for young children as well as for adults. We also got to paint our own Warhammer miniature. (This was very relaxing and a good way to meet and interact with other librarians from around the country!) There were also ten or more raffle prizes given out at the end of the evening. It was great learning about the new games that are available. I was excited to see that a lot of the games for younger children incorporate STEM and problem-solving while making it fun–what kid wouldn’t love solving crimes committed by cats or designing their own working mini-rollercoaster?! I got some great ideas for game nights(/afternoons!) at…