Centering Teen Programming and RA Around the Calendar

Karen Jensen, who writes at SLJ's Teen Librarian Toolbox blog, recently - and very generously - shared the calendar resources she has gathered that help her plan programs, displays and more.

From DEI calendars and upcoming movies/TV shows to book related posts, she has you covered.

Karen writes: "Throughout my 30+ years of working with youth and teens in libraries, I have compiled dates of interest for doing programming and reader’s advisory. I started creating a running list years ago, and now I have a pretty solid spreadsheet of dates that I can use to put together programs and promotions on a theme. And because it’s a spreadsheet – I do love a good spreadsheet – I can easily add dates, sort dates, etc. I can keep track of what I’ve done, how it’s worked, and more."

To read the entire post with links and annotations as well as her personal 12 month calendar of notable dates to help with programming/RA, please stop here. [Take 5: Reader's Advisory Calendar Sources to Help Plan Your RA Throughout the Year. Jensen, Karen. SLJ's Teen Librarian Toolbox. December 26, 2024.]

Karen and the writers at the blog also encourage you to share your RA tips, tricks and tools as part of the 2025 Project The Year of RA. Find out more here. 

Teen Activities Calendar: March 2017

Over at Demco's Ideas and Inspiration Blog, Emily Ellis, Head of Reference and Teen Services at Greenwood Public Library, shares awesome calendars filled to the brim with teen activities.  This month the focus is on poetry (April is National Poetry Month) with DIY projects sprinkled throughout!  Explore the calendar in-depth and find downloadable versions HERE.

Teen Activity Calendar: September 2016

Teens are challenging.  They are perhaps the most difficult demographic to entice into the library, and gaining their interest and involvement can feel like climbing a never-ending mountain.  Teen programming takes a lot of work, and often times it seems like the turn-around on that effort is negligible.  Luckily, there are awesome resources out there to help spark great program ideas and event possibilities.  Check out the latest Teen Activity Calendar from Greenwood Public Library's Head of Reference and Teen Services, Emily Ellis, in coordination with DEMCO Content Strategy Manager, Liz Bowie, for some innovative and fun programming ideas.  You can download the calendar HERE.