What Will Youth Programming Look Like in Fall?

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There are some mighty big planning and conversation going on around how fall youth programming might look in 2021. Given the fact that kids under 12 aren't vaccinated yet, it suggests careful consideration on whether programs will be virtual or in-person. While we are hotted up right now, we know that cooler weather will present important  challenges once again.

A recent blog post at Adventures in Storytime and Beyond raises issues and questions that are worth considering. She is a librarian and also formerly worked in the field of microbiology so she brings some solid perspectives.  

Another recent ALSC blog post pondered the question from a management viewpoint.

Here in WI, the DPI WI Libraries Reopening Guide included the following programming guidance in June 2020:  

In-person programming 

Providing in-person programming inside the library requires thoughtful consideration by the library about its ability to do so safely. If a library does decide to provide in-person programming, the following criteria should be considered:

• The ability to do in-person programming within a library space according to a library’s capacity to do so with social distancing and within the library’s occupancy calculations.

• Offer outdoor activities whenever possible, where internal air is not circulating.

• Staff training in all aspects of social distancing protocol for themselves and others.  Consider how expectations will be communicated to patrons, and how they will be enforced. In particular, be cognizant of how some age groups may have a harder time adhering to rules (e.g. toddlers, teens).

• Require registration in numerous formats (phone, email, online form, paper)  for the following reasons:

• Registration helps communicate safety protocols, including behavior expectations (e.g. smiles and high-fives from afar--no hugging).

• Registration helps ensure that capacity is not breached.

• Registration helps manage potentially higher than normal program attendance (people might be coming out of the woodwork).

• Registration may help with contact tracing, if necessary.

They also added an addendum to the general guidance in April 2021 that may be helpful.

What are your plans for fall once the weather turns? Let us know in the comments.