Genius Files: The Launchpad

Kate Davis, YSS Board Member and Programming Consultant for the Prairie Lakes Library System has introduced a new new email blast for her library system called The Genius Files. Here's the newest edition:

Greetings!

Today's genius idea comes from me (Kate Davis). It's a passion project I've been working on for months and I'm finally ready to release it to the big wide world... The Launchpad: Lift-off Ready Programs

Screengrab from The Launchpad blog

This all-ages programming blog comes filled with not just ideas, but marketing templates, supply lists, accessibility/inclusion suggestions, book lists, reusability ideas, and so much more. I want this to be a one-stop shop to make your program planning time more effective and less stressful.

I'm constantly adding new programs and would love to add your ideas as well! Here's a link to send those ideas to me. It's also located on the homepage of the blog.

Please share this with your colleagues and cohorts. And, as always, let me know of any suggestions or ideas!

The Genius Files - Library Resource Calendar

Kate Davis, YSS Board Member and Programming Consultant for the Prairie Lakes Library System has introduced a new new email blast for her library system called The Genius Files. Here's the newest edition:

The Genius Files are back! This week's genius idea came from a suggestion by Waterford's Jessica Keisler: a resource calendar with library-relevant observances, dates, weeks, etc.

She asked for it, so I ran with it! The calendar now includes the following topics:

• Library & Books

• Children & Families

• Nature / Outdoors

• Environment

• Food Fun

• Culture

• Wellness & Kindness

• Movie release dates

• Display Themes

View the calendar here!

This calendar is a work in progress, so if you have ideas to add, please email me at kdavis@prairielakes.info! It will also be up on the PLLS site shortly.

I hope this inspires you! Happy library-ing!

The Genius Files: Will It Waffle?

Kate Davis, YSS Board Member and Programming Consultant for the Prairie Lakes Library System has introduced a new new email blast for her library system called The Genius Files. Here's the newest edition:  

Today's genius teen programming idea comes from Rebecca Van Dan at Eager Free Public Library... 

Photo from Amazon.com

Will It Waffle?! 

Based on the eponymous book, Will It Waffle by Daniel Shumski, Rebecca asked her Teen Advisory Board for ideas on what they wanted to try to waffle. 

Here's what Rebecca had to say... "The teens suggested some weirder things that didn't turn out, but it was still fun to experiment. We had 2 waffle irons going: one for savory, one for sweet. The book had some good recommendations to make some of the gooey stuff work like adding panko bread crumbs to the mac and cheese before waffling.  

The teens did suggest some things that would have been super messy—for 2 things that would have been super gooey, I responded they were welcome to try it, but then they'd be in charge of cleaning the waffle maker afterwards. (That made them brainstorm ideas how they could alter the recipe to be not so messy.)  They absolutely LOVED this program!"

If you have any additional questions on this fun program, feel free to email Rebecca!

The Genius Files: Turkey Turkey!

Image by Jenny Toms from Pixabay

Kate Davis, YSS Board Member and Programming Consultant for the Prairie Lakes Library System has introduced a new new email blast for her library system called The Genius Files. Here's Genius Files #5, focused on Thanksgiving/Turkey themed storytime.

Today's Genius Files was inspired by my 3 year-old grandson, Benji, as he wiggled and danced through our Target run yesterday singing, "I believe in the turkey in me!"  On our way home, his mama played the song "Turkey Turkey" for me so I could hear where these crazy lyrics were coming from. Turns out that it is one of the BEST Thanksgiving songs I've heard in years, so I had to share with you all! (I've also added some other super fun, Thanksgiving storytime favorite songs for you!)

Turkey Turkey (Big Block Singsong)

Turkey Song (La La Librarian)

Albuquerque Turkey (D.B. Rouse and the Blue Kazoo)

Let's Get Funky with Tommy the Turkey (Jack Hartman)

Looking for more rhymes, fingerplays, songs, book suggestions, and craft ideas for your Thanksgiving storytime? Here you go!

Introducing: The Genius Files

Photo from playaway.com

Kate Davis, YSS Board Member and Programming Consultant for the Prairie Lakes Library System has introduced a new new email blast for her library system called The Genius Files. She shared the first one with us, which included information about Playaway's WhaZoodles. 

Genius Files #1

Our first Genius Files idea share comes from Sara Grabarec and Sara Swanson at Graham Public Library in Union Grove. They purchased several of Playaway's newest kid product, WhaZoodle.

"WhaZoodle offers a learning approach that engages children through stories, activities, physical movement, interactive games, guided meditation, and immersive nature soundscapes. This holistic, screen-free experience fosters learning and development in a uniquely fun and engaging way". (Description from Playaway's website.)

WhaZoodle does not require Wi-Fi, downloading, or extra pieces. It's sturdy and about the size of a hockey puck.

Here's the Playaway link for more information, but if you have any direct questions or are looking for cataloging how-to's, feel free to reach out to Sara G.