Get Messy: Indoor Snow Day!

The Middleton Public Library hosted an indoor snow day this past weekend, and what an amazing time we had! Library staff began collected shredded paper from the community in October, and had just enough to fill one of the small conference rooms at the library. Kids from 0-99 had an absolute blast building piles, having snow fights, and burying their librarians! 

One thing to prepare for...DUST! So much paper dust. We were unprepared for the amount of dust that covered every inch of the room, and us! Was it worth it to hear the squeals and giggles of the over 125 happy kids who attended. Yes! Would we do it again? Ask us in a couple years and we'll see. 

Photos from Middleton Public Library

Tuesday Tips - Untraditional Librarians

Sam Jones is the Youth Services Librarian at the Beaver Dam Public Library. She shares tips to make your job easier in her Tuesday posts.

Recently, I have been seeing a lot of great "untraditional" programs being held at libraries. There were two articles recently posted by the American Library Association's Programming Librarian blog that showcased different ideas. 

Laurel Public Library's "You're Valued" bags contain food, hygiene products and community resources..
Photo courtesy of Programming Librarian blog.

The first was Becoming an "Untraditional" Library. "You're Valued" bags, clothes giveaways, and a community-made art installation are all examples in the article. The second article, Coming Together Through Music, focuses on one library and how they provided music lessons and lending sheet music. I definitely suggest reading both, because they are super interesting. 

It is really great to see all of these innovative ideas different libraries are implementing. One great thing these libraries are doing is listening to their community and assessing what the people's needs are. Has your library started to become an untraditional library? Is there something on your bucket list of ideas or programs like this? 

Interactive Hocus Pocus!

Looking for a fun, easy program to celebrate the spooky season?

Why not try your hand at an interactive movie?  (Think Rocky Horror midnight show, but family-friendly.)

A few weeks ago, we held a Hex-a-Long: Interactive Hocus Pocus program at our library!

The program itself was relatively low-cost and low-maintenance.  The most labor-intensive part was deciding on the interactive elements and choosing my bewitching snacks!

I decided that we'd have spooky chocolate covered pretzels, popcorn, candy, and Witch's Brew Punch. (ginger ale + limeade + citrus sherbert = YUM)

I also found some super cute little inflatable brooms and sticky cats on Oriental Trading, so all the witches and warlocks in attendance could fly home with their very own souvenirs.

On the day of the program, I made sure each attendee had a cheat sheet to peek at during the movie and went over each of the prompts and their corresponding responses.  Additionally, I printed off the actions, taped them to the wall, and used my handy dandy pointer (and verbal cues!) to help instruct them along the way.

Once the movie began, the program basically ran itself!  Participants were encouraged to dance, sing, and quote along to their heart's content...  (I know I did!)

Needless to say, this program was such a blast and I definitely plan to repeat it in the coming years!  If anyone is interested in the cheat sheet, wall prompts, or official recipe for the Witch's Brew, send me an email and I'd be happy to share! aramkids @ aramlibrary.org

Happy fall, y'all!  

Improv at the Library!

Welcome to Whose Library Is It Anyway, a place where the programs are tons of fun and the space doesn't matter!

But, in all seriousness, have you ever considered offering an improv program at your library?  YOU SHOULD!

In a recent article in School Library Journal, Carli Spina shares some helpful hints and tips on launching just such a program.  Improvisation comedy is a fantastic way to encourage collaboration, communication, and embracing the mindset of "yes, and..."  Even better?  An improv program---much like improv itself--is incredibly flexible and lends itself to institutions of all sizes and budgets. 

No money for props?  No problem!  Just have your kiddos imagine them.

Limited space?  If you have space enough for your participants to stand in a circle, you have more than enough room to offer an improv program!

Now, you may be thinking that you need a theater background to offer an improv program, but that's just not true!  Warm ups, games, and more are readily available on the internet. 

One thing to note: this is DEFINITELY an interactive program for both the participants AND the librarian.  Get ready to get involved and embrace your silly!

Click HERE to read the article.

Rock Out Some Recreated Album Covers!

Looking for a fun, SRP-themed program for teens and tweens?  

How about having them recreate famous album covers?!

Check out THIS super sweet blog post by The Lego Librarian for inspiration and then go forth and recreate it at your library!  Just be sure to follow the advice he gives: provide examples of approved album covers, both as a source of inspiration...and to avoid any awkward situations, as some album covers can be a bit...saucy.

What's really great about this idea is how it can be tweaked to best suit your needs/resources.  It could be a one-off program, a summer-long passive program--you could even offer it as a family challenge!

Another way to change it up?  Consider turning it into a craft!  Participants can recreate the covers using any number of materials, including LEGOs or candy! 

(Well, hello there, Skittle-d David Bowie!)

                                      

Let's Move at Your Library Survey

Announcing a new project: "Let’s Move! Libraries.”

At the project website http://www.letsmovelibraries.org/ you will find information on movement-based programs in public libraries throughout North America (think yoga/tai chi/Zumba in the library, StoryWalks, music and movement, walking groups, etc.). The overall goal of this project is to strengthen work already underway in public libraries that seeks to get our communities up and moving.

I am asking for your help in this project. If you work in a public library in Wisconsin, please consider taking a few minutes to fill out this short survey about any programs or services your library provides, has provided in the past, or is planning to provide in the future.

Survey Link: https://uncg.qualtrics.com/jfe3/form/SV_eJ3QZdjTvMLVM1v

Please share this link with others you think may be interested in this project.

Thank you for your time! I look forward to your feedback.

The results from this survey will be shared on this website in Fall 2017.

Noah Lenstra
Assistant Professor
Library and Information Studies
University of North Carolina Greensboro
njlenstr@uncg.edu

This Wednesday! YSS Powerhouse Presents: Beyond Storytime

Beyond Storytime with Ann Cooksey & Kristi Helmkamp (Appleton), Katie Kiekhaefer (Whitefish Bay), and Kymberley Pelky (Oneida).  

Are you interested in going beyond a typical storytime?  Do you want some fresh new ideas on how to go beyond with preschoolers, school-agers and families?   Ann Cooksey and Kristi Helmkamp will discuss pros and cons of New Media in Outreach, play-based programs and a Tween Space.  Katie Kiekhaefer will discuss active play-based preschool programming including obstacle courses and dance parties!  Kymberley Pelky will be sharing information in regard to diversity in programming and movement during programming, including ideas that can be utilized for drop-ins or passive programming.

The link to register is: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1373688420979138052.