Alyssa Crow, a children's librarian, presented a workshop on dynamic children's programming at the Abilene Public Library. She discussed program planning best practices, including defining goals and audiences, as well as regular program types offered at APL like storytimes and craft programs. She provided many ideas for program themes and resources for finding activities. Her presentation emphasized thorough preparation and evaluation to create successful library programs.
5. Program Checklist
12 Weeks
Before
8 Weeks
Before
1 Week
Before
2 – 3 Hours
Before
30 min –
1 Hour
Before
After
Program
Complete Confirm all Confirm AV Check setup Greet Clean up
10 step plan presenters needs or presenters
in writing requirements Check all AV Record and
Create all Greet guests report
necessary Create book Gather statistics
documents list if supplies
necessary Evaluate
program
17. SRC: Pirate School
4 programs in total
Included pirate stories, games, and crafts
Each program built on the previous one
By end of SRC, kids who attended them all had made a
complete pirate costume
Spyglass, pirate hat, hook, sword, shoulder parrot, eye patch
Final program was a Treasure Hunt encompassing the
entire library.
8 stations throughout library
Needed many volunteers!
20. “Problem” Programs
Quarterly Programs
Anime Club
Gaming Days
Stories & More
Día de los Niños/Libros
Mini-Camps
Teen Advisory Group
21. Other Guest Presenters
Abilene Kennel Club
Dog Obedience with Jon Julien
Sassy the Clown
Vortex Martial Arts
Young Audiences of Abilene
22. Think Outside The Library
Community Related:
Business Mercado
City Sidewalks & ArtWalk
Friends of the Library Book Sale
HEB Feast of Sharing
NCCIL & C.A.L.F
Out & About
Food For Fines
School Related:
Literacy Night, Scavenger Hunt, Open Houses
Meet The Teacher Night
Million Word Reader Celebration
Summer Reading Club info distribution
23. Resources: Supplies, Gifts, Prizes
Online
www.orientaltrading.com
www.raymondgeddes.com
www.kipptoys.com
www.musicmotion.com
www.constructiveplaythings.com
www.lakeshorelearning.com
www.guildcraftinc.com
Other people
Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need!
They may collect it and/or let you use or have it for free!
25. Resources: APL (www.abilenetx.com/apl)
E-resources
NovelistPlus K-8
Booktalks
Book Discussion Guides
Picture Book Extenders
Grab & Go Book Lists
Book records with further info
NovelistPlus
Author Read-Alikes
Featured Articles
26. Resources: APL (www.abilenetx.com/apl)
Kids & Teens
Kids Site – Crafty Pages
Crafty Creations – how-to craft videos and activity guides
Themed Activity Pages – crafts, activities, songs, fingerplays
Storytelling Kits – 65 ranging from Alligators to Zoos
Searchable in APL catalog (storytelling kits – subject)
Includes books, puppets, songs, games, fingerplays and
other supporting materials
Abilene Public Library Online
www.abilenetx.com/apl
www.pinterest.com/aplibrary
www.youtube.com/aplibrary
www.abilenepubliclibrary.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/abilenepubliclibrary
27. So, Remember…
Programs are what you make them!
Take the time to prepare and include a variety of
themes and activities. Think outside the box.
Good preparation leads to more successful programs
and repeat library patrons.
Like Darla said, “Flexibility is key!”