This document provides ideas for 36 adult programming events that can be completed in 90 minutes or less. A variety of event types are suggested including crafts, demonstrations, contests, educational sessions, and social activities. Many of the programs celebrate holidays and seasons or incorporate themes like health and wellness, history, or popular culture. Sample topics include writing contests, food tastings, local history talks, fitness classes, book discussions, and craft workshops. The goal is to offer engaging short-term programs for adults on different topics that are easily adaptable to many libraries.

1. 36 AdultProgramIdeas
in90 Minutes
AmyAlessio www.amyalessio.com amyalessio@sbcglobal.net
ProgramsEasilyAdaptedforAnyTheme (Almost!)
 WritingContests:flash,themed,poetry,skit,songlyrics(Prize is publication.)
 Tasters:inexpensive foodsonatheme like chocolate,history,demonstrations
 Crafts:buttonmaking,origami,coloring,photosandframes,bookmarks
 Local history:feature speakers,librarycollections,photos
 Social Mediaand RelevantApps/Sites
 Charitable Drives:foodforfines,petfood,costumes,promgowns
 Photoor Videocontests:inthe libraryorcommunity,reading,promotingaservice,book
trailers,familyhistory
 Art: fairs,themedcontest,scrapbooking,digital,trynew mediumfair, feature local artistsor
museums
 Music: local performers,all ages,learntodownloadfromlibrarysite,listenonnew tech,variety
shows,karaoke
 Money& Health:local services,libraryresources,informationfairs,improvementtechniques
FitnessFair
 Interactive Wii Games
 Pedometers:StepItUp LibraryScavengerHunt
 DemonstrationsfromParkDistrict:20 minute intervals
 Healthrepresentative takingbiometrics
 Smoothie Making
 De-StressMeditation
 Massage Station
 Demonstrationof fitnessapps
Chinese New Year
 Videoof DragonDance
 Music, cookies
 http://www.minimalisti.com/decoration/new-year/12/chinese-new-year-crafts-for-kids.html
 Zodiacchart tocolor
 RedEnvelope Craft:
http://www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/World/chineseredenvelope/chineseredenvelope.ht
ml
 Fortune type slipsincookiesoronbookmarksstuckinbooksadvertisingthe program.
 Language learningmaterials

2. Superbowl:SnacksbyDecades
 1930s/40s: Velveeta,brownies
 1950’s: Mini BurgerBar, Chex Mix
 1960’s: Bugles,Pringles,Mini frankkabobs
 1970’s: fondue,cheeseballs,Grape jelly/chilidip
 1980’s: Cream Cheese/pepperjelly
 1990’s: cupcakes
February:BlackHistoryMonth
Genealogyprograms
UndergroundRailroadsites
Historical speaker–invite audiencetowearcostumes
Musicians
Displayof Inventions
Vote onfavorite authorsbygenre
Passionate Readers&Viewers!
 Mood music
 Raffledcandles,chocolate,books
 Tastedbitsof chocolatesfromdrugstores,voted
 Servedbubblinggrape juice
 Variedrange of material inbooks,music,movies
Movie party andtrivia
 March: Rosie Plusthe Role of WomeninWWII
 Self DefenseandSafety
 Police Department
 Scams towardsseniors
 Making yourhouse safe
 SafetyOnline
 Self Defense
 Special classforseniors
 In lobby,orclass

3. Basketball Fest
 Nostalgicmovies
 Videogame tournamentforadultsof NBA2K16
 Triviagames
 Match playertotown
 Mascots
 Game trivia
 Make dreamteamfor prize drawings
April:National LibraryWeek
 Swapsand OtherSimple Celebrations
 InfoFair by departments
 Departmentsmake somethingtoauction
 Tours: Live or Virtual
 FleaMarket andCraft Fair
 ComicSwap
 Authorswithpublishingworkshop
 Learn SomethingNew –punchcards forwatchingvideos
 T/F: LibraryCommon Sense
LibraryVirtual 5K (andotherHealthyGadgets)
 Staff posthow muchtheywalkon deskthroughoutthe week
 Patronspost photoof themselveswalkinginthe libraryorthroughoutthe monthfora prize
 Walka 5K and screenshotMap My Walk or otherevidence.Enterwith$10 towardsFriends,
inexpensive medals
 Live walking5Karoundlibrary.
 Stepsscavengerhuntor Geocachingwithinlibrary
May: Star Wars Day
 Movies& Coloring
 Costume cosplayforadults
 Triviaor Timeline
 Books
 Parodymovie contest
 Fan fictioncontest
 Origami
 Yoda Soda
 Rebel Legion

4.  https://theoutreachlibrarian.com/2012/04/04/may-the-fourth-be-with-you/
Easy AdultChildCrafts (time tocleanoutthe closet)
 Recipe Scrapbooking
 Paintand BookCoverNight(holdthe wine forstaff)
 Apron Decoration
 Painting/coloring:photoframes,tote bags,t-shirts,notebookcovers
 Tye Dye socks
 Beadedbookmarks
 Bookmarkdesigncontest
 Cards forcharity,gifts
 3D printedkeychains
Worldof Flavors
 Tastingand Exchange
 Restaurantswithtasting(registration)
 Get treatsfromlocal stores – evencookies!
 Patronsbringcopiesof recipes
 Historyof areawithsamplesof foods,recipes
 Holidaythemed
June: EngagingAdultswithSummerReadingIdeas
 Reada Latte all year round
 Readingchallenges –no registration!
 Allowprogramstocount
 Drawingsperbookread
 Prize isbookor fine clearingcoupons
 Sendphotoswearinglibraryshirt
 How manyitemsinlibrarytote?
HiddenLocal Gems:One Day Trips to Remember
 Withfoods
 Speakersfromhistorical sites
 Bus trips
 Virtual tour– picture,cost,website info.
 Askfor couponsfromsites
Car Show+ Safety

5.  Hookingmediaup
 Emergencykits
 Shoppingthroughlibrarysites
 What to lookforin usedcars
 Vintage car show
Bike Safety
 Bike repairworkshop
 SafetyTown
 Local Bike Trails- presentation
July:Treats& Beatsbythe Decade
LibraryCountyFair
 Growingcompetitions
 Oldestitems
 Collections
 Bookwreaths
 Quilts& Pies?
 Discussionof craftcompetitions
 Talk onlocal farmersmarkets
BookOlympicsFamilyEvent
 Puttingbooks or DVDsinorder
 Scavengerhunts
 Relaysat yourowndiscretion
 Mini golf
 Setup a themeddisplay
 Synchronizedcartmovement
AugustMysteryNight
 Crimescene asdisplayorone-time program(PaperTownsprogram)
 Mysteryflavors
 Classiccrime TV & movies
 T/F Townordinance lawsvs.historical
 Improvmysterysolving
 CSI frompolice
SpellingBee +Puzzle Competitions
 Audience sendsinwordsunderlimits,themes

6.  Small prizes
 Puzzle speed
 Puzzle stations
 Create own
Local learningfair
 Libraryclassesfor adults
 ESL
 ContinuingEd.Representativesfromcolleges,highschools
 Online LearningOptions –throughlibrary?
 Park District
 Museums
 Colleges:auditinglectures
September:Fall IntoSomethingNew
 Style andFashions:scarves,jewelrymaking,hairstyles
 Sushi demonstration,orotherno-cookhealthychoices
 Resume Refresh,SocialMediareview
 Travel tips:local favorites,upcomingmuseumexhibits
 Newandreadalikesforpopularbooks&media
 DownloadandGo: technologydemonstrations
 House Refresh:speakersonpaintingtips,woodworking
 Park District:newsportsclasses
LibraryCard Sign-UpMonth
 Use card at local businesses
 Drawingfor gettingorrenewingcard
 Swipe cardfor drawing – virtual or live
 Clearfineswithvisiblecard
 Drawingsforentire householdswithcards
 Usingyour card from home scavengerhunt
 Flashfictionlibrarythemedcontest
 Showcard around communityphotos
HispanicHeritage Month
 Map yourheritage
 Match phototo country
 Match foodphototo country

7.  Ojode Diosfamilycraft
 Corn HuskSpice Painting (HarrisCty. Tx.Lib.)
 Language learningmaterials
 http://www.hispanicheritagemonth.org/Home_Page.html
October:Mindfulness,YogaandSmoothies
 Speakersformindfulness,laughter,relaxation
 Massage techniques
 Yoga instructorsforsimple workshop
 Office fitness
 SmoothiesorYogurtparfaitsamplers(DIY)
 Teas
 Making tabletopzengardens,zenterrariums
NostalgicHalloweenPartyandBloodDrive
 Vintage horrormovie or80’s monsters:Freddie,Chucky,Jason
 Halloweencartoons
 Duct tape or toiletpapercostumes –mini contests
 Finishthe scarystory contestor flashscaryfiction 1000 words
 Storytelling101 – outside
 Dirt cup parfaits
 Decorate cookies
Diwali
 Ethnicmarkets – décorand food
 Local musicor dance programs
 Hennapainting
 How to drape a sari
 Decorate a Diya – prepare withbase coat
 http://www.wikihow.com/Decorate-a-Diya
 http://www.programminglibrarian.org/programs/diwali
November:VeteransThankYouOpenHouse
 Create a Card Party
 Online PhotoMontage
 CollectPhotos,Memorabilia
 Veterans Benefits,Spouses
 Recordsof What UnitsfromArea Were inEach Major ConflictIncludingCivilWar

8. NaNoWriMo
 StepsforSuccess – GettingStarted
 Demonstrationsof howtologininlobby
 Write-Ins–allowtime afterwritingprograms
 CelebrationeventinJanuary–nextsteps?
 Interactive displayof local wordcounts
 Tweetingauthorquotes
 Displayof booksonwriting,biographies
November:KnittingforCharity
 Have thisprogram in visibleareatoinvite more
 Host throughoutthe month
 Staff or guestteacherssimple stitches.
 CollectsquaresforWarm Up America
 Betterstudentswill make smallblanketsforanimal shelters
 Drop ineventtoknot polarfleece blanketsforlocal shelters
December:Make and Take
 Fill glassballswithglitter,garland,shreddedpaper
 Printphotos,decorate frames
 Paper:
 http://www.smallhomelove.com/fun-easy-paper-ornaments-2/
NightStar Gazing
 Telescope atcertainplace,certaintimes
 Partnershipwithcollege,expert
 Patronsrecord whocan see what
 Gettingstartedinstargazing
 Astrology101: What’sinstore for you nextyear?
 HolidayLibraryOpenHouse:
Virtual andLive
 MarketingfeaturesInvitationtospecial event
 Music, local highschool groups
 Sethours: Free,fastandfunfor all ages
 Demonstrationsof timesavingtipsoractivitiesineachdepartment
 Peaceful place tositandread if desired
 Local foodvendor
 Virtual:virtual tour,resourcesforeasingyearendstress,holidaytraditional stories