The document discusses passive programming ideas for engaging teens and tweens in library settings, emphasizing ease of implementation and collaboration. It provides several successful program examples, such as simple crafts, read-ins, and scavenger hunts, while noting considerations like safety, patron tracking, and acceptable loss of materials. Tips for improving programs through testing and adapting for different age groups are also included.

1. Passive Programming
for Teens and Tweens
NCompass Live
January 22, 2014

2. Passive programs…
O happen in your absence.
O engage patrons.
O connect YA patrons to staff.
O foster collaboration.
O are easy to recycle and reuse.
O can be inexpensive.
O provide fresh content.

3. Things to Consider
O Stats – Do you need them? How will you
track them?
O Safety – Is it safe to leave scissors on a
table? Do small children have access to
the crafting space?

4. Things to Consider
O Acceptable loss – Things will walk away.
One patron will use all the cute glitter
stickers.
O Staff time and involvement – Getting a
patron started shouldn’t be longer than a
typical customer service situation.

5. More Things to Consider
O Successful passive programs may take
lots of time and effort in advance.
O It’s smart to have someone else try your
program before patrons see it.
O Many passive programs can be revamped
for younger or older patrons.
O Moonsand is probably a bad idea.

6. Questions?
rmcphil@columbusne.us

7. Programs That Work
O Simple crafts
O Bookmarks
O Paper lanterns
O Tissue paper flowers
O Styrofoam cup art
www.pinterest.com/cplne/anytime-activities

9. Programs That Work
O Read-In
O Patrons read for extra tickets in Summer
Reading prize drawing
O Check in and out at a staffed desk
O Must read for one hour in the library
O Can visit and read in twice during “ReadIn” week

10. Programs That Work
O Mini-box City
O Collect small boxes from staff
O Set up a “construction site” table with basic
craft supplies – tape, glue, paper, markers
O Set up a section of land (another table)
O Post simple instructions
O Watch the city grow

12. Programs That Work
O Guess Where
O Take pictures of familiar doors around town
O Print and make a poster
O Make clues
O Have patrons fill out answer sheet
O Leave answer key and prize box at staffed
desk

13. Programs That Work
O Book in a Jar

14. SPARK a Reaction
SRP 2014 Anytime Activities
O Registration
O Mini Box City
O Read-In
O QR Code Activity
O Catapults (pg. 37)
O Rainsticks (pg. 68)
O Pan Pipe with Straws (pg. 69)
O Flame Line Art (pg. 75)

15. Programs That Work
O QR Code Activities
O Choose your own adventure
O Found story on YALSA’s “yaac” listserv
O Use “text” option on QRstuff.com to create
codes
O Scavenger hunt
O Inspired by www.thedaringlibrarian.com
O Did not use the URL shortener feature on
QRstuff.com because it takes users out of
the code reader app

18. QR Reader Apps
i-nigma
Reader
for iOS
QR Droid

19. Thank you!
Rachelle McPhillips
Adult and Young Adult Librarian
Columbus Public Library
rmcphil@columbusne.us
columbusne.us/library
http://www.pinterest.com/cplne/anytime-activities
Did I mention YART?
Like us and add us to your interests!
facebook.com/nlayart