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.

1. Presented by Alyssa Crow
Children’s Librarian
South Branch Library
Dynamic Children’s Programming Workshop
Abilene Public Library – www.abilenetx.com/apl
March 17, 2014

2. Program-a-what? Huh?
 Program Planning
 APL Programs
 Program Ideas
 Resources

3. 2 Types of Programs
Programs That Go Well Programs That Don’t

4. Program Planning (10 Easy Steps)
 Purpose
 Specific, measurable, ag
reed
upon, realistic, time-
framed
 Goals
 Audience
 Content & Activities
 Time & Location
 Marketing
 Press
release, flyer, poster, bro
chure, bookmark, social
media
 Resources & Supplies
 Budget
 Collaboration
 Evaluation

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

6. Resource Folder
 Resource Links
 Print Resources
 Storytime Planning Form
 Lapsit Planning Form
 Puppet Manipulation
 Storytelling Tips
 Favorite Recipes

7. Regular Programs
 Baby Steps: Birth – 1 year
 Lapsit: 1 – 2 years
 Toddler Time: 2 – 3 years
 Storytime: 3 – 6 years
*About 30 minutes long
*Activities vary

8. Family Fun
 All Ages
 Stories, songs, games, cra
fts, activities
 1 hour
 Themed

9. Make & Take
 All Ages
 Craft only
 Supplies provided
 Drop-in program
 30 minutes

10. Tween Time
 Ages 8 – 15
 Crafts & Games
 1 hour

11. Teen Time
 Ages 13 – 18
 Crafts & Games
 1 hour

12. Collecting Commas
 Ages 10 – 17
 Writing Club
 Create & Share Original
Works

13. Zoo Lady Abilene Zoo
Joy Harsh

14. The Tooth Fairy’s Sister
Rebecca Haberman, Abilene Pediatric Dental Assoc.

15. Read To A Dog
Paws To Read

16. C.A.L.F. 2013

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!

18. SRC: Pirate School

19. SRC: Pirate School – Treasure Hunt

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!

24. Resources: Programming Ideas
 Why reinvent the wheel?
 Internet searches
 Craft websites
 Teacher blogs
 www.upstartpromotions.com (activity guides)
 www.speakaboos.com/worksheets
 www.pinterest.com
 www.youtube.com
 www.abilenetx.com/apl

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!”

28. Thanks for coming!
 Extras
 CE certificates
 Evaluation forms