"The Public Library Innovation Exchange (PLIX) develops creative STEAM learning experiences based on MIT Media Lab research and designed for the public library setting." This site has a number of STEAM activities that can be freely used and adapted, an online forum for idea sharing, and online workshops.
The ALSC Blog has a category dedicated to programming ideas coming from librarians all around the country.
"ProgrammingLibrarian.org provides the resources, connections and opportunities libraries need to fill their role as centers of cultural and civic life. It is a place for library professionals to share, learn and be inspired to present excellent programming for their communities." Program ideas can be searched or browsed by budget, library type, popular topics, and/or audience.
"The Programming Librarian Interest Group helps librarians advocate for programming at their own institutions, share program ideas and successful strategies, and provides a space for professional development by librarians who do programming officially and unofficially as part of their job duties." This is a private Facebook group, so you'll need to request to join it.
Visit the New York State Library's database of performers and program presenters here: performersandprograms.com
Pairing STEAM with Stories by
Laying the groundwork for building children's curiosity, openness to learning, ability to persist in the face of failure, and interest in connecting learning from one subject to the other are important objectives for today's libraries. Partnering with cultural institutions, such as the Chicago Public Library (CPL) does with Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry (MSI), libraries can forge powerful connections between literacy and science. This resource shares the fruits of that partnership, offering ready-to-go, library-tested activities that meld cutting-edge STEAM education principles with some of the best books available for youth today. It's a model that can be used in a variety of library or museum settings and can also be adapted for outreach. Inside, readers will find 46 book-based, customizable STEAM activities, each complete with program length, materials list, and step-by-step instructions; real-life tips, advice, and thoughts from practicing CPL librarians sprinkled throughout the book; pointers on incorporating STEAM into existing programs; pedagogical strategies behind effective STEAM experiences, ensuring successful implementation of these skills; and helpful supporting materials such as a program planning rubric and a vendor list. The activities in this book will make STEAM learning fun while planting the seeds for lifelong learning.
209 Big Programming Ideas for Small Budgets by
Published in partnership with the Association for Rural & Small Libraries When you're a solo librarian or only have a few volunteers to rely on (with a tiny budget to match) you've got to make the most of everything. With creativity, flexibility, and heart, you can be the anchor your community needs, offering programming that engages people of all ages and backgrounds. In this book Price, whose library serves a town with a population of less than 300, shares dozens of ideas that have helped to triple attendance numbers in a three-year period, alongside many more suggestions from other libraries across the country. You'll learn how fun and easy DIY programming can be, inspiring you to use passive programming like scavenger hunts and Lego towers to engage your patrons no matter when they visit your library; adapt one of the dozens of low- or no-cost programs included, from library decorating parties and teen taste-tests to a local history night and a mini-golf tournament; celebrate the different seasons of the year with ideas tied to a variety of holidays; jump-start your outreach efforts by partnering with health clinics, museums, restaurants, local businesses, and other organizations and individuals in your community; collaborate with your school district through initiatives like reading challenges and information literacy field trips; get the word out using fliers, advertising, word of mouth marketing, your library's website, and social media; avoid burnout and deal with stress, with suggestions for self-care and reinvigoration; and host a benefit, launch a fundraising drive, or apply for grants using the tips and information provided in the book. No matter their size, libraries are the lifeblood of their communities. Armed with this book's ideas and guidance, yours will be sure to connect successfully with the people you serve.
Libraries and Gardens by
Roman philosopher Cicero once remarked that "if you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need." Today, libraries nationwide are beginning to incorporate gardens into their public services. Libraries in the southwestern US, for instance, are creating drought-tolerant gardens as neighborhood demonstration projects, while elsewhere gardens are being used to promote community engagement and even STEM learning. Citing examples of library gardens around the world that are thriving, this first-ever book on the subject not only demonstrates the many benefits of library gardens but also provides a complete overview of issues applicable to all library types and geographical environments. Featuring a full-color photo insert showcasing several beautiful library gardens, among the topics covered in the book are a brief history of libraries and gardens, with an overview of such "demonstration gardens" as medicinal and herbal gardens, native plant gardens, xeriscapes, and gardens as wildlife sanctuaries; the use of plants, such as living walls and rooftop gardens, to create ecologically healthy, sustainable environments; gardens as learning environments and spaces for storytimes and active play; food gardens, seed libraries, sensory gardens, outdoor reading areas, prison garden programs, and many other ways that libraries can engage communities; guidance on designing for inclusivity, planning, funding, staffing, recruiting volunteers, and planting and maintenance, complete with advice on determining the best plants to cultivate; and ideas on evaluating the effectiveness of library gardens and the program opportunities they offer. Readers will not only be inspired to create and nurture their own library gardens and programs, they will receive practical advice on how to proceed and sustain them.
Get Your Community Moving by
By helping patrons view the library in a new way, movement-based programs bring new people into libraries, help promote community health, and stimulate literacy for children and adults alike. And the data show that they work: nearly 90% of public libraries said their movement-based programs had brought new users into their libraries, according to a recent study, while 80% said the programs contributed to community building. Carson, a professional yoga teacher who has been leading movement-based programs in schools, libraries, and museums for over a decade, presents a guidebook for serving library patrons of all ages, both mind and the body together. Filled with detailed strategies, proven program models, and real-life case studies, her book describes the concept of physical literacy and explains why it matters, using both research and library testimonials; shares tips for building enthusiasm among library staff, training, marketing, partnering with community organizations, and handling patron feedback; shows how to get started regardless of staffing or budget limitations, with hints for sneaking physical literacy into existing spaces and initiatives; includes programs for children and families, such as ABC Boom!, storytime fun runs, and a healthy nutrition lecture and tasting; outlines a Water Wars! party, a Quidditch match, an earth walk, and other programs that convert teens' energy into healthy movement; demonstrates ways that adults can also get moving, from gym passes and walk/run clubs to ballroom dancing; guides libraries on involving special populations through outreach and inreach; and provides checklists for prep, teardown, tie-ins, and followup. This book is essential reading for any programming librarian, administrator, or community coordinator looking to boost circulation stats, program numbers, literacy rates, and foster joy and wellness in their community.
Art Workshops for Children by
A guide to twelve children's art workshops by one of the world's most innovative facilitators and best-selling bookmakers. Art Workshops for Childrenis a guide for parents and teachers to organize and execute artistic workshops for children. 12 workshops are featured, each offering a list of materials needed, a step-by-step guide to facilitation, practical tips, illustrated examples, and photos of workshops in progress. The workshops are designed to spark children's imaginations, champion group bonding, and give visually pleasing results - with no artistic ability required. Tried and tested around the world by children of all ages. Perfect for organizing group events at home, in schools, at parties, at museums - anywhere!
StoryWalks® for the Win-Win-Win: Programming, Partnerships, and Pandemic-Friendly!
This webinar, presented in November 2021 by Lorie Brown (STLS) and Mary Fellows (UHLS) shares some of the many ways that StoryWalks® can be implemented in your community.
