What’s the only thing better than normal board games? Giant board games! I have seen many inventive and huge versions of games in libraries, so I decided to make my own. And it’s super easy. Giant Twister is just like normal twister, except instead of laying the board on a portion of the ground you… Read More Giant Twister in the Library!
When you start with chocolate and add kids, timers, blindfolds, spoons, and straws…you get a special kind of wild magic. I’ve heard of other libraries doing chocolate challenges with teens, and I decided to make it my own with a Chocolate Olympics Summer Reading Kick Off Party for all ages. I had 7 stations (most run by… Read More Chocolate Olympics in the Library
The Pokemon hype is far from over, and libraries have a wonderful opportunity to draw kids in! Pop culture themed “party” events are a perfect high appeal way to draw crowds into your space, and shift the public’s perception of a library. I’ve structured mine to include 2 or 3 craft stations, 2 or 3… Read More Pokemon Party in the Library
If you’re looking for an easy to plan, high energy, high appeal event to draw a crowd – look no further! I ran this Lego Build Tournament for 5-12 year olds and 50 eager builders showed up to show off their skills. It was a blast and I will definitely be running is at least… Read More Lego Build Tournament – Library Program Outline
Pokemon Go is taking over and kids are flocking to the library pokestop! Pokemon Go is the combination of so many things the library supports: gaming, imagining magical creatures, and getting to know your community. I’ve been playing the game (a lot) in my personal time, and I’ve really enjoyed exploring my neighbourhood and meeting… Read More Pokemon Scavenger Hunt in the Library
The force was with us all on May 4th 2016 as I entertained over 60 little Star Wars fans with a Star Wars Party! This was the first big program I’ve put on since starting my new job as Children’s and Teen Librarian at a library in the Niagara region and I am so encouraged… Read More Star Wars Party 2.0
I ran this MP3 Flash Mob event during March Break 2015 as one station at a big exploratory event called Idea Factory. It was one of the zaniest library experiences I’ve had yet – and I loved it! What is it? During an MP3 Flash Mob (popularized by Improv Everywhere), everyone wears headphones, has the… Read More MP3 Flash Mob Adventure in the Library: Zany Programs for Kids!
Ages: Tweens, teens OR 20/30s Duration: 1.5 hours Style: Drop-in Budget: $40 Goal: To provide a silly, surprising, and highly creative atmosphere with no pressure to make something “good.” Summary: A freestyle craft event for tweens and teens (although I think it could run just as well as a 20/30s program). Everyone has access to a pile… Read More Bad Art Night: Library Program Outline
Last year I ran the popular Blind Date with a Book display at the Forest Heights branch of Kitchener Public Library. I created a mixture of adult, teen, and children’s books, and found that they all flew off the shelves! I’ve enjoyed looking through other librarian’s interpretations of Blind Date with a Book on ALA… Read More Blind Date With a Book Library Display- Round Two!
I hear from 20/30s all the time that they struggle to find new friends in the area. It’s hard to leave university behind – where there are countless opportunities to meet people – and join the working world. While many are finding each other on Meetup.com or other library programs, I thought it would be… Read More Friend Speed Dating – Library Program for 20/30s
Ontarian Librarian 