Four weeks in, we had a breakthrough. Every kid sat still for the most of the story. Five weeks was even better. Every kid was doing the actions and most were singing along. Yes there are attention challenges, but with a few tricks I was able to get Storytime back on track. Here’s what I suggest:… Read More The Challenges of Post-COVID Storytimes
I recently had the pleasure of speaking on Middle Ground Book Fest‘s panel on Engaging Reluctant Readers. One of the questions was about strategies for reaching reluctant readers in the library. I went into detail about my one-on-one approach with readers, but I wanted to shed some light on another approach that I use: high… Read More Engaging Reluctant Readers During Book Talks
Oh gentrification. The inevitable machine, the mysterious monster, the impossible crawl. A lot of the time when powerful people talk about gentrification, it sounds the same. Repackaged spooky vagueness, either diminishing the issue or shifting the focus. Variations of “there are so many factors at play it’s impossible to pin down,” or “it’s an issue… Read More Libraries and Gentrification
Adult and Teen Summer Reading challenges can be tough. How can you inject some fun into the reading experience without seeming too childish or dictator-y? Everyone has a child within, but not everyone is willing to unleash that side of themselves in a public setting with no warning. This is why Book Bingo is a… Read More Book Bingo: Dos, Don’ts, and … What Even?
When I first started doing storytimes three years ago, they were fine. At their best, kids were engaged. They sat still during 2 stories and laughed at all the right times. Parents softly sang along to the songs, and helped kids complete their craft. As they left, kids gave me hugs and parents politely thanked… Read More How I Levelled Up My Toddler Storytime
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
At one of my libraries, we have regularly post YouTube videos on our Teen site. It adds content, keeps things interesting, and gives teens a reason to keep checking back. Here are a few of my favourite YouTube videos for teens – some educational, some hilarious, all interesting. These would work great as social media… Read More 13 YouTube Videos For Teens
The flow chart display wall has quickly become one of my favourite work projects. It’s big, bold, and fun. People stand in front of it and laugh to themselves. People wander around the library with their personalized booklist gathering items. People get to participate with a passive reader’s advisory tool. Theme In the past I’ve… Read More Flow Chart Display: Meet Your Next Literary BFF
Escape the library! You and your team will have 15 minutes to solve a series of riddles, decipher the clues, and find the key to escape! Do you have the brainpower and teamwork skills needed to win? Recommended for adults, teens, and older children. When? International Games Day, November 21 2015 @1-4pm Where? The Meeting… Read More Escape Room in the Library
Board games and libraries are an obvious dream team. Libraries value literacy, critical thinking, storytelling, community building, and unique experiences – board games encourage all of those things too. But board game events can seem dry and old fashioned to people who don’t yet know how awesome new board games can be. There are so… Read More How to pull off a Library Board Game Cafe on a budget
Ontarian Librarian 