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
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
Note: this is not an advertisement or a sponsored post. Just a librarian’s honest opinion on a wonderful product. When I first heard of Big Blue Blocks, I knew that I wanted to bring them to my library. Not only do they encourage imaginative play and physical literacy, but they are durable, lightweight, and surprisingly… Read More Using Big Blue Blocks at the Library
You might be rolling your eyes – ANOTHER post about slime Karissa? That tired old goopy mess? Aren’t kids totally done with that trend? Move on, girl! And yes. I’ve posted about slime a couple times: Homemade Layered Slime Jars with Ombre Effect How To Throw a Slime Party at the Library (and why you… Read More Space Slime with a Mini-Lesson on Chemistry
Province cuts Ontario Library services funding in half Ford government cuts Ontario Library Service budget in half Province slashes Ontario Library Service funding by 50% These headlines caused a panicked outcry on social media. People read the headlines and thought that all Ontario libraries were losing half their budget. Rightfully, they were extremely concerned. But… Read More In Response to Ontario’s Library Services Cuts
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
In response to the changing economic and information climate, Ontario public libraries are redefining their roles in order to better serve their communities. Public libraries across Ontario are expanding digital collections, providing more community services to fill the gaps, and implementing innovative programming such as 3D printers and makerspaces. Public need and demand is high, and libraries… Read More Ontario Politics: Provincial Funding for Public Libraries
Whether you’re new to the city or not, you’re probably on the lookout for fresh, fun, inexpensive things to do in London Ontario. Below is a directory of summer fun – from theatre performances to patio bars to local campgrounds to board game stores. If you have any further suggestions, or if you’re looking for… Read More Student Guide to Summer Fun in London Ontario
If you’re looking for a new study space, a unique date spot, or an afternoon snack, you’re probably looking for an indie cafe. And if you live in London Ontario…you’re in luck. We all know about the chain establishments: Timmies, William’s, Starbucks. But if you’re looking for a neat, inexpensive way to explore your city… Read More The Student Guide To: The 5 Best Independent Cafes In London Ontario
Ontarian Librarian 