• Activities

    Girl Scout Visit – Yoga

    I had a visit from a Girl Scout troop this week and was requested to provide a short yoga/book program for the girls. I was well-prepared and created an entire lesson plan the week before, but about an hour before the girls came, I switched everything up and I’m so…

  • Activities

    Preschool Expo

    This is one of those program ideas that doesn’t work for all communities, but is really beneficial for ours.  Our library is situated in a suburban community of about 30,000 residents.  We have 20+ childcare and preschool options for families and for the past few years, we partner with our…

  • Activities

    Programming for Millennials

    I’ve been thinking about how to entice millennials to use our library more for over a year now. And now, I feel like I’m finally in a place to start planning some programs to attract this generation into the library. Being a millennial myself, I know how much millennials hate…

  • Activities

    Toddler Storytime: Peace & Quiet

    I used these same books for a parachute storytime this week as well and I have to share an adorable story.  The group ranges from early 2s to 5 year olds so it can be a challenge to engage everyone, but lately I’ve only had 6-8 kids which makes for…

  • Activities

    Toddler Storytime: All About Me

    All About Me

    Teaching kids confidence and self-esteem starts early! Check out the books, songs, and activities below to open up a conversation about diversity, inclusion, empathy, and self-esteem for your youngest readers! Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a…

  • Activities

    Toddler Storytime Theme: Animals

    Books: Animal Boogie by Debbie Harter Old Mikamba Had a Farm by Rachel Isadora Señor Pancho Had a Rancho by René Colato Laínez Fingerplays, Flannelboards, Rhymes & Songs: Song: “Put Your Hands Up In the Air” Fingerplay/Flannelboard: 5 Little Monkeys “No More Monkeys” by Asheba, Putumayo Kids Presents: Animal Playground Flannel Board/Movement Song:…

  • Activities

    Toddler Storytime Theme: Counting

    Today’s storytime is Toddler Storytime Theme: Counting! Because what small child doesn’t like to help with storytime by counting. Check out these great diverse counting books that expose kids to different languages, cultures, and races. Books: Can You Count Ten Toes? by Lezlie Evans (We counted in English on most of…

  • Activities

    Toddler Storytime

    Books: Bee-Bim Bop! by Linda Sue Park Henry Wants More! by Linda Ashman My Colors, My World by Maya Christina Gonzalez Fingerplays, Flannelboards, Rhymes & Songs: Song: “Put Your Hands Up In the Air” Fingerplay/Flannelboard: 5 Little Monkeys “No More Monkeys” by Asheba, Putumayo Kids Presents: Animal Playground Flannel Board/Movement…

  • Activities

    Flannel Friday: Fall Song

    oak leaves

    When Jbrary has a new favorite action song, I didn’t stop and pause, I just adapted it to fit what I needed most – a fall action/movement song for my storytime!  My kids have been HUGE fans of “Fruit Salad“, “Bubble Bubble Pop” and “Bananas Unite” and I can’t wait…

  • Activities,  Lifestyle

    Maker Monday: Squishy Circuits

    Our last Maker Monday workshop this summer was all about Squishy Circuits.  If you’re not familiar with Squishy Circuits, they were created at the University of St. Thomas as a basic way to teach children about circuitry through (basically) play dough. Two types of dough are created – one is…