• Lists

    18 STEAM Books with Crafts & Experiments

    kids experimenting

    When my library re-opened after the COVID shutdown, we looked for ways to provide programming for kids without having too many people together in the same area. We started providing Grab-and-Go kits for families – simple crafts and science experiments with most of the materials needed to complete the project.…

  • Lists

    9 Crafty Characters in Middle Grade Books

    kids crafting

    At our library, we’ve found that our middle school students (grades 5-8) really enjoy the opportunity to craft for fun. It’s not tied to a school project or even a specific product. We pull out a bunch of the craft supplies we have lying around and let the kids craft,…

  • Lists

    12 Read Alikes for Harold and the Purple Crayon

    purple crayon

    Harold and the Purple Crayon is a classic in children’s literature, written by Crockett Johnson. It was published in 1955 by Harper Collins. It’s the story of a four-year-old boy who takes a purple crayon on a nighttime adventure drawing the things he needs for a great big adventure. And…

  • Activities

    AtoZ Blogging Challenge Recap

      I made it! 26 posts about library program during the month of April! A big thank you to everyone who stopped by, liked my posts and left comments! If you’re looking for any specific posts, I’ve created this list for easy access to all 26 program ideas. A- Ancestry…

  • Activities

    AtoZ Blogging Challenge – Zentangles

    Zentangle

    Program Name: Learn About Zentangles What: As part of our De-Stress December programming, I offered a Zentangle program at our library. “The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.” There are a ton of resources available on the Zentangle website and on…

  • Activities

    AtoZ Blogging Challenge – Unique Crafting

    Program Name: Crafternoon What: This has been a hugely successful craft for kids and library staff alike – we called it Crafternoon! We pulled out all our craft materials – things that have a few pieces, extra leftovers from other crafts, pieces that we don’t have enough to use for another program…

  • Activities

    AtoZ Blogging Challenge – Passive Programming

    Program Name: DIY Programs What: Passive programs are a librarians best friend when you’re short on staff, space and money. These programs can be super simple and easy to create and allow patrons the chance to participate any time they stop in the library, rather than attending a program on a specific…

  • Activities

    AtoZ Blogging Challenge – Knit Night

    Program Name: Knit Night What: Knit Night is an easy program to offer the community that allows knitters, crocheters and other textile artists a place to gather, talk, share tips and tricks and spend time working on their craft. We gear this program toward adults, but also allow older children and…

  • Reviews

    Picture Book Month: Shapes

    This is an adorable story of a perfectly happy, perfect square until it goes on an adventure! Each day of the week the square finds itself changing in color and shape as it is cut, crumpled, ripped and put back together into beautiful illustrations. And in the end, the perfect…