One of the best parts of my job as a Children’s Programming Librarian is getting to explore technology with the kids in the form of a library program. They learn (and so do I), they have a positive experience with the library and its staff, we always end up talking about what they are into including books, and we always have fun! Tech and/or maker programs are a win all around and not as intimidating as you might think.
As a programming librarian I’m continually trying programs and activities that scare me a little bit. It’s easier to be confident about a program when I know the subject thoroughly. I do lots of programs like this. But I still make room in my program schedule for a little something new as time and resources allow. This keeps me stretching and building my skills as a librarian and it keeps new patrons walking through our doors!
So this is me saying, “go ahead and try it! That super rad program you have been thinking about that you just know your community would love. As a librarian, you are a professional, lifelong learner and you can learn whatever you need to put on an awesome program!”
For some great program ideas, check out the following resources I’ve found helpful as I plan programs. There are so many other wonderful ideas out there. Please share more in the comments.
Coding resources from The Digital Shift: http://www.thedigitalshift.com/2013/07/k-12/daisy-the-dinosaur-and-hopscotch-coding-apps-for-kids-and-teens-screencast-tutorial/ Art Bots and
Squishy Circuits from Evanston PL via the Tinker Group: http://tinkergroup.wordpress.com/2013/09/16/squishy-circuits-and-artbots/
Storytelling with Little Bits (http://littlebits.cc) at the Brooklyn Public Library: http://littlebits.cc/transforming-libraries-through-technology
Everything at www.makeitatyourlibrary.org.
A bunch of great programs at Barrington Area Library including stop motion animation: http://www.barringtonarealibrary.org/tech
Light painting, Lego robotics and more from Liz Fraser: http://gettinggiggles.wordpress.com/category/library-programs/maker-programs/
Andrea Vernola is the Children’s Programming Librarian at Kalamazoo Public Library. She is a member of the ALSC Children and Technology Committee. She can be found on twitter as @librarianandi.