#libraryprogramming

Mock Newbery 2019 Zine

I found this link on the Resource Guide for Underserved Student Populations (AASL). I was particularly interested in the toolbox section providing resources for children of incarcerated parents, as I have done volunteer work with prison support organizations.

This is a very comprehensive guide on how to welcome children and families of incarcerated people, specifically into the public library. However, I think the programming ideas could easily be used in a school library setting. 

As far as programming, the resource recommends tailoring existing activities and/or programs to address the specific community. I appreciated this approach, as it doesn’t feel particularly pointed or heavy-handed but does facilitate a feeling of inclusivity. For example, the website suggests that a pen-pal or letter writing event could be adjusted so the patron feels welcome writing a letter to an incarcerated family member. This would include providing tips on addressing the letter properly, or possibly making something available that defines what can or can’t be included in a letter (or package) to an incarcerated person. 

While I was a frequent SFPL patron when living in the Bay Area, I never explored their Kids + Teen programming options. Not surprisingly, they have a wide and diverse array of offerings.

They now even have their own teen web platform they call The Mix at SFPL,which curates all of the teen programming, events, resources, and teen-created content (such as book recommendations and social media) onto a separate “The Mix” website. Finding it was easy - clicking on the “Teens” link from the San Francisco Public Library homepage takes you straight to the site.

While I’m not crazy about the design and layout (it looks pretty outdated in a clip-art/MS paint way to me), I do like the idea of creating a separate web space with a distinct feel from the rest of the SFPL site. It also creates a “for us, by us” sensation by weeding out content that most likely wouldn’t be interesting for library users ages 12+.

An umbrella name for everything teen-related (”The Mix”) also makes for fun marketing opportunities and a cohesive programming feel, such as the page “Made at the Mix” (see below).

Interesting links included on The Mix page include:

“Made at the Mix” : Featuring media content that was all created during teen programs and classes at SFPL

A Resources page specifically for research and educational resources

“Your Future” : With links for job and volunteer opportunities, as well as college information!

This is an interesting blog article from programminglibrarian.org that talks about “Passive Programming” ideas for tweens. I had only read this term in passing, so it was nice to see it in action! I also really like the idea of having activities set out in the library without the need for a specific event at a set time planned. It seems like a great way to make the library inviting at any time - more of a hangout spot.

Some of Kate’s (the librarian who blogged the article) passive programming ideas include bookmark making, trivia questions, zentangles, jigsaw puzzles, and customizable, giant crossword puzzles. 

Hello (branch manager),

I have noticed that one of the recent challenges in libraries is fake news.  Misinformation has risen as an issue since the last election. There was a Donald Trump quote last fall attributed to People magazine that never existed. 

I propose a workshop to help patrons evaluate news sources.  One idea is to have a workshop class showing examples of both questionable and more established news site.  Review the “it must be true if it’s in print” fallacy and give examples.  Part of the class could be having patrons search the internet for news that interest them and have them evaluate the sources.  A while ago I created a YouTube video on evaluating Web pages.  Maybe even just a handout/