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
When COVID-19 hit, librarians around the world started offering virtual storytimes: some prerecorded, and some live. Many of us who opted for prerecorded have now shifted to live virtual storytimes, due to having less time to edit, changes in publisher copyright allowances, or because our website now has a full roster of storytime videos and… Read More How to Make Your Live Virtual Storytimes Sparkle
Virtual Storytimes are hugely popular right now, and for good reason. But a lot of librarians are new to video creation and don’t know where to start. Through trial and error, and some research, I’ve put together this list of best practices. Please leave your ideas and resources in the comments! The greatest challenge of… Read More Tips for Recording Virtual Storytimes due to COVID-19
Does Dog Man’s popularity have no end? Are there even kids out there who have yet to become fans?! That’s what it feels like everyday at the library when we can’t keep the books on the shelves, and kids are bubbling away talking about their favourite characters, and the best flip-animation pages. Naturally, I decided… Read More Dog Man Library Program Outline
Are you more of a brave Dog Man type? A creative, class-clown Harold? Sweet Li’l Petey? Or a sneaky, villinous Petey?! This personality quiz is the perfect activity for a Dog Man fan club, book launch, or party event at the library. In a few weeks I will be running a Dog Man Mania event.… Read More Which Dog Man Character Are You Personality Quiz
Picture this: A room full of school aged kids, quietly sipping hot chocolate, nibbling on popcorn, and listening to the librarian read-a-loud from a novel. Some are sitting on pillows, completely rapt. Some are at nearby tables, doodling. Others are lying down with their eyes closed and a smile on their face. This is not… Read More Wholesome Hour aka Read-a-loud Time or Cocoa Club
I have run tons of trivia events for tweens and teens: Star Wars, Pokemon, Stranger Things, NHL, Harry Potter, Superheros, and now: The Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ideally, I run trivia events shortly before or after a major movie release. That’s pretty much all the time when it comes to Marvel movies (and every December when… Read More Marvel Trivia for Tweens and Teens
A sewing program might seem a little traditional for a library, but let me assure you: that’s part of its charm! I was surprised when the kids in an afterschool program kept requesting needles, thread, and fabric. To make what? Anything! Pouches for knick knacks, pencil cases, and the most exciting of them all: stuffies.… Read More DIY Donut Stuffies for Kids
Children come to the library for a storytime and craft in the evening. They wear pajamas and bring a stuffie. They leave their stuffie overnight at the library. Library staff takes photos or videos of the stuffies, appearing as though they have come alive and are doing silly things. The next day kids can pick… Read More Stuffie Sleepover Storytime Tips
Painting + Emojis + Galaxy?! It’s a kid’s dream come true! It’s my dream come true! I think most libraries could run this program once a month and it would fill up every time with new kids. It is incredibly appealing, plus it’s a skill-based challenge that both parents and kids love. I run this… Read More Emoji Paint Workshop
Ontarian Librarian 