The Summer Library Program we had nearly a month ago is fading a little bit in my memory, so we better get on top of reporting on it some more!

Becky Arenivar from Prescott kicked off the whole workshop with a wonderful presentation about activities, games, and other things you can do to make your craft-based program work for a broad audience, including craft-averse kids, or those who only want to spend a few minutes doing a craft/art project.  She talked about adding in games:  Pin the Parrot on the Pirate; Digging for Treasure (in brown paper made to look like mud); throwing snowballs at a balloon alien; scavenger hunts; and more.  These games give more active kids something to do, and are surprisingly popular with a wide range of ages.  If you have a puppet-making project, make sure to have a stage so kids who finish early can get started on producing their own shows!  Becky says over the past few years she has become more adept at choosing projects that don’t take too much preparation time.

These ideas fit in well with those suggested by Marge Loch Wouters in an excellent webinar produced by Wisconsin’s Public Library Development team last week!  Check out those ideas (and some other great ones from Sharon Grover and Shawn Brommer) by viewing the webinar Fresh Practices for Youth Services Librarians on the Public Library Development’s Youth and Special Services page, here.

Finally, Jenna Gilles from Fall Creek would have been there to present her Prezi on great books/activities for the Summer Library Program if it hadn’t been for the nasty weather.  Take a peek at her ideas here.

I’m so glad we work with such amazing, smart and energetic colleagues!