Blogging about Lego Clubbin and other library program ideas
I talked about this more in depth last year, but a making a movie every year to help promote summer reading has really elevated my school visit presence but also takes a lot of the pressure off. If you're looking for how to make a movie, you can go to last year's post here where... Continue Reading →
This piece was originally published on the ALSC Blog on August 1, 2024. Story time can be hectic, chaotic, and go off the rails at times. But the best times are when everything goes right, and a wizened grandmother comes up to you with a smile on her face and says something like, “you’re my grandson’s favorite” or... Continue Reading →
This is a project I've wanted to do...basically since I started this site. I always thought it would be funny to do a Library Olympics and "compete" with other libraries. To me, putting a sports spoof on what we do is always funny. But more than that, libraries love to collaborate, even though we are... Continue Reading →
Peak behind the curtain--was originally going to call this article something like "Why you NEED to make a Summer Reading PSA" to make it more attention grabby. But in reality, you don't really need to. You don't really need to do any of this. Burnout is real, especially in this field; as a children's librarian,... Continue Reading →
Our library just started a Library of Things collection, and I was assigned to help promote the collection. So to help advertise the new collection while also making it stand out from other libraries, I designed an ad campaign to help generate interest. I like dressing up and I think old photos are always interesting... Continue Reading →
Here's a marketing tip I stumbled upon a long time ago, always add "and more!" If you don't have an idea 100% formulated but you just need to get it out, "and more!" is your best friend. You should always deliver on the things you promise in your copy or write-ups, but "and more!" gives... Continue Reading →
If you're reading this and are a children's librarian, then you're a celebrity. Really. Unless you live in a big city, you are the most recognizable person to kids in your area. I mean, who else is there? You might be thinking, "what about teachers?" Nope, teachers are definitely recognizable, but your kiddos see them... Continue Reading →
I heard about impact stories in passing while attending ALA Annual in July 2022. Since then, I feel it can be a game changer to how you not only handle story time, but also marketing, outreach, and just how you see yourself in the library. Think of impact stories as just a positive survey, or... Continue Reading →
I'm back! Really looking forward to blogging again here and there. Took some time off to focus on Newbery, plus there wasn't a whole lot of programming happening over the pandemic. But looking forward to thinking of some new ideas, and passing the savings on to you! In the meantime, I'm reblogging a interview I... Continue Reading →
I've never taken a creative design course, but I've learned one thing from creating years worth of signage for different libraries: no one wants to read your sign. It's probably too small, or too long, or placed in the wrong location, or has a bad font, or bad colors. If it's not eye-catching, you basically... Continue Reading →
The Lego Librarian 