Programs & Programming

Patrons at the Public Library of Brookline (MA) have an engaging new way to learn about the most recommended items in circulation, thanks to teen librarian Robin Brenner: An “Awesome Box” in the shape of a half-size TARDIS, Doctor Who’s sentient spaceship.

Fifty-four percent of Americans have used the public library at least once during the past year and 70 percent of parents have taken their child to a public library or bookmobile during the past year, according to a Pew Research Center report. The nationally representative survey of 6,224 Americans indicated that the overwhelming majority continue to have a positive view of libraries, but many are unaware of all of the services and resources that their libraries offer.

Young adult author A.S. King has partnered with school and public libraries in four communities for multi-generational reads of her novels, producing some illuminating experiences and conversations between teens and adults. More towns and cities should try such projects, King and her librarian partners say.

The White House honored 10 connected educators, including SLJ columnist and school librarian, Carolyn Foote. The Chicago Public Library celebrated families and early literacy with its 20th annual "Bookamania 2013: All Families, All Year", a free, daylong children’s book festival.

In the past nine months at Gum Spring Library, we have hosted numerous programs, welcomed dozens of authors and presenters, discussed books, watched movies, made crafts, and so much more. We believe we have successfully figured out what our teens enjoy, and what they find less than thrilling. And throughout it all, we've continued to take the time to evaluate, assess, and reflect.

Remember Google Search Story?   Google now offers the opportunity to tell stories by animating simulated Docs with its Story Builder. Each document can host up to ten participants and ten actions that may include staged edits.   Storytellers may add a soundtrack from a library of six styles.  Because no login is required to create [...]

The best applications for teaching basic programming skills—no geek cred required to use them successfully in your classroom or library. Other apps enable kids to build 3-D models, which they can print, too.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has announced that it is awarding $4,329,567 in grants to 20 museums and libraries in 17 communities in order to support the emerging role of these institutions in providing early learning opportunities, especially for low-income families.

Make It @ Your Library, in collaboration with Instructables.com and the American Library Association, has finally launched its searchable website, makeitatyourlibrary.org, for librarians seeking maker space ideas and projects. Make It @ Your Library—an initiative developed through the ILEAD USA program over the past year—aims to help librarians realize maker projects in their own communities at low cost.