OUTREACH: Lunchtime Book Club

Outreach Challenges

Let's face it. Outreach isn't always a walk in the park.  We're busy. Schools are busy. So how can we come together to make such a community partnership work?  I know I feel like I'm pulled in too many directions sometimes. It is often challenging connecting with the right person, be it school media specialist, administrators or that one teacher that makes a difference.

School outreach for me has been hit or miss.  I've been lucky to find a strong ally in the librarian at one of the local private schools.  She has previously worked in a public library setting and understands the importance of building these community partnerships AND that I'm available as a support system to her and the students without trying to create extra work for her.

Lunch Book Club -Year One

We've just entered the third year of monthly book club meetings.  It all started in the spring of 2013. We mulled over the idea of getting such a group started. She emailed all students and waited to see if we got any interested nibbles.  Turns out we did!  Ten high schoolers ranging from 9th-12th grade expressed interest.  Since it was late in the year, we started with 3 accessible and popular titles: Cinder, Seraphina and Divergent.  All were well received and luckily my library had access to enough book club copies.

Lunch Book Club -Year Two

After the obligatory summer hiatus, all teens returned for the second year.  Since this is a book club at a private Christian school, I do have to work with the school librarian to pick appropriate reading choices which won't be challenged by parents or administrators.  I make the distinction that we aren't censoring just being mindful.

You'll see below that we chose a wide range of titles. One original choice was Ashfall by Mike Mullin; however, we changed to Ender's Game after the librarian felt that the language, violence and sexuality present in Mullin's book wasn't appropriate four our group. Last school year we read: The Maze Runner, The Raven Boys, Ender's Game, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, A Christmas Carol, Feed, Code Name Verity, Midwinter Blood and The Book Thief. Attendance and interest remained consistent.

Lunch Book Club -Year Three

Now we're back for a new school year.  Apparently word has gotten out that we're the cool group to eat lunch with or the junior high students who haven't been able to participate are now old enough! Enrollment is up to 26 students!  That it amazing but such a large group comes with a new set of challenges--Namely that finding enough copies of each book title is difficult or next to impossible. Therefore, as facilitators, we've come up with the plan of themed months to a) provide enough books for the number of interested students b) expose students to more titles in the specified genre.

Our tentative schedule is as follows:

September: Open book discussion - choose your own to share - summer catch-up

October :  The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis AND The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

November:  Steampunk theme - Clockwork Scarab, Girl in the Steel Corset, Leviathan, Friday Society, Etiquette & Espionage, Inventor’s Secret, Incarceron...

December: Dystopian theme - Legend, Starters, Gone, Matched, etc...

January Mythology theme Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan; Runemarks by Joanne Harris, and more.

February: Winter by Marissa Meyer (other adaptations of a twisted fairy tale--Splintered by A.G. Howard; anything by Alex Flynn, Jackson Pearce, Sarah Cross)

March: Bomb: the race to build--and steal--the world’s most dangerous weapon by Steve Sheinkin OR another non-fiction of their choice--(Hidden Like Anne Frank)

April : Heist Society by Ali Carter; Illusive by Emily Lloyd-Jones, White Cat by Holly Black; Also Known As by Robin Benway

May:  a classic or twisted classic (Pride and Prejudice, Frankenstein, Dracula, Sense and Sensibility, etc. )

Another Lunchtime Approach

I have a co-worker at a different branch who has had great success with book clubs. Each month she visits 4 school and has 3 concurrent book discussions at each school.  How does this work?

1. She works with the librarian at each school to advertise the initial meeting.
2. At the first meeting, she shows the students a list of possible titles and lets them vote on which they'd like to read this year.
3. She tallies the votes and then puzzles together a rotating schedule. No one group is ever reading the same book at the same time. One downside is that she has to make sure to have read all the multiple book titles. 

Money, Money, Money

Where do all these books come from? How do you buy extra copies on a limited budget?  Let's face it, all budgets are tight, especially teen services.  How do we swing having all these extra copies available? Since some titles are so popular and are crossover hits with adults, we often have extra system copies, especially through our contract with McNaughton. This is particularly helpful with popular new releases or those with spiked interest based on major film releases. 

A teen services predecessor in our system wrote a grant proposal to our local community foundation. When approved, this gave her funds to purchase the initial start up of titles. Before she left, the grant was extended and more titles and copies were purchased as well. We share these book club copies among three branches. A certain amount of damage and loss is expected. We replace or phase out copies/titles as needed.

The Wrap Up

My Advice - any way you decide to organize your own lunchtime book club and outreach, keep these tips in mind:

• Start small - its perfectly okay if only a few students are interested at first. 
• Find an ally in the school - be it school media specialist, administrator or a teacher who wants to help or at least be your voice at the school when you aren't there.
• Set a plan for books in advance (make sure to pick titles you know you can feasibly get copies of for a set number of readers)
• If you have more than one group, make sure to have a rotating schedule so that groups don't want to read books all at the same time. 
• Bring a set of discussion questions to each meeting, but use them only to jump start the discussion - usually the participants will jump in and run things themselves.
• Investigate grant options - if you can't afford to purchase additional copies, learn if a grant is the solution whether if be through a local organization or YALSA. Another suggestion would be to approach the Friends of the Library. 

Your Thoughts?

I'm really curious to see what you do or don't do for your own book clubs? Have you tried one at school? What works? What doesn't? What titles have you chosen? 

#YAlit #bookclub #outreach #library #teenservices #teen #school

PROGRAM: Fall Line-up--Book Battle, Cupcake Edition

This past Saturday was our first attempt at "Cupcake Wars." It went really well.  Based on feedback from others who had done a similar program, we tried to go into the event with plenty of materials and be as organized as possible.

The event lasted an hour and a half.  We set up prior to this--several tables for the edible supplies and a table for the display construction materials. My advice is to over plan - make sure you have too much rather than too little.  We made 48 cupcakes and had nearly every candy imaginable.  *Note, make extra icing, we nearly ran out!*

These amazing creations were made by my co-worker, Lori.

Teens arrived and we explained the rules: thou shall be kind, share materials and keep messes to a minimum. Time was divided as such:

Round 1

Working as an individual--You have 20 minutes to create a cupcake design based on a classic picture book. Pick from these: The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Good Night Moon, Green Eggs & Ham, The Cat in the Hat, Horton Hears a Who, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, The Giving Tree, Corduroy, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Paddington, Pete the Cat.

Here are a few creations!

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

The Lorax

Goodnight Moon

Green Eggs & Ham

Green Eggs & Ham

Horton Hears a Who

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Round 2

Part 1:  Working in groups of 2-4--You have 30 minutes to create a cupcake design based on one of these classic or popular titles/authors:  a classic fairy tale, The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Hunger Games, Divergent, the Lunar Chronicles, Percy Jackson or other Rick Riordan, Jonathan Maberry, John Green, Erin Hunter, Cassandra Clare, Sarah Dessen and more!

Part 2: You must also create a display for your cupcakes using the provided materials.  Be creative and highlight your cupcake masterpieces!

Teens out did themselves here, check these out!

Alice in Wonderland

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Harry Potter

Percy Jackson series

Round 3

Working as an individual or in pairs—You have 20 minutes to create a cupcake of your favorite book. 

How to Train Your Dragon

Romeo & Juliet

The Secret Garden

'The Tell Tale Heart'

We didn't pick winners per se, because I hate to leave anyone out based solely on ability.  Instead, I made individualized certificates and wrote in 'best' achievements (i.e. most elegant elephant; I'm not lying, best lion; best 'stache', and so on).

The teens and staff had tons of fun.  I'd definitely do it again and am already thinking of the next theme--video games?



#teen #library #program #cupcakewars #baking

PROGRAM: Fall Line-up--Teen Cafe

Another returning program is Teen Cafe.  This is a gathering once a month for teens to "hang out" in out Teen Zone or just in the library.  The idea behind this stems from a 2014 renovation of the space. Teens can lounge in the TZ area, play board games, socialize or get on the computer.

A larger part of this open program is a movie showing.  Previously, we'd try to have just movie afternoons or book club tie-ins on Saturdays; however, attendance was low or inconsistent.  I'd read a bunch online about the success of similar programs.  Since the change, attendance is up whether it is due to the change of night, movie selections or the free popcorn!

We've chosen two high interest teen films plus another to work with our October "Zombiefest" theme. All three are on the Movie License list for Libraries.  I'm hoping for a good turnout!

                       

September

October

November

#insurgent #warmbodies #ageofultron #teen #library #program

PROGRAM: Fall Line-up--Teen Writing Group

Well, fall programming is in full swing.  My branch is hosting a set of past favorites as well as a few special events. I thought I'd share these ideas and welcome some input about future events.

Back for another year are three staple teen programs.  The first I'll talk about is Teen Writing Group. We meet for an hour and a half every 2 weeks.  I've got an very enthusiastic and dedicated following. Plus, we always seem to add new members.

So... What do we do?  Last year, we focused on introducing some basic genres and a lot of creative writing prompts.  A big hit was interactive fiction using Twine. This is a free, open source software (no installation required) where writers can create story chains for an interactive experience a la 'Choose your own Adventure.'

This year we're going to follow up with a bit more structure.  I've introduced the groundwork for writers to explore a Multigenre Project.  This is something I learned about from an amazing professor. It adapts well and has the potential to be fun. My writers seem super excited and this week is when I'll bring in some examples.

If you want to learn more about this type of project, there are a few places to start.  My former professor, Dr. Tom Romano, is a forerunner of this writing style.  He's published several books and has a website complete with the basics of the projects and some examples. There are other sites detailing this process, but I'm partial to these.

Another staple of Teen Writing Group is the opportunity for my teen to interact with published authors.  I want to give them the opportunity to ask questions of those who are actually in the business and to get an idea of what not only the writing process but the publishing world is all about. Teens have Skyped with Katie McGarry (@KatieMcGarry) and Andrea Cremer (@andreacremer).






This week they'll get to Skype with Kiki Hamilton (@kikihamilton) and in October we're having a larger event where we'll chat with Jonathan Maberry (@JonathanMaberry).

The best part about this program is the enthusiasm it builds toward writing. A lot of the creative writing electives have been cut from local schools and there are so many teens for which writing is an outlet. I'm lucky to have had such success with this program.  My teaching background certainly comes in handy as does the support from our entire library system to promote writing.

In October, we'll host the annual teen writing contest called Our Own Words, for submissions in poetry and short story.  This is a system wide event and in November we'll announce winners at a ceremony where all writers get a chance to share their work.  It has been extremely successful in the past and many staff and teens are looking forward to it!



#teen #library #program #writing

PROGRAM: Sharpie Tie-Dye

My favorite crafting supply is the Sharpie. It is cheap, versatile, and relatively mess free.  This past week, the Teen Tuesday project was DIY sharpie tie-dye.  Each teen received a pair of plain, white socks purchased by the library.  During previous interactions, I shared with them that they could bring additional items of their own to tie-dye as well.

Supplies:

• Something to tie-dye (socks, shirt, scarf, etc...)
• Sharpies 
• Rubbing alcohol
• Small plastic cups
• Eye droppers or chemistry pipettes
• Lots of newspaper

Instructions:

Line your tables with a healthy layer of newspaper. This will make cleanup easier and should keep the messes to a minimum. Distribute additional supplies onto tables as necessary. We made sure each teen had a cup with rubbing alcohol, a pipette, socks, and some extra newspaper.  There was an assortment of Sharpies in the center of each table.

Make sure to have a few examples handy at the beginning of the program. Work with your teens during each step.

1. Grab a sock and let the creativity flow! Design a pattern on each side. Do the same for sock #2.
2. Stuff each sock with newspaper. (This step will soak up the excess rubbing alcohol and prevent seepage to the other side.
3. Using a dropper or pipette, drip alcohol onto the sock design where the tie-dye effect is desired.
4. Let dry!

Aftercare:

Doing research online, it is recommended that any of the items be heat set. I made little 1/2 sheets with instructions on how to wash and dry this items. The teens took these home to their parents. Per recommendation:

1. First, wash the items separately on the hottest washer cycle.
2. Then, dry the items separately on the hottens dryer cycle.

Here are some pictures of their creations!

PROGRAM: Mask Making

Summer reading is in full swing.  While many of us are embarking on week 3 of summer fun, I thought I'd share the results of our Mask Making kick-off event. If you want more details on how I planned this event, check my previous post here.

The photos only partly do these justice. The feathered creation in the top left corner was stunning!

Love all of these but the bottom left was like a glitter bomb exploded!!

The anime bunny mask was a personal favorite, but I loved the cut out mask on the top right!

#unmask #SummerReading #craft #teen

Happy Monday.....Let Summer Reading Commence!!!!

IT'S FINALLY HERE!!

I wish you all a very successful first official week of summer reading.  May the programs be well attended and may you keep your sanity intact! My first program is 'mask making' on Tuesday.  I'm excited and will post pictures as soon as it is done.


Until then...

#monday #SummerReading #teen #programs #unmask #yalit #librarylife #books #reading

DISPLAY: Once Upon a Crime

June 1st is just mere days away! I've been switching displays to gear up for next week.  Take a look at our latest creation!

Once Upon a Crime...

#unmask #display #teen #yalit #SummerReading #library #libraries #crimefiction #mystery #thriller

Summer Reading Ideas #4

Whew! It's been a hectic week.  Here's an idea for a reading centered program for the teens' Unmask theme.

How about trying a mystery, detective, or crime centered book club?  This is a great chance to get teens reading and provide an opportunity for discussion. Things to consider: time, participation, and availability of titles.

Below are just a few title considerations.  There are plenty more you could choose!


Structure:
Such a program could be organized in several ways:

• Pick two or three titles for a scheduled monthly meeting. Make sure you have sufficient copies of the books.
• Pick one title for a single summer book club.
• This would be a great idea for a book v. movie/television program and discussion.
• i.e. Pretty Little Liars or even Sherlock Holmes
• Host the mystery book club as an open book talk.  Participants can come to discuss their favorite books in this genre based on past reads or along with a book list or display you have up for the summer.

If program planning doesn't allow for a book club meeting...

Consider a mystery, detective, or crime book display to coincide with this year's theme. There are some great ideas on Pinterest. Signage might say: 

• Once upon a crime...
• It would be a crime NOT to check these out!
• Dying for a great mystery?

#unmask #teen #YAlit #SummerReading #books #mystery #detective #bookclub #crime

Summer Reading Program Ideas #3

Masked Taste Testing

Group/Participation Event

Another idea to try is a masked taste testing.  This is an easy program to set up and execute; however, it will require planning and organization.

The goal is to get teens not only to make educated guesses using their other senses besides sight but also to try new things!

• First, you'll want to decide which and how many foods will be part of the taste test.
• Suggestions:
• Different types of soda (try some international ones)
• Candy
• Common snacks (Doritos, cheetos, etc)
• Exotic or international foods (jerky, snacks, crackers, etc)
• Unusual fruits and vegetables
• Other supplies:  
• blindfolds (I suggest sleep masks with elastic bands over scarves you'd tie)
• plastic containers with lids--Look online or at a local party or restaurant supply store to find p (i.e. those ones that hold extra sauce or salad dressing for takeout)
• Keep the number manageable --enough to keep teens entertained and guessing but not too many to stress yourself out!
• Develop a system of organization for yourself--labeling (i.e. A, B, C) will help you make heads or tails of all your mystery foods!
• Have teens participate in teams.
• Most correct guesses wins a book, silly prize or other incentive!

#unmask #teen #ya #SummerReading #food #games #libraries #partygames 

Summer Reading Program Ideas #2

Here's another crafty idea you might consider for the summer reading 'Unmask' theme!

Art/Crafts

An activity perfect for both teen boys and girls would be makeup tutorials.  Such a project could be something you undertake as a teen librarian.  You'll find a plethora of tutorials via searches on Pinterest and YouTube.

Take care to be prepared, if you go down this road you'll want to practice, practice, practice!  I'd suggest doing a bit of research, find 3-5 techniques you feel confident in replicating and teaching. Keep it simple so that the tutorials can be done in your scheduled time and you can purchase supplies within your budget.

This would also be a great opportunity for networking throughout the local community. Do you or one of your family members or co-workers know a makeup artist? Is there a theater nearby? If so, see if they might volunteer their time or work within your library budget.  When I did a similar program for Halloween, it turns out that two co-workers had previous experience. With their help we 'zombified' a whole group of teens!

Tutorials of this sort would work great if teens wanted to create superhero personas and costumes to go along with other summer reading events!



#makeup #tutorial #unmask #SummerReading #teen #librarylife #programs

Summer Reading Program Ideas #1

For my library, the teen summer reading theme is Unmask.  This can be interpreted in a multitude of different ways.  Of course, one way to approach this is by adhering to a superhero theme.  Some of what I have planned for the summer will do just that; however, I have such a diverse group of teens, I didn't want to focus solely on this POV for fear of alienating those not interested or for superheroes to overstay their welcome.

June 1st will mark the third year I've planned 'Teen Tuesdays' at my library.  These weekly, 2-hour events start at the beginning of June and end the second week of August, just before school starts. Typically, I alternate between crafty activities, game days, movies, and other special guests.

Today, let's talk about mask making.  To introduce and tie in this year's theme, the kick off event will ask teens to create their own mask. How to do this depends on your own craft comfort level.  For me, I'd say I'm moderately comfortable with executing crafty creations, but there is a lot out there based on your time, budget and creativity restraints. Personally, tackling paper mache is way out of my comfort zone!

First, you'll want to pick a medium:

Other Supplies:

• Glue (I recommend tacky glue or using a hot-glue gun w/ appropriate supervision)
• Tape (optional)
• Paint (optional)
• Sharpies 
• Decorative elements: sequins, feathers, glitter, ribbon, googley eyes, etc...

My summer programs usually yield attendance in the double digits.  For ease of set up, execution, and clean up, I've decided upon the purchase of pre-made plastic masks from Oriental Trading because they are inexpensive for the quantity. My library has a well stocked craft closet with the rest of the desired supplies. 

I estimate that the creation of these masks will keep my teens busy for the majority of the 2-hours. The plan is use this kick off as a tie in for a special program later in the summer. 

One of the highlighted events outside of 'Teen Tuesdays' will be Murder at the Masquerade. We've hired the Murder Mystery Company to put on a interactive whodunit with teen participants.  They'll get to wear their masks they made earlier in the summer and work with the actors and their peers to solve the crime!

#masks #unmask #teen #librarylife #summerreading #SummerReadingChallenge #ya #crafts @murdermysterycompany