PROGRAM: Sharpie Tile Coasters

I originally found this idea from Pinterest.  This is a relatively cheap and easy program for teens. They get the chance to be creative and have items to take home for practical use or to give away as gifts.

Nothing like a little blonde ambition!

Materials:

• Sharpies in a variety of colors
• Glazed, 4 x 4 white ceramic tiles 
• Purchased at any home improvement store. We got ours as Lowe's for $16.00. There are usually 100 in a box.
• Pencils with erasers to sketch out designs before using the permanent markers.
• Rubbing alcohol (optional)
• Eye droppers (optional)
• Access to an oven (bake these when they're done for 30 min @ 350 degrees to set the marker). Or, spray with clear laquer. (If neither are available, print instructions for teens to take home with them to give to their parents).
• One can clear, spray laquer (optional)
• Your imagination!

Instructions:

Once you have the materials gathered, decide on a location for teens. We were able to do this in our Teen Zone. You'll have to delegate materials based on the number of attendees. Teens were guaranteed 4 tiles to make coasters but were able to do more since we had a bunch of extras. 

At this point, let teens design at will. Most drew really fantastic images or other designs.  An optional technique is to stagger colors on the tile, then use an eye dropper of rubbing alcohol to yield a tie-dye effect.  Unfortunately, these materials went MIA on the day of our program. The Closet of Doom has swallowed whole! :(

Examples:

Check out some of the cool creations!!!

Alice in Wonderland Inspiration

I think the Evil Queen would approve!

Give peace a chance!

After my own heart <3 <3

Minecraft!

I am the Batman.

#teen #library #DIY #SharpieArt #programs

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

Unmask - The Caped Crusader makes a special visit

As part of the superhero themed SR program, we planned two separate movie marathons.  In June was had Marvel day.  Teens snacked on popcorn and pizza while enjoying a marathon run of Marvel flick of their choice.  Top contenders were X2, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

July marked out DC movie marathon.  The day started with Man of Steel and continued with a marathon of Batman favorites.  The highlight was that The Dark Knight himself made a special guest appearance hanging out with teens and other library patrons as well as pitching in to help staff.

Check it out!

Just catching up on his Batgirl reading :)

An epic match-up with Captain America!

Making cupcakes!

Even superheros need a snack.

Even Batman is no match for The Closet of Doom!

Just helping out at the drive-thru!

Reading a bit of Shakespeare at the park!

Conducting important bat-business!

Working the reference desk like a pro!

#unmask #dccomics #batman #librarylife #teenprograming #marvel

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!

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