too old for story time; too young for the teen scene: libraries as gathering place for...

Too Old for Story Time; Too Young for the Teen Scene:

Libraries as Gathering Place for “In-Betweens”

Elizabeth MatsonChristy Valentine

Maricopa County Library District

Library Programming Trend

Story Time – develop early literacy skillsTeen Council – community involvement

(civic responsibility)

What about the in-betweens (5-12 year olds)?

Rationale

Mission of MCLD is to provide access to reading, exploring and discovering for all so they can be lifelong learners. Age appropriate activities/programs that support childhood stages of development both intellectually and emotionally.

Goal

Just 4 Kidz

Programs for 7 – 11 year olds at Queen Creek Branch Library Maricopa County

Library District

Once a month for 3 – 4 months in Spring & Fall Sign up available at desk an hour before hand

Spies & Super SleuthsGet Slimed!KnittingPercy Jackson & The Olympians

Jan – Apr 2009

I thought this program was: • GREAT• OK• TERRIBLE At other Just 4 Kidz programs I’d like to do:

• MORE Activities about my favorite books or authors (these are my favorites:)

______________________________________• Crafts• Spies & Super Sleuth activities• Science Experiments• Something else (here’s my

idea:) ______________________________________

Just 4 Kidz (for ages 7-11 only)

@ Queen Creek Library: Space & Supplies Limited

Sign up sheet available 1 hr before Wed. Jan. 20 @ 4:30

Winter Origami Wed. Feb. 17 @ 4:30 Greek Olympics

Wed. Mar. 17 @ 4:30 Myth, Magic & Heroes of the Emerald Isle

(Irish Stories & Crafts) Wed. Apr. 21 @ 4:30 Water Experiments

21802 S Ellsworth Rd. Queen Creek, AZ 85242

602-652-3000

Just 4 Kidz (for ages 7-11 only)

@ Queen Creek Library: Space & Supplies Limited

Registration Required

www.mcldaz.org

Wed. Sept. 15 @ 4:30

Make a Hat Day

Origami Hats Wed. Oct. 20 @ 4:30

The Big Read The Sled Dog Experience

Wed. Nov. 17 @ 4:30

National Homemade Bread Day

Yeastie Beasties Experiments

21802 S Ellsworth Rd. Queen Creek, AZ 85242

602-652-3000

Just 4 Kidz (for ages 7-11 only)

@ Queen Creek Library: Space & Supplies Limited

Registration Required

www.mcldaz.org

Wed. Jan. 19 @ 4:30

For the Birds Make a Peanut Butter Bird Feeder Wed. Feb. 16 @ 4:30

Origami Toys Wed. Mar. 16 @ 4:30 Quilting Project

Wed. Apr. 20 @ 4:30 Hot Air Balloon

Experiments

21802 S Ellsworth Rd. Queen Creek, AZ 85242

602-652-3000

Just 4 Kidz (for ages 7-11 only)

1st & 3rd Wednesdays Registration Required

www.mcldaz.org

Sept. 7 @ 4:30 Tale Tellers (creative storytelling activities) Sept. 21 @ 4:30 Animal Origami Oct. 5 @ 4:30 Get Slimed!

Oct. 19 @ 4:30 Decorate a Ceramic Tile w/ Art Be True Pottery Studio Nov. 2 @ 4:30 Tale Tellers Celebrate the Day of the Dead Nov. 16 @ 4:30 Hugo Cabret & Automaton Puppet Craft Dec. 7 @ 4:30 Tale Tellers (creative storytelling activities)

21802 S Ellsworth Rd. Queen Creek, AZ 85242

602-652-3000

Origami Book (Movie)-Inspired Crafts Junior Mad Scientists

http://qclibjust4kidz.wordpress.com

Staples

Keep It Simple Having Helpers Helps! Programs Promote Books Take Time to Build Your Audience Use Your Strengths & Invite Guests

Things I’ve Learned …

Keeping Up With Demand

Transitioning Kidz to Teen Programs

Challenges …

Slime …

Demonstration

Tweens in Fountain Hills

Programs for 5 – 8 & 9 – 12 year olds at Fountain Hills Branch Library

Maricopa County Library District

Big Screen Book Club – traditional concept, read a book turned into movie. Watch movie and discuss the story line.Readers Theater – involving students in reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities. Picture books turned into mini plays.Writing Box – 8 week creative writing workshop explores various writing styles and techniques (poetry, journaling, cartooning) allowing for self expression.

History

A self-directed, creative writing activity available monthly for tweens. Worksheets and supplies are available in the Library. Finished projects can be turned in at the customer service desk in exchange for a small prize. Finished works are displayed on the “Write-On!” bulletin board. A selection of collected works will be published annually for participants.Strengths – An opportunity for tweens to creatively express their thoughts, opinions, and feelings in a guided activity.

Write On!

Explores the different schools of science from Biology and Chemistry to Physics and Engineering through age appropriate science labs. Every participant performs lab tasks and takes part in a scientific exploration. Strengths – Hands on activities, develops analytical skills (problem solving through rational hypothesis) and encourages reading comprehension… otherwise cool and fun!

Lightbulb Lab

Air Pressure …

Demonstration

To create life long library users we need meet the need of users throughout their stages of life and development.In-Betweens are excited about exploration and self expression. Programs that create a safe environment for exploring the world around us and/or opportunities to creatively express thoughts, opinions, and feelings will be successful tools in fostering life long library users.

Conclusion

Questions