Outreach to Older Children

Bringing creativity outlets to kids

By Jennifer Peterson and Ridgeway Burns

Target Audience, Setting & Theme• Children ages 9-12, approximate grades 4th, 5th and 6th

• These children will ideally have some interest in art whether it be through painting, drawing, photography, scrapbooking, etc.

• The children will be given the opportunity to decorate and create a book display, and choose the books in the display.

• The theme of the book display is chosen by the children and voted on through a form from the library.

• The book display will be in the juvenile section of the library and overseen by the youth services department.

• The program while ultimately ending in the public library, can be executed at the local community center, park district facility or as an after school activity by involving the local school librarian.

Rationale, Goals & Objectives

• The purpose of the program is to provide a venue for those children interested in art living or going to school in an area that does not support an art program. It also offers a free venue for children who cannot afford art classes through the park district while still contributing their community.

• The ultimate goal of the program is to provide young artists a place to grow in their artistic talents, exhibit their work, and have fun!

• The program would serve different displays each month giving multiple children the opportunity to contribute regularly.

Plan for Promotion & Evaluation• The program will be promoted in the library through the

website, newsletter and its own “arts & crafts” display.• The program will also be promoted at the local community

centers and park district art classes through flyers and posters. Further promotion can happen at local bookstores, arts & crafts or ‘pottery painting’ stores where children and adults may go together.

• The public librarian and the local elementary school librarians and art teachers will also work together to tell students about the program and encourage participation, perhaps even adding it to one or two class’s curriculum.

• The display will be photographed and promoted each month through the library website and newsletters to show children and parents how creative and fun the program is to encourage more participation.

Resources Consulted, Materials Used

• Flickr for display examples until those actual display photos can be used.

• Arts & Crafts supplies will be provided to the children.

• School librarian and art teachers will be consulted and expertise utilized to help students with specific projects.

• The public library will supply flyers and posters to those facilities willing to help promote the program.

Potential Theme Talks and Questions