Children’s Activity Calendar: November 2018
There’s so much to be thankful for this November! Make it a month to remember in your library with fun children’s activities, book suggestions, craft projects and more!
Educational Resources
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: November 2018
Our November Early Literacy Activity Calendar is overflowing with simple activities parents can do with their kids to celebrate Thanksgiving, autumn and much more!
Children’s Activity Calendar: October 2018
This October, scare up some tasty fun in your library with this children’s activity calendar from Matthew Winner. Get ideas for delicious celebrations like National Pizza Month and National Cookie Month, including book suggestions, craft projects, and more!
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: October 2018
Give parents a treat this October with early literacy activities they can do at home with their little ones. Celebrate fun days like Homemade Cookies Day and Color Day with crafts, math and science activities, books, songs and more!
How to Develop an Information Literacy Course
Whether you’re a librarian at the secondary level or college level, it’s likely you spend a lot of time talking and teaching about information literacy. Instructional and Research Librarian Dr. Lauren Hayes offers five steps to guide you in creating an information literacy course that will help your students become skilled researchers.
How to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Your Library or Classroom
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Hispanic Heritage Month. Get ideas to celebrate and bring greater awareness of Hispanic heritage, culture, and achievements to your classroom or library this month, and all year long.
Teen Activity Calendar: October 2018
Trisha Frankland offers a myriad of programs and activities to bring teens together and celebrate inclusiveness this October: not only is it National Bullying Prevention Month, it’s also Unity Day and Stop Bullying Day.
Children’s Activity Calendar: September 2018
The September calendar features fun children’s activity and book ideas to kick the school year off right in your library. Celebrate International Literacy Month, Library Card Sign-up Month and more!
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: September 2018
Give parents easy early literacy activities that they can do at home with their little ones this autumn. Get fun ideas for crafts, math and science activities, books, songs and more!
3 Powerful Library Activities for the New School Year
Try these powerful library activities to get your students involved and excited to start the new school year.
Children’s Activity Calendar: August 2018
Not only is August Back to School Month, it’s also Family Fun Month and National Sandwich Month. And days like Friendship Day and National Book Lovers Day offer even more opportunities for fun library activities for kids!
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: August 2018
Summer may be winding down, but you can still help parents and caregivers keep kids entertained this August with simple and fun early literacy activities that celebrate Friendship Day, National S’mores Day, National Dog Day and more!
How to Start an Engineering Club for Middle Schoolers
Learn how you can promote creativity, teamwork and experimentation by creating a STEM club for middle-schoolers. Amanda Bressler helps you face down your fear of not being the expert, walks you through program setup and gives you a simple challenge to get kids started.
5 Summer Reading Activities for Book Lovers
Calling all book lovers! Go beyond the library this summer with Matthew Winner’s roundup of fun reading activities for the whole family.
How to Plan a Maker Fest at Your School
Holding a Maker Fest in your school or library is a great way to showcase all the wonderful learning taking place in your makerspace. Diana Rendina walks you through the details, gives you ideas for stations, and helps you make sure your own Maker Fest will be successful.
3 Steps to Hosting an Engaging Coding Event in Your Library
Ready to get kids excited about coding? Library Journal Maker Hero Alisha Wilson shares how she draws a crowd with her Coding for a Cookie event with three key steps. You’ll gain a host of coding resources, learn about setting up stations and get tips on advertising your event.
Children’s Activity Calendar: July 2018
Matthew Winner shares book suggestions and children’s activity ideas for a deliciously fun July at your library! Not only is it National Ice Cream Month, but it’s also National Hot Dog Month, National Blueberry Month, and National Picnic Month. Is your stomach growling yet?
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: July 2018
Give parents simple early literacy activities they can use to keep their kids learning this summer. The July calendar offers craft ideas, math and science activities, book suggestions, songs and fun celebration ideas for National Ice Cream Day, National Dance Day and more!
How to Celebrate Pride Month in Your Library or Classroom
Matthew Winner shares LGBT resources and books to help educators recognize Pride Month in June and celebrate inclusiveness all year long.
6+ Ways to Celebrate Dr. Seuss
Oh, the places kids can go in the library! Bring the simple joy of whimsical rhyming adventures to your library this summer with these Dr. Seuss activities, passive programs, decorations and much more.
Adult Activity Calendar: July 2018
Get ready for some tasty treats — National Ice Cream Month, National Picnic Month and National Sugar Cookie Day all take place in the month of July! Check out this library activities calendar from Laura Damon-Moore for more sweet adult programming ideas.
Teen Activity Calendar: July 2018
July is National Anti-Boredom Month — keep teens engaged with a calendar full of creative activities from Laura Damon-Moore. Get ideas for craft projects, games, book suggestions and much more!
Children’s Activity Calendar: June 2018
Ready to have a great summer at your library? The June calendar is full of fun activities for kids and book ideas for summery celebrations like Great Outdoors Month, Great American Picnic Day and more!
Early Literacy Activities Calendar: June 2018
Help parents build early literacy skills at home this summer! You’ll find ideas like celebrating Best Friends Day along with craft activities, math and science projects, books and more!
5 Animal Activities Kids Will Love
Delight your students with unique animal activities that celebrate our furry (as well as feathery and scaly) friends!
7 Creative Ways to Get Caught Reading
It’s May – time to celebrate Get Caught Reading Month! Kids and teachers are dreaming of summer, and it’s the perfect time to boost recreational reading habits. In this month’s post, Matthew Winner offers fun ways to promote good reading habits in your school and community.
Children’s Activity Calendar: May 2018
Grab a book that makes you grin – May is Get Caught Reading Month and National Smile Month! So gather your favorite books and get ready to get caught at the library!
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: May 2018
Give parents fun and easy ways to build early literacy skills at home. The May calendar is filled with crafts, math and science activities, book suggestions, songs and more!
3 Library Lessons on A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
With the release of the new Disney movie, it’s the perfect time to encourage students to read A Wrinkle in Time and engage them with these thought-provoking activities!
Teen Activity Calendar: May 2018
Celebrate National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, Backyard Games Week and more with engaging activities for teens from Library Journal Mover and Shaker Emily Ellis.
Children’s Activity Calendar: April 2018
We dare you to try to keep a straight face this April — it’s National Humor Month! Get ready to laugh it up at your library with a full calendar of engaging spring activities for kids.
Women’s History Month: Celebrating the Accomplishments of All Women
Share the inspirational stories and amazing accomplishments of notable women this March — and all year round!
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: April 2018
Make parents and little ones smile with lots of early literacy activities they can do together at home to celebrate April Fools’ Day, National Pet Day, National Superhero Day and more!
Promoting Meaningful Making in Your School
Demco Master Maker Nicholas Provenzano, aka @thenerdyteacher, talks meaningful making and how to create an inclusive learning environment that supports the Maker Mindset. Learn the different ways you can implement and diversify your makerspace to meet the needs of all students and staff.
Teen Activity Calendar: April 2018
It’s no April Fools’ joke — Library Journal Mover and Shaker Emily Ellis shares ideas for teen activities, craft projects, recipes and much more!
Children’s Activity Calendar: March 2018
Encourage students to let their artistic sides shine with March activities that celebrate Youth Art Month, Music in Our Schools Month and more!
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: March 2018
Brighten parents’ days with a month of springtime early literacy activities, crafts, books and more they can share at home with their little ones.
Let’s Talk Makerspaces in Schools
In this first installment of the Demco Master Maker blog series, expert Nicholas Provenzano, aka The Nerdy Teacher, shares his background, talks about the importance of makerspaces in schools, gives a preview of the topics he’ll be addressing in future posts, and invites you to join the conversation during the monthly #DemcoMakerChat on Thursday nights.
4 Steps to Creating a Badge System for Your Makerspace
Makerspace skills aren’t often recognized on report cards, so how can you celebrate student achievement in those areas? Nicholas Provenzano, aka The Nerdy Teacher, is using badges to acknowledge the hard work, ingenuity, critical thinking and computer skills students develop through working in their makerspace. Learn how you can develop your own badging system for your space.
8 Ways to Build a More Inclusive Makerspace
Libraries are safe spaces, known for finding ways to welcome everyone, and makerspaces within libraries should be no different. Award-winning library media specialist Gina Seymour provides tips and resources for how to welcome and accommodate all users in your makerspace.
Resources to Support African American Heritage Year-round
This collection of valuable resources will help you and your students celebrate African American heritage not just during Black History Month, but all year long.
Makerspace Lesson Plan: Build a Catapult
According to teacher-librarian Angela Rosheim, “Just having students make will not automatically create deep learning — you need to have sound pedagogy to go along with it.” In this blog Angela shares how she integrates making into her curriculum, along with a fun lesson plan that combines research with design thinking.
5 Sweet Valentine’s Day Activities
Show a little love at your library with these easy and engaging Valentine’s Day activities that readers are sure to fall in love with!
Teen Activity Calendar: March 2018
This March, celebrate Youth Art Month, Teen Tech Week and more with teen library programs from Library Journal Mover and Shaker Emily Ellis.
Children’s Activity Calendar: February 2018
February is the month of hearts and valentines — but it’s also the time to celebrate Library Lovers’ Month with books, crafts and engaging activities that kids will adore.
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: February 2018
Help parents capture their little ones’ hearts with a month of early literacy activities they can do at home together in February.
Activities for National Thank You Month in January
Help students show their appreciation to the important people in their lives with these simple gratitude activities for Thank You Month.
3 Ways to Connect STEAM With Literacy in Your Library
Adding a STEAM component to a literacy assignment can encourage students to think more deeply about what they are reading and writing. Library Journal’s Maker Hero School Librarian of the Year Alisha Wilson shares three ways you can collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate robotics, circuitry and coding into English class.
Adult Activity Calendar: February 2018
Library Journal Mover and Shaker Emily Ellis shares ideas for engaging adult programs to celebrate Library Lover’s Month and keep adult patrons visiting again and again!
Teen Activity Calendar: February 2018
Celebrate Library Lover’s Month with engaging teen library programs, STEM experiments, craft projects and more from Library Journal Mover and Shaker Emily Ellis.
Children’s Activity Calendar: January 2018
Usher in 2018 with engaging January activities, fun celebrations and book suggestions that will get the new year off to an inspired start!
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: January 2018
Help parents get 2018 off to a great start with a month of early literacy activities, including math and science activities, art projects and more!
2 Library Lessons on Natural Disasters
In the wake of this year’s devastating hurricane season, books about Hurricane Katrina carry timely messages. These lesson plans will help children understand the impacts of such disasters while also teaching skills such as problem solving and researching.
Tips for Exploring Universal Human Rights Month in December
Expand students’ understanding with these Universal Human Rights Month resources and tips for building community and connections in your classroom.
Children’s Activity Calendar: December 2017
The holiday spirit is in the air — and in your library! It’s Read a New Book Month, so grab a brand new book and a tasty treat, and get ready for a sweet December!
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: December 2017
Help parents bring winter cheer into their homes with a month of early literacy activities, crafts and books they can share with their little ones in December.
Engaging the Whole Person in Library Outreach to Students
Engaging college students is about much more than providing academic services. Learn how taking student outreach to a personal level can open new doors at your library.
How to Run Epic Makerspace Workshops
Media specialist and author Diana Rendina discusses the benefits of providing guided instruction through maker workshops and shares tips and ideas you can put into practice right away.
4 Activities for National Novel Writing Month in November
Challenge kids to get creative and unleash their inner novelists by taking part in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) this November!
3 Fun Makerspace Projects to Help Teens Tell Their Stories
Diana Rendina details 3 engaging makerspace projects that fit right in with the 2017 Teen Read Week (Oct. 8–14) theme: “Unleash Your Story.” Students will be eager to tell their stories with these creative activities that combine literacy and making.
Adult Engagement Calendar: December 2017
Make December a joyful time of year with fun ideas for engaging library programs for adults from Library Journal Mover and Shaker Emily Ellis.
Teen Activity Calendar: December 2017
You’ll find plenty of ways to keep teens engaged over winter break with tips, tricks and ideas from Library Journal Mover and Shaker Emily Ellis.
Children’s Activity Calendar: November 2017
This calendar is full of November activities for kids, plus ideas for celebrations such as Dia de los muertos, King Tut Day, Sandwich Day and more!
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: November 2017
Give parents and caregivers an exciting month full of early literacy activities to share with children at home during the month of November!
Ideas for Using Informational Text to Help Students Develop a Global Worldview
Global literacy heroes are working tirelessly to ensure books reach impoverished and remote areas around the globe. Award-winning librarian and SLJ Mover and Shaker Krista Welz shares ideas for introducing kids to these literacy heroes and inspiring learning opportunities through their stories.
3 Anti-bullying Lessons Using Children’s Literature
October is National Bullying Prevention Month and there’s no better time to teach anti-bullying lessons through children’s literature. Promote discussion, spark writing activities, and teach kids how to be buddies not bullies with these three library activities.
Adult Engagement Calendar: November 2017
As the days get shorter, add a little sunshine to a patrons’ day with adult programming that celebrates World Kindness Day, Guinness World Record Day and more!
Teen Activity Calendar: November 2017
Library Journal Mover and Shaker Emily Ellis shares tips, tricks and ideas for exciting and engaging teen library programs for the month of November.
Children’s Activity Calendar: October 2017
October is packed with fall celebrations like Candy Corn Day and National Book Month. Engage your ghouls and goblins with these fun October activities!
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: October 2017
Candy corn and pumpkins galore — fall is in full swing and the early literacy development opportunities for parents and caregivers are bountiful!
3 Library Lessons Using “The One and Only Ivan”
The Newbery award-winning book “The One and Only Ivan” tells the inspiring story of a captive gorilla from his point of view. Use this book to capture students’ interest with 3 library lessons centered around Ivan’s story.
8 Simple Activities to Teach Kindness
Let kids discover the impact even the smallest kind deed can have on another person’s life with these 8 simple kindness activities.
Teen Activity Calendar: October 2017
It’s time to get crafty with jack-o-lantern jars, recognize teens’ talents on International Artist Day and settle in with cozy new book releases.
Spreading Kindness Activity Guide
Use these kindness activities to help students (and adults!) find ways to spread some joy around their library, their school and their community.
Children’s Activity Calendar: September 2017
Welcome autumn and Library Card Sign-up Month with a full month of September activities and book suggestions that will keep kids coming back to the library!
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: September 2017
Inspire parents to have fun with little ones this month with fun early literacy activities like going on nature walks, celebrating Teddy Bear Day and more!
A Framework for Maker Education
In this webinar, award-winning educator Mark Schreiber walks you through a step-by-step process for integrating making and maker projects throughout your library and classroom.
3 Activities to Try This School Year
Get amazing back-to-school ideas from teacher-librarian, blogger and author Matthew C. Winner. Bring on the robotics, author interactions, and stretch goals.
Teen Activity Calendar: September 2017
The start of the school year brings new energy and fresh ideas! Get your teens excited to help you promote Library Card Sign-up Month with #selfies, celebrate being weird on Wonderful Weirdos Day, and spread some sunshine on Positive Thinking Day. New book releases and STEM fun will help start the year off right!
Children’s Activity Calendar: August 2017
Get ready to celebrate Back to School Month and Family Fun Month, plus a host of holidays like Book Lovers Day and S’mores Day, with fun library activities!
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: August 2017
As summer comes to a close, help parents keep their little ones learning every day with simple early literacy activities they can do together at home.
How to Inspire Students to Be Compassionate Makers
Find ways to promote compassionate making with makerspace projects that connect students to their school, the community, the world and the environment.
5 Ways to Inspire Creativity With Pete the Cat
Get the wheels of creativity turning in your young learners’ minds with Pete the Cat activities that get them thinking, writing, movin’ and groovin’!
Teen Activity Calendar: August 2017
Help teenagers make the most of the last days of summer with holiday celebrations, book suggestions, after-hours teen programs and craft projects.
Children’s Activity Calendar: July 2017
Celebrations and holidays abound this month, from Ice Cream Month and Park and Recreation Month to World Emoji Day. So jump into some sweet July activities!
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: July 2017
Summer is in full swing, and it’s the perfect time to give parents a month’s worth of fun early literacy activities they can share with their kids at home!
What My Students and I Have Learned in Our Library Makerspace
A cardboard building project turned into a successful library makerspace and countless opportunities for students to learn through making.
3 Design Challenges for the Low-tech Makerspace
Not a tech wizard? Try these 3 low-tech makerspace projects from Diana Rendina and see learning through making come to life in your library!
3 Easy Ways to Promote Early Literacy and Brain Development in Your Library
Too Small to Fail’s campaign “Talking is Teaching: Talk, Read, Sing” provides you with early literacy resources to help you further your goals of empowering parents and enriching the lives of young children.
6 Mo Willems Activities That Inspire Creativity
Get kids’ creativity flowing with imaginative activities based on the fun-loving characters of Mo Willems!
Teen Activity Calendar: July 2017
Celebrate International Joke Day, World UFO Day, the Fourth of July, new book releases and more with these fun summer ideas for teens.
Children’s Activity Calendar: June 2017
Celebrate the beginning of summer with June activities and books that will get kids excited to spend vacation time at the library!
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: June 2017
Send parents home with a myriad of creative ideas they can do with their kids to build early literacy skills all through the month of June.
3 Nonfiction Activities to Teach Kids How-to and How-do
Show students how fascinating following their interests can be with these engrossing nonfiction activities that teach how-to and how-do!
Teen Activity Calendar: June 2017
Ramp up for summer reading with fun teen events celebrating Gay Pride Month, World Environment Day, Father’s Day and more!
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: May 2017
Support learning at home with this free early literacy resource! Kids and parents will love making spring crafts, doing simple science experiments and more.
Children’s Activity Calendar: May 2017
Get caught having fun at the library this May with book suggestions and spring activities to celebrate Children’s Book Week, Star Wars Day and more!
5 Earth Day Activities for the Library
Celebrate our planet and promote conservation with fun Earth Day activities that will have your whole classroom or library thinking green!
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Activity Guide
This guide is filled with reducing, reusing and recycling activities and crafts that will inspire kids to take care of the planet every day!
Children’s Activity Calendar: April 2017
This month’s calendar is jam-packed with April activities and book suggestions that will get kids excited to visit the library!
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: April 2017
Give parents a full month of fun and simple early literacy activities that they can share with their kids to boost learning at home.
Mo Willems Writing Activity: Thank-you Notes
Combine this fun writing activity with Mo Willems’ “The Thank You Book” and you’ve got the perfect way to encourage children to express gratitude.
Teen Activity Calendar: April 2017
Library Journal Mover and Shaker Emily Ellis shares tips, tricks and ideas for engaging teen library programming for the month of April.
Children’s Activity Calendar: March 2017
March is the month to welcome warmer weather and celebrate Women’s History Month and Youth Art Month with engaging children’s activities, books and crafts.
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: March 2017
Parents and kids will love celebrating days like St. Patrick’s Day and Puppy Day with simple early literacy activities they can do at home together every day.
This LEGO® Program Will Get Your Library in the Fast Lane
See how Holly Storck-Post, a youth services librarian at the Madison Public Library (WI), has found ways to take her LEGO programming to the next level.
Connecting Schools and Public Libraries Through Data
Measuring the impact of programs and services is a challenge, but it can be done. Learn how a library partnership and data sharing can get you started.
Teen Activity Calendar: March 2017
Teens are sure to find a topic to get excited about during the month of March, including women’s history, March Madness and Extraterrestrial Abduction Day!
Children’s Activity Calendar: February 2017
Show the love in your library this February with heartwarming books, feel-good crafts and fun library activities from Matthew Winner!
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: February 2017
February is filled to the brim with early literacy activities and books inspired by Valentine’s Day and more. Spread the love!
Children’s Activity Calendar: January 2017
Matthew Winner of All the Wonders is here to help you get ready to ring in the new year at your library with January activities and books that are sure to put big smiles on kids’ faces!
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: January 2017
Help parents get the new year off to a great start with a full month of simple activities they can do with their little ones to boost early literacy skills.
Teen Activity Calendar: February 2017
Library Journal Mover and Shaker Emily Ellis shares tips, tricks and ideas for engaging teen programs that’ll pack your library this February.
4 Maker Programs for Preschoolers
Children’s Librarian Holly Storck-Post brings STEAM, making and literature together with four preschool programs for preschoolers — happy making!
Libraries = Education: Your Key to Success
You can enjoy big returns by adopting a rebranding strategy that presents your library as a key educational institution in your community.
Transform Your Children’s Library Into an Interactive STEAM Learning Environment
Learn how you can harness new education strategies and transform your children’s library into an interactive STEAM learning environment.
Learn the Lean Startup Approach to Starting Your Makerspace
Follow the lean startup process to makerspace success: start small, give yourself the freedom to fail and be willing to learn from your mistakes.
Teen Activity Calendar: December 2016
Ugly Sweater Day, new book releases, DIY crafts and more — celebrate the holiday season with these fresh ideas for teen library programs!
Children’s Activity Calendar: December 2016
Warm up your library with fun December activities and heartwarming books that welcome winter and celebrate families and traditions.
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: December 2016
Kids and parents will love getting cozy and sharing simple early literacy activities like wintery crafts, heart-warming reads and delicious treats!
4 Steps to Evaluating Your Collection for Diverse Books + Book Suggestions
Learn how to evaluate your collection for diversity! Get diverse books and multicultural author suggestions, plus activities to help create a culture of inclusivity.
Teen Activity Calendar: November 2016
There’s tons of engaging teen activities to be thankful for this November, including some election fun, delicious snacks and DIY buttons and origami.
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: November 2016
Send parents home filled with gratitude for these simple early literacy activities they can do with their kids every day of the month!
Children’s Activity Calendar: November 2016
There’s something to be thankful for every day of the month! Get your fill of November activities and books for Thanksgiving, Family Stories Month and more.
Step Up Your STEM Programs With MeeperBOTs!
Looking for ways to take STEM programming to the next level? Check out MeeperBOTS! These mobile-app-controlled motorized BOTS bring LEGOs® to life. Plus get a tried-and-true program that’s sure to capture kids’ interest.
Selecting the Right Products for Your Makerspace
Struggling to find the best tools for your library makerspace? Join expert Laura Fleming as she discusses how best to support your space.
5 Election Activities for Your Library
Vote for Pete! During this presidential election season, use these 5 engaging activities to help your students understand how the election process works.
8 STEAM Activities for Space Week (Oct. 4–10)
Amy Koester, The Show Me Librarian, shares 8 exciting STEAM activities to help you celebrate Space Week (Oct. 4–10) in your library!
Best Practices for Sharing Digital Picture Books With Young Children
Have you ever wondered what to tell parents and caregivers when they ask “Is it ok to share digital picture books with my child?” Early childhood expert Elizabeth Stilwell helps answer this question and shares advice and resources for librarians and caregivers.
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: October 2016
Give this October calendar full of simple, fun ideas to parents for an at-home literacy resource to share with their little goblins — all treats, no tricks!
Children’s Activity Calendar: October 2016
Celebrate Halloween, National Fire Prevention Week and more with spine-tingling books, creepy crafts and more spooky October activities for kids!
Making Music With littleBits™
Looking for ways to use the littleBits Synth Kit? Director Mary Glendening shows you how to emulate one of the most popular littleBits programs held at CreateSpace@MFL, located in the Middletown Free Library. Learn the step-by-step directions for running the program at your own library and encouraging kids and teens to invent music with littleBits.
How to Use Skype to Connect Students to the World + World Read Aloud Day Tips
Learn how Skype can help create authentic, real-world learning experiences in the library. Plus, discover new ways to reach out for World Read Aloud Day!
Tips for Successfully Funding Your Makerspace
Big on makerspaces, but tight on budget? Library Director Mary Glendening offers tips on how to obtain grants and other funding to bring your ideas to life!
How a Librarian and Elephant & Piggie Changed My Life + Mo Willems Library Activities
Engaging a reluctant reader can be a challenge, but Mo Willems is here to help! Supplement his engaging books with these Elephant and Piggie activities.
8 Inexpensive STEM Ideas + Pokémon GO in the Library
Mover and shaker Emily Ellis offers ideas for getting the whole family involved in STEAM activities through Tinker Day at the library, plus find out how your library can can leverage the popularity of Pokémon GO!
Are You Helping to Spread This Important Early Literacy Message in Your Library?
Reading aloud every day can have a big impact on a child’s future success. Join Read Aloud 15 MINUTES and share this literacy program with your community.
Children’s Activity Calendar: September 2016
Welcome fall with a bushel of exciting September activities! This month is Library Card Sign-up Month, the perfect time to show off all your library has to offer.
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: September 2016
Hand this September calendar full of early literacy activities to parents and you’re giving them a valuable tool for sharing learning with their kids every day.
8 STEM Activities for Engaging Reluctant Readers
Quicksand, black holes and tsunamis — oh my! Combine attention-grabbing topics with engaging STEM activities and books, and draw in even the most reluctant readers.
Makerspace Projects for School, Public and Academic Libraries
The Maker Movement has hit the library! Watch this webinar and learn how to ensure patrons can pursue open-ended maker projects and enjoy playing to learn.
Here’s a Library Program That’s Helping to Boost Literacy Skills and Self-confidence
Support young patrons’ literacy development and confidence through artistic expression with The Picture Show — an easy program for any library or classroom to implement.
Deliver Diverse Storytimes With Multicultural Activities From the Experts
Kendra Jones and Cory Eckert, creators of Storytime Underground, share multicultural activities, books, songs, rhymes and resources for creating diverse storytimes.
Children’s Activity Calendar: August 2016
Back to School Month, Family Fun Month and more — use these August activities to help kids soak up the last days of summer and get excited for back-to-school fun!
littleBits™, Design Thinking and Design Challenges for Libraries
Library Journal Mover and Shaker Colleen Graves discusses design thinking and making and provides project ideas to get started tinkering with littleBits™ in your library and creating a community of makers!
Start Collaborating Now for America Recycles Day With These Steps
America Recycles Day is the perfect time to start a global collaboration project that gives schools and libraries authentic opportunities to learn and make connections beyond their walls.
Helping Teen Parents Teach Early Literacy Skills With The Very Ready Reading Program
Four County Career Center has found the perfect tool for supporting teen parents in teaching early literacy skills — The Very Ready Reading Program.
Children’s Activity Calendar: July 2016
July is National Blueberry Month, Ice Cream Month and Hot Dog Month — so break out the summer snacks and find a sunny spot for your July activities!
Make Fact-finding Fun With These 3 Library Lessons
Fact-finding doesn’t have to be boring! Harness kids’ innate curiosity with fun library research activities tied to the curriculum.
How Iowa’s Libraries Are Getting Kids Ready for Kindergarten
The State Library and Iowa Library Association work hard to provide continuing early literacy education and resources for librarians to support Iowa’s youngest learners.
Getting Buy-in for Your Makerspace
Makerspaces in schools are becoming more popular. Hear from our expert guest blogger, Colleen Graves, on how to secure buy-in and funding.
Readers’ Advisory: Nonfiction Children’s Books
Use these inspiring nonfiction children’s books to engage young readers and help them to learn the value of, as well as the difference between, fact and fiction.
Be Extraordinary: 4 Key Takeaways from PLA 2016
What happened at PLA 2016 doesn’t have to stay at PLA. Read highlights, listen in on conversations with librarians and more.
3 STEM Project Ideas That Harness the Power of Extreme Sports
Even the most reluctant readers are drawn in by the excitement of extreme sports! Discover STEM project ideas that will kick-start kids’ enthusiasm and test their engineering skills.
The Arts & Makerspaces: Creativity for the Win!
On the hunt for makerspace ideas? Bring on the arts! The library is the perfect place to give students valuable creation experiences and an artistic outlet.
How Reach Out and Read and Libraries Can Team Up to Boost Early Literacy
By collaborating with Reach Out and Read clinics to improve early literacy from birth, your library can have a greater impact on the lives of the children in your community.
Children’s Activity Calendar: May 2016
May brings showers of fun library activities! Celebrate all month long with Get Caught Reading Month, Physical Fitness and Sports Month and many more.
Library Lessons in Digital Citizenship
Digital citizenship is a critical literacy for today’s students to master, and the library is a natural place to do it. With these online and print resources, you can create digital citizenship lessons that help students learn to act safely and responsibly, with courtesy and respect, in the digital world.
How to Use Mo Willems Books to Inspire Student Projects
Collaborating with teachers for a Mo Willems author study can help you spark a variety of engaging student projects and highlight essential skills.
Fun With Mo Willems! Activity Guide
Join the many delightful Mo Willems characters for activities like a cookie toss with The Pigeon, a dance party with Elephant and Piggie, a shape hunt with Knuffle Bunny and much more!
How One Library Is Boosting Literacy With 1,000 Books
Explore the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten partnerships, outreach, programming and more that helped one library make changes in their community.
Children’s Activity Calendar: April 2016
You’ll find a plethora of April activities and resources to help you showcase all your library has to offer — and celebrate School Library Month!
Read, Talk, Make: The Book to Art Club
Incorporating visual art-making into your kids book club or school library program is a flexible and fun new way to connect to literature. Discover the Book to Art Club!
3 Library Lessons That Promote Social and Emotional Skills
Social and emotional skills play an important role in a child’s academic success. As an educator, you can use the friendship stories children gravitate towards to help them make connections, gain confidence and engage in learning.
5 Ways to Teach Good Character With Pete the Cat®
These groovy Pete the Cat activities help kids to learn what it means to have good character. And your library is likely already filled with books starring everyone’s favorite feline!
How to Get Started With Bilingual Storytimes
Want to create a bilingual storytime, but aren’t sure where to start? Use these tips, songs, books and apps to reach diverse populations in your community — even if you’re not bilingual!
Children’s Activity Calendar: March 2016
Celebrate Youth Art Month and National Craft Month this March with a variety of creative crafts, activities and books to welcome spring!
Books Build Better Brains: How Promoting Literacy Is Key to Early Brain & Child Development
Human relationships and interactions play a key role during the first thousand days of a child’s life. Learn from Dr. Navsaria, founding medical director of Reach Out and Read Wisconsin, about the importance of early literacy, how toxic stress and early adversity can lead to lifelong issues and some key concepts about literacy development.
How Redwood City Public Library Is Impacting Early Literacy in Its Community
The spectacular early literacy programming at Redwood City Public Library has established the institution as a leader in education and outreach, passionately supporting childhood development and literacy in their community.
Celebrate Year-round With Pete the Cat! Activity Guide
Holidays and special events are all good when Pete the Cat is part of the festivities! This groovy guide is filled with games, crafts, writing activities and more fun ideas to keep kids “feline” fine all through the year.
Easy and Inexpensive STEAM Centers for Your Library
Have you been wanting to add a STEAM program to your library’s list of events but think it might be too expensive or too difficult to plan? Think again! In this blog post, Terry Ehle shares the inspiration you need to get started.
Gaining STEAM at Your Library! Activity Guide
Go full STEAM ahead at your library! Download this free activity guide for a plethora of hands-on projects that encourage students to think outside the box and use their imaginations to create!
Make Your Library a Part of the Take Your Child to the Library Day™ Initiative!
Your library is an important resource for your community — get the word out! Learn all about how the Take Your Child to the Library Day initiative started, discover how to get involved, and explore engaging program ideas, past success stories and online resources.
Children’s Activity Calendar: February 2016
There’s something for everyone to love at the library this month — share February activities surrounding Valentine’s Day, Black History Month and more!
How to Bolster Your Outreach Using the 3 Ps
Raise awareness of your library’s services in your community and find ways to reach underserved populations with the 3 Ps of library outreach, a formula to help you plan your next outreach event and partner with community service providers for maximum impact.
Children’s Activity Calendar: January 2016
Ring in 2016 with educational, inspirational and tasty January activities and event ideas — there’s something for everyone in the library this month!
Dancing Off the Page: Adding Movement to Storytime
Get moving! Promote multimodal literacy skills with movement in your storytimes and set little learners up for reading success.
Readers’ Advisory: Games Galore
What better resource to teach kids about the games of life than books?! Learn about 6 captivating children’s books that illustrate the enjoyment of playing games and the lessons they teach us.
Children’s Activity Calendar: December 2015
Prepare for a flurry of fun to wrap up 2015! Enjoy plenty of engaging (and delicious!) December activities to draw the crowds into your library.
6 Myths About Diversity in Early Childhood Storytimes (and How We Can Read Diverse Books in Our Library’s Storytime Now)
Our population is becoming more and more diverse, with the youngest generation leading the way. We owe it to all our readers to offer diverse books during storytime, deepening the connections we are making and furthering our goal of building a solid reading foundation.
Choose an A+ Source Activity Guide
Solve the mystery about credible sources! Use the fresh ideas in this FREE Upstart activity guide to help students better evaluate sources and put them hot on the trail of A+ sources!
Be a Good Digital Citizen Activity Guide
Help students become good digital citizens. Download a free activity guide from Upstart that includes interactive activities, online video references and games.
Libraries: Making a Difference in Early Childhood Brain Development
When children are not given opportunities to experience language through books and other interactions, disparities develop that can last a lifetime. Pediatrician Dr. Navsaria teaches us how to combat this and empower parents!
Children’s Activity Calendar: November 2015
We’re not talking turkey! There are plenty of creative November activities you can play up to encourage more people to check out your library. Have a look.
The Little Engineers Who Could: Adding STEAM to Preschool Storytimes
“Play is really the work of childhood.” Fred Rogers was right — incorporating STEAM into preschool storytimes sets a strong foundation for future learning.
How Will You Make Your Mark on International Dot Day?
International Dot Day celebrates mentorship and its power to foster self-discovery, creativity and courage. How will you inspire and encourage this year?
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten: Early Literacy DIY
Thinking of extending early literacy learning into the homes in your community? 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten initiatives are a great way to give families the tools they need to prepare their children for later reading success.
4 Powerful Ways 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Prepares Kids for School
Deliver a powerful message to caregivers through the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program — books are all kids need to be ready for school!
1000 Books Before Kindergarten: A Passive Program with Enormous Benefits!
Looking for a cost-effective, parent-led library program that can have huge returns on early literacy in your community? Get the lowdown on 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten and find out how easy it is to start this program in your library!
Children’s Activity Calendar: September 2015
You’re in the fall swing of things and now is a great time to showcase your library’s many colors and programs. Get ideas for September activities, holidays and observances.
Get Started With 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
It’s easier than ever to have a 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program at your library. Get ideas on scaling the program to suit your needs. Plus, get a free step-by-step guide!
List of Reading Strategies: 8 Tips to Reach Every Reader
From fun displays to multimedia and guest speakers at your school, this list of reading strategies will help you win over kids and foster a love of reading.
Talk to Me, Baby: The Research Behind Language Development
Crack the code on what baby babbling really means. As babies make these noises, they’re making important progress toward language development: they’re literally finding their voice! Learn about the importance of encouraging baby babble and ways your storytime can do just that.
Makerspaces in Schools: Creating STEAM Connections
Makerspaces in schools build students’ interests and competencies in STEM. See how to increase innovation and collaboration between librarians and classroom teachers.
3 Research-proven Ways Libraries Help Fight Summer Slide
Summer library programs can reduce or eliminate summer slide! Check out the latest best practices for countering learning loss during the summer months.
Learn the Secrets to Successful Sensory Storytimes
Children with developmental disabilities can struggle in traditional storytimes. As a result, their caretakers may avoid bringing them to library programs. Find out how you can help all families feel welcome and address children’s learning needs with sensory storytimes.
Children’s Activity Calendar: May 2015
May is the perfect time to flex your reading muscles and reach even more readers with great new ideas, displays and resources! Catch up on all the holidays happening in May 2015.
Training 21st-Century Research Ninjas
Research skills are essential for college and career readiness in the 21st century. Prepare students to be research ninjas!
Children’s Activity Calendar: March 2015
Let your creativity blossom as you celebrate March holidays and observances in your library. Get great ideas for Dr. Seuss’ birthday, Youth Art Month, National Craft Month and more.
Secrets to Selecting High-quality Storytime Books
With countless classic tales and tens of thousands of new children’s books published each year, selecting books for storytime can seem overwhelming. We’ve got just the fix. Gain helpful hints for choosing read-aloud books for your next storytime.
4 Ways Art in Storytime Makes Kids Smarter
From encouraging fine motor movement to expanding vocabularies, art plays an important role in strengthening the skills our children need to succeed in the 21st century. Learn more about the benefits of incorporating art into storytimes and get 10 tips for talking to kids about art.
Want to Make Your Library the Go-to Place for Playtime? Here’s How!
At the La Crosse Public Library in WI, children pretend to shop at a farmers market, tell stories on flannel boards and play parachute games. See how playtime at the library builds early literacy skills in a natural way and learn how you can create an engaging children’s environment, even on a budget.
Children’s Activity Calendar: April 2015
Spring is in the air! Get crowd-pleasing and library-friendly ideas for April Fools’ Day, National Library Week and more. You may even learn about holidays and observances you didn’t know existed!
Children’s Activity Calendar: February 2015
February is known for Valentine’s Day, but there’s so much more to do this month! Get great ideas for your library programming, such as celebrating Library Lovers Month, Black History Month and more.
Catch a Child with a Tale
Find out how folktales, fairy tales and other traditional stories can capture children’s imagination AND help them develop important literacy skills.
STEAM & the Maker Mentality for School-age Youth
Want to engage kids in STEAM learning at your library? In this webinar, we’ll explore a range of programming ideas that work at any library, regardless of space or budget.
Be a Research Ninja Activity Guide
Hi-YA! Your battle of finding effective and interactive learning activities is over. The research ninjas' activity guide packs an educational punch.
8 Tips for Planning Successful Mixed-age Storytimes
In an ideal world, libraries would be able to offer an array of storytimes designed to meet the varying developmental needs of young children at different ages and stages. But, this isn’t always the case. Get tips on creating successful mixed-age storytimes for kids.
STEM-sational Learning: What to Look for in Early Childhood Programming
Did you know that some preschool curriculums only spend 58 seconds of a five-hour day on math education? STEM skills are invaluable but often overlooked in early education. Learn to integrate these skills into your STEM curriculum and help your youngest learners succeed.
Explore Nonfiction Activity Guide
Snowflakes and sharks. What do they have in common? Glorious nonfiction! From nonfiction books for kids to truth trivia, foster a love of this genre.
Debates & Common Core Speaking and Listening Skills
Looking for a way to incorporate speaking and listening standards into projects? Look no further! See LibrarySparks’ tips for holding a student debate that draws on students’ reading, writing, and speaking and listening skills.
Catch a Dragon by the Tale Activity Guide
What has scales, breathes fire and gets kids excited about learning? No, not dragons. Dragon activities! Check out dragon-themed book lists, games and decor.
How Using Apps in Storytime Can Be a Good Thing
Children today are born as digital natives, surrounded by cell phones, televisions, tablets, computers and other media. See how one Youth Services Librarian is using storytimes to help parents find and use the best apps for early literacy learning.
Library Lessons: Picture Books for Kids
Picture books capture children’s attention while building essential literacy skills. Get started with book recommendations, resources and a library lesson plan from LibrarySparks.
Why You Should be Promoting Playtime at Your Library
According to researchers, children’s participation in unstructured playtime is crucial to laying a foundation for literacy success. Learn how to maximize the positive effects of play through storytimes and parent involvement.
Children’s Activity Calendar: January 2015
Did you know that there is an Appreciate a Dragon Day in January? You do now. View the January calendar for more fun kids activities and programming ideas.
Raising Healthy Readers
Raise healthy readers! See how one doctor uses well-child visits to build early literacy skills, providing books to children and encouraging parents to be active in their children’s learning.
Helping Reluctant Readers in a Common Core World
How do you nurture a child’s interest in reading and support Common Core Standards? Learn 4 ways to help reluctant readers reach Common Core objectives.
Boost Early Literacy Skills Through Storytimes
See how librarians can promote early literacy skills through enriched storytimes. During these storytimes, librarians model activities that parents and caregivers can practice at home with their children to boost reading readiness.
Children’s Activity Calendar: December 2014
Celebrate the season and December’s many special days with book suggestions and holiday activities for kids. You won’t believe all the ideas that await you.
4 Simple Storytelling Tips to Teach Parents
Learn about the benefits of sharing stories and how you can model best practices for caregivers. Plus — get our caregiver handout, “10 Tips for Sharing Stories.”
Engaging Nonfiction Library Displays and Activities
Six library displays and activities that support Common Core State Standards and help you inspire and challenge kids to read more nonfiction material.
Children’s Activity Calendar: November 2014
Fall into some great ideas for kids, teens and adults alike with our November activity calendar! You’ll benefit from new angles to engage readers and your community with your library.
Pete the Cat® Reading Program Activity Guide
This activity guide is the cat’s meow! Celebrate Pete and all kinds of cats as you motivate readers. Read in the Kitty Corner, play games with buttons and shoes and have everyone draw their own cat!
Reading Is Our Thing! Dr. Seuss Reading Program Activity Guide
This activity guide has everything you need for a Seuss-sational program to get kids exploring the wonderful world of books! Practice creative rhyming, have a family literacy night and play in some oobleck!
Fetch a Good Book! Reading Program Activity Guide
Bow WOW! There are so many doggone fun activities packed in this reading activity guide! Make an origami dog, have a barking contest, eat some puppy chow and fetch a good book to read in the dog house!
Support the Core with Close Reading Strategies
Educators have students take a second look and even a third look at texts. This deeper study of text is called close reading, and it’s helping prepare students to meet the text analysis requirements of the Common Core State Standards. But, how can you help students get the most out of close reading? Read this post to learn more about effective close reading strategies.
Check Out What Happened at The Digital Shift
Catch the highlights from Library Journal’s recent virtual tradeshow, The Digital Shift: Libraries @ the Center and see how they apply to you.
Common Core: Partnership, Instruction and Advocacy in the Elementary School Library
Grow your confidence and secure your spot in your school! Author and Library Media Specialist, Toni Buzzeo, explains how Common Core standards align with school librarians’ skills, how to partner with teachers and how to seize the opportunity to play an even stronger role in education.
Want to Take a Powerful Approach to Storytime?
Sue McCleaf Nespeca, a youth services librarian and early childhood education expert, has traveled across the country to train librarians in research-based best practices for early literacy learning. During her travels, she heard a common plea: How could librarians incorporate best practices into storytimes? Learn more about how Sue turned research into action with The Very Ready Reading Program.
The New Storytime for Kids: Putting Research into Action
Sound familiar? Crucial need for family literacy services. Limited resources. See how a new storytime for kids approach was the solution for a Washington library.
Finding Funding for Early Literacy Programs
Two-thirds of U.S. 4th graders can’t read proficiently at grade level, but research shows early literacy programs can help. Get tips on finding and writing literacy grants.
Enriching Early Literacy Storytimes: Small Steps, Big Results
Did you know the #1 determinant of successful language and literacy development is parental involvement? Learn what small steps you and parents can take to yield big results for children.
Library Lessons: Bullying Prevention
Start a conversation about bullying while teaching students crucial literacy skills. Get 10 children’s book recommendations and a free library lesson plan to introduce young readers to the concept of bullying.
Common Core: An Unparalleled Opportunity for Elementary School Librarians to Shine
Wondering how you fit into the new Common Core world? Author and librarian Toni Buzzeo leads a lively discussion and offers pointers on how you can become an indispensable instructional leader at your school.
The Very Ready Reading Program
Looking for a research-based early literacy solution? Hear about the science behind The Very Ready Program, how to maximize children’s brain development and 7 ways to easily get parents involved.
Be A Smart Cookie! Activity Guide
Mmmm mmmm. Knowledge is sweet. Try a bakery-themed reading corner in your library, mixing up fun with “dough,” toy mixer and some cookies (real or faux, you decide). So many ideas in this indulgent activity guide!
Take Your Child to the Library Activity Guide
Oh, the places a child can go when they visit the library. How will you make National Take Your Child to the Library Day better than ever? Get some fresh ideas on how to set the scene and rock this holiday.
Book Camp Activity Guide
Hup 1 * 2 * 3. Learn the secrets to creating a reading regimen for kids that helps them be all they can be. Gain ideas on how to transform your library into a reading base camp or how to bring an obstacle course to life.
Joe Bright and the Seven Genre Dudes Activity Guide
What’s a genre? Kind of hard to describe, huh? That’s why the 7 genre dudes are here. They’re quite the characters and in no time kids will understand the differences between each of the genres and which ones they want to get to know better.
Kick It Up Read! Activity Guide
Martial arts in the library!? Definitely! Instill skill, discipline, fitness, confidence and positive mindset in your young warriors. Get ideas for dynamic displays and more. For example, find out how to create a map showing the many places in the world that have martial arts traditions. Learning good, karate good, everything good.