AtoZ Blogging Challenge – Passive Programming

Program Name: DIY Programs

What: Passive programs are a librarians best friend when you’re short on staff, space and money. These programs can be super simple and easy to create and allow patrons the chance to participate any time they stop in the library, rather than attending a program on a specific day and time.

Where: These programs work great in areas that see a lot of traffic – to allow for as many people to participate as possible. We’ll often have something set up at one of our table displays, a table in the children’s department or it can even be at a public desk (reference or circulation)

When: You can offer these programs at any time of year – if you’re in a university setting you’ll definitely want something during the first few weeks of school to encourage students to visit and during finals weeks as students need a break from studying.

Who: These programs can be for any ages, but works best with kids who are already reading (so they can follow instructions) to adults.

How: Figure out what type of program you’ll offer, organize it and set it up, create clear instructions for patrons and then offer a raffle prize at the end of time period if necessary.

Alternatives:

• Scavenger hunts are always really popular – many libraries will hide their mascot around the library for the kids to find. But you could also have people search for clues to find a “treasure.”
• You can order a table-sized coloring sheet for patrons to color in.
• Have a puzzle set out on a table for patrons to put together as they have time.
• Start a story and ask patrons to add another line.
• Have a card making station, see my previous post about what we’ve done.

During the month of April, I’ll be participating in the 2018 Blogging from A to Z Challenge. For this year’s theme, I’ll be offering you a library program plan with everything you to need to re-create it at your own library. Most of these programs we’ve offered in the past, others are programs I’d like to try in the future. I’m always looking for new inspiration and I thought you might be too!