AtoZ Blogging Challenge – Unique Crafting

Program Name: Crafternoon

What: This has been a hugely successful craft for kids and library staff alike – we called it Crafternoon! We pulled out all our craft materials – things that have a few pieces, extra leftovers from other crafts, pieces that we don’t have enough to use for another program – whatever leftovers we can find that kids would like to use, plus the regulars – glue, paint, crayons tape, scissors, etc.

Where: We offer this program in our meeting room – providing all the craft materials on a few tables.

When: This is a perfect program to provide on a day the kids have off from school, when the library is open. This program could be also a great program to host after school or as a weekend program.

Who: This program can be geared toward elementary school students through high school students and as I said the kids absolutely loved spending time creating and exploring new craft materials without having to follow strict instructions. I don’t think kids get a chance to be creative in this way very often and it’s wonderful to see their imagination at work.

How: This is a really great program for staff as I said, it gets rid of a lot of extra craft supplies you might not use otherwise, plus this program takes very little staff time as the staff doesn’t need to prepare anything and needs to be in the space to oversee the program, but not really lead anything.

Alternatives:

• Makerspaces are another alternative to creative/art programs that many libraries now offer.
• Basic classes in painting, needlepoint, drawing, etc. could be offered by local arts stores or art teachers in the area.

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!