Too Old for Story Time; Too Young for the Teen Scene: Libraries as Gathering Place for “In-Betweens”

1. Too Old for Story Time; Too Young for the Teen Scene: Libraries as Gathering Place for “In-Betweens” Elizabeth Matson Christy Valentine Maricopa County Library District

2. Rationale Library Programming Trend Story Time – develop early literacy skills Teen Council – community involvement (civic responsibility) What about the in-betweens (5-12 year olds)?

3. Goal 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.

4. Just 4 Kidz Programs for 7 – 11 year olds at Queen Creek Branch Library Maricopa County Library District

5. Jan – Apr 2009 • Once a month for 3 – 4 months in Spring & Fall • Sign up available at desk an hour before hand Spies & Super Sleuths Get Slimed! Knitting Percy Jackson & The Olympians

6. 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:) • ______________________________________

8. Staples • Origami • Book (Movie)-Inspired • Crafts • Junior Mad Scientists • http://qclibjust4kidz.wordpress.com

20. Things I’ve Learned … • Keep It Simple • Having Helpers Helps! • Programs Promote Books • Take Time to Build Your Audience • Use Your Strengths & Invite Guests

21. Challenges … • Keeping Up With Demand • Transitioning Kidz to Teen Programs

22. Demonstration Slime …

23. Tweens in Fountain Hills Programs for 5 – 8 & 9 – 12 year olds at Fountain Hills Branch Library Maricopa County Library District

24. History 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.

25. Write On! 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.

26. Lightbulb Lab 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!

27. Demonstration Air Pressure …

28. Conclusion 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.

29. Questions