What Makes for High-Quality Out-of-Classroom Experiences?
Learn how makerspaces, after-school programs, and other out-of-classroom experiences can help connect learning to student’s lives and the rest of the world.
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Adult Activity Calendar: December 2019
Say farewell to 2019 with a December calendar full of adult programming! Find engaging activities, book and display ideas, dates in history, and more!
Teen Activity Calendar: December 2019
Help teens bid 2019 adieu with engaging teen programming ideas in December. Find ideas for notable celebrations, STEAM projects, books, crafts, and more.
How to Promote Digital Citizenship in the School Library
Librarians and educators are tasked with the important job of helping students become good digital citizens. Get ideas and resources for ways you can teach students to be safe online and leave a positive digital footprint.
Children’s Activity Calendar: November 2019
There’s so much to be thankful for in your library this November! Spread the joy with a month of creative children’s programming, including activities, craft projects, book ideas, and fun celebrations, like World Kindness Day.
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: November 2019
Give parents another reason to be thankful in November with a month full of early literacy activities for crafts, math and science projects, books, fun celebrations, and much more.
How Makerspaces Support Social and Emotional Learning
Makerspaces offer students the space and the opportunity to develop critical 21st century skills, but they also play a part in students’ social-emotional development. Find out the key benefits that makerspaces offer and how to maximize their impact on student development.
4 Reasons You Should Create a Makerspace
Your reasons to create a makerspace should be as unique as the needs of your teachers and students. Use these ideas from master maker Nick Provenzano to help you think through why you want to build an amazing resource for makers in your school or library.
A New Approach to Library Programming
Finding high-quality library programming and activity ideas is a struggle. Learn about the new kits that Milton Public Library used to keep their tween patrons engaged in the library.
Getting Started with 3D Printing
Have you been thinking about introducing students to 3D printing but you’re not sure where to start? Get tips from master maker Nick Provenzano about why and how to bring 3D printing into your curriculum.
Adult Activity Calendar: November 2019
Encourage your patrons to get cozy in the library with a November adult programming calendar filled with engaging activities, book and display suggestions, interesting dates, celebrations, and more!
Teen Activity Calendar: November 2019
Give teens lots of reasons to be thankful for the library this month! The November calendar features creative teen programming ideas for STEAM projects, notable birthdays, books, and celebrations, like National Novel Writing Month and National American Indian Heritage Month.
Children’s Activity Calendar: October 2019
Kick off a spooktacular October in your library with this children’s programming calendar! Matthew Winner offers engaging activities, craft projects, book suggestions, and more to celebrate not only Halloween, but also National Cookie Month and much more!
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: October 2019
Find Spooktacular early literacy activities in this October calendar. Get craft ideas, math and science activities, book suggestions, and more to celebrate not only Halloween, but also fun days like National Pumpkin Day and much more.
Start the School Year with Maker Education
Get the school year off to a great start with these ideas for incorporating maker activities into back-to-school events (and get even more ideas for keeping the momentum going throughout the year).
How One Maker Cart Transformed Hands-On Learning for an Entire School
Two years ago, educators at Mineral Point Middle and High Schools found it difficult to plan maker activities and find the supplies and tools required. After they got the TeacherGeek Maker Cart, their problems were solved and hands-on, project-based learning reached new heights throughout the school.
Adult Activity Calendar: October 2019
Engage your patrons with an October adult programming calendar full of fun activities, book and display suggestions, and celebrations, like National Cookie Month and National Fossil Day.
Teen Activity Calendar: October 2019
The October calendar features a variety of creative teen library program ideas, including craft projects, suggestions for book discussions, and fun celebrations, like National Popcorn Poppin’ Month and World Animal Day.
Children’s Activity Calendar: September 2019
Welcome fall in your library with the September children’s activity calendar! Find fun celebrations, engaging activities, interesting books, and more.
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: September 2019
Help parents build early literacy skills at home in September! You’ll find craft activities, math and science projects, books celebrations, and fun celebrations, like Teddy Bear Day and National Play-Doh Day.
Your Summer Learning Program Questions Answered
Do you have questions about how you can make your summer reading or learning program easier and more streamlined? We’ve answered some of the common questions to help make your program a success.
Tips for Reflecting On and Evaluating Your Library Programs
Learn the questions to ask to determine the success of your library program and gain the insight you need to improve and market your future programs.
Adult Activity Calendar: September 2019
Say hello to fall with a September calendar full of creative adult programming ideas, including activities, book and display suggestions, dates in history, and more!
Teen Activity Calendar: September 2019
The September calendar offers fun teen library program ideas, such as craft projects, book suggestions, unique activities, and more!
Rethinking Summer Learning: How Dallas Public Library Increased Its Impact
Learn how Dallas Public Library added more summer learning opportunities to inspire curiosity in science, math, art, reading, and technology.
Children’s Activity Calendar: August 2019
Summer went by fast, but there’s still plenty of fun to have in August. This children’s activity calendar offers exciting celebrations, book suggestions, craft projects, and more!
How Kendallville Public Library Reinvigorated Their Summer Program
Learn how Kendallville Public Library (KPL) transformed their summer program and freed up staff time and energy for developing new programs, community outreach, and more.
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: August 2019
Give parents fun ways to transition their little ones into fall with an August calendar full of early literacy activities. Get ideas for crafts, math and science activities, books, and fun celebrations, like Friendship Day and Coloring Book Day.
Practical Strategies to Connect Making and Literacy
Looking for fun ways to boost literacy learning? Look no further than your makerspace! Dr. Jacie Maslyk shares strategies for integrating maker learning with literacy and helping students demonstrate their understanding in language arts through something they design, make, or engineer.
What’s the Difference Between Summer Reading and Summer Learning?
See how summer learning differs from summer reading and get a few ideas to implement it in your library’s program this summer.
5 Questions You Need to Be Asking Yourself for Next School Year
The new school year always brings a wealth of opportunities to try new things. Matthew Winner provides questions you can ask yourself to jump-start your thinking, new ideas for your classroom or library, and plenty of resources to make the next school year the best one yet!
Lessons That Connect Making and Children’s Literature
Children’s literature provides the perfect springboard into maker projects, which can help extend learning and boost student engagement. Dr. Jacie Maslyk gives you starter ideas to help you connect making activities with literature.
Adult Activity Calendar: August 2019
Fall is just around the corner, but summer fun is still in full swing at your library! The August adult programming calendar is full of ideas for displays, books, interesting dates in history, and celebrations, like Dog Day and Relaxation Day.
Teen Activity Calendar: August 2019
Summer may be winding down, but the fun at your library doesn’t have to! Get teens engaged with an August calendar full of craft projects, book discussion ideas, and fun celebrations, like Book Lover’s Day and Bad Poetry Day.
Children’s Activity Calendar: July 2019
Keep summer boredom at bay in your library with the July children’s activity calendar! Find exciting activities, book suggestions, craft projects, and fun celebrations, like National Anti-Boredom Month and Video Game Day.
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: July 2019
Help parents keep their little ones entertained this summer with a month full of early literacy activities in July. Get ideas for crafts, math and science activities, books, songs, and fun celebrations, like National Ice Cream Day and National Moon Day.
How to Make Plans for Your Makerspace Over the Summer
Great educators are always looking for new things to try and ways to enhance their lessons — but who has the time to do all the research? Diana Rendina suggests resources you can take advantage of over the summer — or anytime you have free time — to upgrade, reimagine, or enrich your makerspace.
Why Maker Learning Works for Our English Language Learners
The enrollment of English language learners is rapidly growing, and it’s important to explore strategies that will support the development of both their language and social skills. Maker learning is one pathway you should consider to achieve this, says Dr. Jacie Maslyk.
Summer Learning: Your Journey to Success
Thinking about switching from summer reading to a summer learning program? Get step-by-step guidance with this summer learning roadmap.
What School Librarians Have to Say About Genrefication
Learn more about the challenges, logistics, and benefits of genrefication from school librarians who are putting it into practice.
Adult Activity Calendar: July 2019
What better way for adult patrons to spend the dog days of summer than cooling off at your library? The July adult programming calendar is full of fun ideas for displays, books, interesting dates in history, and more.
Teen Activity Calendar: July 2019
Hooray for summer! Get teens engaged in your library with a July calendar full of STEM projects, book discussion ideas, and activities based on important dates in history.
Children’s Activity Calendar: June 2019
Get kids in the spirit of summer in your library with the June children’s activity calendar! Find exciting activities, book suggestions, craft projects, and fun celebrations, like Best Friends Day and Sunglasses Day.
How to Define Success in Your Makerspace
Formal school assessments drive everything from funding to curriculum decisions, but should they have a place in your makerspace? Learn why maker educator Heather Lister thinks evaluating maker projects can provide valuable information to both educators and students and gain resources for creating your own rubrics.
Small Steps to Summer Learning Your Library Can Make Today
Feeling overwhelmed about making the switch from summer reading to summer learning? Instead of changing your entire program all at once, start with these simple moves.
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: June 2019
Keep little ones happy this summer with a month full of early literacy activities in June. Get ideas for crafts, STEM activities, books, songs, and fun celebrations, like Best Friends Day and Repeat Day.
3 Common Misconceptions About Summer Learning
Are you overwhelmed by all the information and opinions about switching from summer reading to summer learning? We’ve debunked a few common summer learning myths so you can make the transition with confidence.
3 Reasons You Need Whiteboards in Your Library or Classroom
Looking for easy ways to spark collaboration and creativity in your learning space? Look no further than whiteboard surfaces, says maker educator Diana Rendina. From dry-erase tables to removable sticky tiles, there are myriad ways you can inspire kids to learn and create.
4 Strategies to Find Your Makerspace “Why” and 3 Reasons You Should
Do you have good a good reason behind why you want to start a makerspace? Taking the time to craft a vision for your space will ensure that it’s successful. The question is, how do you find your “why”? Seasoned maker Heather Lister gives you four strategies to help you define your vision and makerspace goals, as well as ways to measure your success.
Good Grief! Using Your School Makerspace for Compassion and Healing
School makerspaces can play a pivotal role in helping students cope with grief and loss. Get makerspace programming ideas and tips on how to facilitate compassionate making projects.
Adult Activity Calendar: June 2019
Inspire your adult patrons to spend quality time at the library this summer! Get display suggestions, interesting dates in history, and creative ideas to celebrate LGBT Pride Month, Global Running Day, and more!
Teen Activity Calendar: June 2019
Summer has arrived, and what better place for teens to spend those long summer days than at the library? The June calendar is filled with fun crafts, cool displays, and exciting celebrations, like LGBT Pride Month and Best Friends Day.
Children’s Activity Calendar: May 2019
The school year is winding down, but that doesn’t mean the fun stops in your library! The May children’s activity calendar offers exciting activities, book suggestions, craft projects, and fun celebrations, like Lost Sock Memorial Day and Love a Tree Day.
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: May 2019
Make parents happy with a month full of early literacy activities to do at home this May. Get ideas for crafts, STEM activities, books, songs, and fun celebrations, like May Day and National Space Day.
Top 8 Products to Teach Engineering Skills
As a critical component of STEM learning, engineering is an important skill to teach kids starting at a young age. Discover eight engaging tools to use in your makerspace or classroom that will get kids designing, building, and using their imaginations, from building blocks to curriculum-based activity kits.
I Have $1000 to Start a Makerspace: What Should I Buy?
Are you applying for a grant to start your makerspace? Or maybe you’ve already won a grant or received a donation. Regardless of how you received the funds, chances are you need to make some quick but thoughtful decisions about what to buy. To help you decide, maker educator Diana Rendina recommends some tried-and-true tools for your makerspace.
How Cabot School District Boosted STEM Learning Outcomes with the Demco Maker Collection
When Cabot School District in Arkansas decided to focus on STEM learning in their makerspaces, they wanted a solution that would not only provide engaging, student-driven learning opportunities, but that would also make it easy for educators to get started. Discover how the Demco Maker Collection is getting kids and educators alike excited about STEM learning.
How to Connect Making to the Curriculum
Having a school makerspace allows teachers to increase learning opportunities for students and build connections across grade levels and content areas. Read examples of making throughout the curriculum and gain ideas for your own classroom.
How to Hold a Successful Tech Outreach Program for Seniors
Robots and tech gadgets aren’t just for kids! Learn tips and tricks for running a tech outreach program for seniors that promotes socialization, fosters interaction, and boosts overall well-being (and is just plain fun!).
Adult Activity Calendar: May 2019
Need adult programming ideas? The May calendar will inspire patrons to celebrate Mental Health Month and make a library visit part of their wellness plan.
Teen Activity Calendar: May 2019
Spring is in full swing in your library with a May calendar full of teen programming ideas, like crafting paper flower bouquets, as well as fun celebrations, like Cartoonist Day; interesting dates in history; and more!
Children’s Activity Calendar: April 2019
It’s not an April Fools’ joke – the April children’s activity calendar offers a month full of exciting programming. Find fun celebrations, like National Poetry Month; book suggestions; crafts; and more!
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: April 2019
Give parents fun ways to build literacy skills at home this April with a month full of early literacy activities they can do with their little ones. Find fun celebrations, like Animal Crackers Day; craft ideas; book suggestions; and more!
3 Must-Have Furniture Products for Your Makerspace
When it comes to furnishing your makerspace, it can be tricky finding the right pieces to meet all of your needs. Sometimes, it’s hard to know what you need until you get your space up and running. That’s why we’ve done some of the homework for you. Check out three innovative makerspace furniture products available only from Demco that provide creative work surfaces and mobile seating and storage while helping you keep your space organized.
4 Ways to Build a Maker Culture in Your School
Having all the goodies is great, says educator Diana Rendina, but to build a thriving makerspace, you also need to spend time on nurturing the maker culture in your school. Read on for practical ideas you can implement right away.
Makerspace Tour: University Liggett School
[VIDEO] Maker educator Nick Provenzano teamed up with Demco’s interior design experts to create three separate spaces for making that follow the design process. Read about his schools’ new tools and furnishings and take a video tour of the space.
Adult Activity Calendar: April 2019
April is Stress Awareness Month, the perfect time to encourage patrons to relax at your library with these adult programming ideas from Trisha Frankland.
Teen Activity Calendar: April 2019
Encourage teens to get creative in your library this April with teen programming ideas, book suggestions, crafts, and fun celebrations from Trisha Frankland.
Children’s Activity Calendar: March 2019
Let the creativity flow in your library this March with a children’s activity calendar full of activities, book suggestions, crafts, fun celebrations like Youth Art Month, and much more!
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: March 2019
Welcome spring with a March calendar full of early literacy activities parents can do at home with their little ones. Find craft ideas, math and science activities, book suggestions, songs, and much more!
How to Introduce Flexible Seating to Students and Parents
You’re ready to make the change to a flexible seating classroom, but how do you get parents and students on board? Find out with helpful tips and free downloads and start making parents and students your biggest flexible seating advocates.
How to Choose the Right Makerspace Cart
You’ve got all the maker stuff, but where are you going to store it? Whether your supplies are on the move or stay in one place, the right makerspace cart can make all the difference. Find out how to choose a cart that work best for your space and discover six educator favorites.
Keys to Making Flexible Seating Arrangements Work
Where will my students put their things? How often can they change seats? How do I prevent arguments over seating choices? If you’re thinking about implementing flexible seating, this post will provide you all these answers and more.
Tips for Implementing Flexible Seating in Your Learning Space
Learn what you need to consider before implementing flexible seating in your library or classroom, and get tips on how to make a smooth transition when you make the move.
Adult Activity Calendar: March 2019
Promote nutrition and health in your library this March with adult programming ideas that include display suggestions, crafts, fun celebrations, and more!
Teen Activity Calendar: March 2019
Keep teens feeling lucky this March with a month full of fun celebrations, book suggestions, STEAM activities, and much more!
Children’s Activity Calendar: February 2019
Celebrate Library Lovers’ Month and feel the love all February long with fun children’s activities, book suggestions, craft projects, and much more!
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: February 2019
Spread the love in February with a month full of early literacy activities parents can do at home with their little ones. Find craft ideas, math and science activities, book suggestions, songs, and much more!
Adult Activity Calendar: February 2019
Find display suggestions, craft projects, and passive adult programming ideas to celebrate unique holidays, birthdays, interesting dates in history, and much more!
Teen Activity Calendar: February 2019
Get teen programming ideas and book suggestions to celebrate fun days like Make a Friend Day, National Weatherperson’s Day, National Walk Your Dog Day, and much more!
What Happened When We Introduced Our Students to the Demco Maker Collection
Find out about the learning that took place when one administrator introduced her elementary schools to the Demco Maker Collection with Challenge Guide.
5 Space-Themed Makerspace Activities
Learning about the mysteries of outer space appeals to all ages. Pair these five space-themed makerspace activities with a research lesson or create stations for STEM night to spark imaginations.
Children’s Activity Calendar: January 2019
Welcome 2019 with a month of fun and creative children’s activities! In the January calendar, you’ll find book suggestions, craft projects, unique celebrations, and much more.
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: January 2019
Help parents get the new year off to a fun start with early literacy activities they can do at home with their little ones. In the January calendar, you’ll find unique days to celebrate, like National Sticker Day, as well as craft ideas, book suggestions, and much more!
Flexible Seating Picks for Your Active Learning Environment
Looking to add flexible seating to your learning space, but not sure where to start? Meet the needs of all your students by offering different options. Choose from low seating, floor seating, soft seating and standing options to set your students up for learning success!
Top 5 Coding Products for All Ages
Computer programming is now considered a skill that is necessary for success in the 21st century workplace, and many schools and libraries are taking the lead in giving everyone an opportunity to learn this critical skill. Meet five creative, inclusive products that make it easy to introduce coding to kids and adults alike.
Adult Activity Calendar: January 2019
Inspire your patrons to get 2019 off to a positive start with the January adult programming calendar from Trisha Frankland.
Teen Activity Calendar: January 2019
Kick off the new year in your library this January with fun library program ideas for teens. Trisha Frankland shares celebrations, book suggestions, bulletin board ideas and more!
These Are the Students Who Benefit from Maker Education
Making is not only for students who excel in math and science or who are exceptionally artistic. Makerspaces benefit students with academic and behavioral barriers to learning, as well as students who are nonverbal or those whose first language isn’t English. Discover the many benefits of maker education and how it offers every child an opportunity for hands-on learning.
Children’s Activity Calendar: December 2018
The holiday spirit is in the air — and in your library! The December children’s activity calendar offers festive celebrations, book suggestions, craft projects and more.
Early Literacy Activity Calendar: December 2018
This holiday season, give parents the gift of early literacy activities they can do at home with their little ones. The December calendar includes celebrations, craft ideas, math and science activities, book suggestions, songs and much more!
What Happens When School Leaders Say Yes to Maker Learning
What happens when administrators give their staff permission to try new things? Learn how saying “yes” to makerspaces can result in powerful learning opportunities.
Adult Activity Calendar: December 2018
Make December merry with engaging adult programming in your library! Trisha Frankland offers display suggestions, craft projects, passive programming ideas and much more!
Teen Activity Calendar: December 2018
Spread cheer in your library this December with creative teen programming, book suggestions, bulletin board ideas and more.
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!
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!
My Students’ Favorite New Tool for Cardboard Projects
Maker expert Nick Provenzano saw firsthand how creative students could get when given the opportunity to create with cardboard. When he introduced Makedo™ tools to the mix, students took their creations to the next level.
3 K’NEX Design Challenges
Looking for ways to ramp up the STEM learning in your library or classroom? Take a closer look at K’NEX. K’NEX are a popular and versatile building tool for all age groups, and they allow students to quickly design, prototype and iterate. Get students’ gears turning with three quick K’NEX challenges from Diana Rendina.
Adult Activity Calendar: November 2018
This November, show your patrons you are thankful for them with creative adult programming ideas to celebrate National Novel Writing Month, Parents as Teachers Day, important dates in history and much more.
Teen Activity Calendar: November 2018
Help teens show their gratitude for others with creative programming ideas and book suggestions that celebrate Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday, Homeless Youth Awareness Month, National Adoption Month and 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 Hays 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.
Adult Activity Calendar: October 2018
Keep your patrons engaged this October with program ideas and book suggestions to highlight National Reading Group Month, American Archives Month, important dates in history and much more.
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.
Starting a Makerspace: 5 Things Every Administrator Needs to Know
Administrators play a key role in leading the charge for creativity and innovation in their schools. Find out how you can best support a makerspace initiative in your school or library from an administrator who has spearheaded new makerspaces in two different districts.
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!
Creating Authentic Design Experiences for Students
The real-world design challenge Diana Rendina gave her students resulted in a maker cart that is now manufactured by Custom Educational Furnishings (CEF) and offered through Demco. Read on to learn how you can offer your students authentic design challenges in your makerspace.
5 Reasons Makerspaces Belong in School Libraries
If you’re looking for validation that makerspaces belong in libraries, seasoned maker and librarian Diana Rendina has got you covered. Explore these 5 important reasons and share them with stakeholders to help them understand how a makerspace can benefit your school community.
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.
4 Design Challenges for Sphero®
If you’re familiar with Sphero®, you know that this tiny, highly engaging robot will have kids coding and creating in no time. Get students started with four popular design challenges from Diana Rendina.
Adult Activity Calendar: September 2018
It’s time to unveil autumn programming at your library. Laura Damon-Moore offers ideas and activities for celebrating fun festivities such as Good Neighbor Day, National Grandparents Day, and, of course, National Read a Book Day.
Teen Activity Calendar: September 2018
September is National Library Card Sign-up Month — what better time to draw teens into your library? Laura Damon-Moore shares craft projects, game ideas, book suggestions and more to entice teens to visit the library again and again!
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 Elevate Cardboard Projects in Your Makerspace
Cardboard is the perfect medium to get your kids started with making – it’s free, it’s abundant, and what kid doesn’t see potential in a cardboard box? Learn how makerspace veteran Angela Rosheim helps her students take their cardboard creations to the next level with Makedo™ tools and connectors.
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.
4 Tips for Making Your Library Spaces Multifunctional
Ready to take on the challenge of choosing new furniture for your library? The right furniture choices can help you make small spaces seem a lot larger or make your casual spaces great for work as well. Use these tips to create multifunctional library spaces that meet your users’ many needs.
Adult Activity Calendar: August 2018
Summer will be winding down in August, and it’s the perfect time to plan library programs for adults that celebrate National Simplify Your Life Week, National Book Lovers Day and National Relaxation Day. So grab a good book, put your feet up and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
Teen Activity Calendar: August 2018
Make the most of the final weeks of summer this August with teen library programs that celebrate Friendship Week, Women’s Equality Day, Coloring Book Day and more!
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 Get Students and Staff Excited About Your Makerspace
You’ve prepped, planned and set up your makerspace, now how do you make sure that students and staff use it? Nick Provenzano brings you ideas on how you can engage students and get staff excited about the learning opportunities offered by your makerspace.
4 Keys to Organizing Your Makerspace
Makerspaces can get messy! Do you have a strategy to stay organized? Angela Rosheim offers ideas to keep your school or library makerspace materials in order and easy to find. You’ll also get storage tips, ideas for handling works in progress and advice on how to get students to help keep your makerspace in order.
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.
Teach Math and Engineering Concepts With Rigamajig
After using their geometry skills to create string art, Winnetka fourth-graders supersized their projects using the hands-on makerspace tool Rigamajig. Learn how they created a giant-sized protractor and took their string art experience outdoors to apply engineering, math and art concepts.
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!
Tips for Choosing Makerspace Tools + 10 Favorites
There are so many great makerspace tools and supplies you could use in your unique space. But how do you choose which ones to buy on a limited budget? Expert Nick Provenzano gives you tips on what to keep in mind when figuring out the right tools for your space and shares some of his favorites.
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.
Adult Activity Calendar: June 2018
Kick off summer with library programs for adults that celebrate all things nature! Not only is June Great Outdoors Month, it’s also time to celebrate National Garden Week, Nature Photography Day and more.
Teen Activity Calendar: June 2018
Laura Damon-Moore shares STEM experiments, craft projects, summer reading lists and more programs for teens to kick off a spectacular summer at your library!
Tips for Creating a Space for Making
Deciding you want to create a makerspace is easy. Figuring out what it’s going to look like can be the tricky part. Read on for tips from Nicholas Provenzano, aka The Nerdy Teacher, about how to develop your creation space. Get advice on gaining more space in your library, considering instructional needs and choosing furniture for your space.
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!
5 Autism-friendly Maker Activities + Programming Tips
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects one in 68 children. You can use your makerspace not only to bring awareness to ASD, but also to engage children of all abilities. To celebrate Autism Awareness Month in April, Gina Seymour provides you with five maker activities and tips on how to offer programming that’s both inclusive and fun year-round.
#DemcoMakerChat Roundup: What Is Meaningful Making?
Did you miss the Feb. 22 #DemcoMakerChat about meaningful making? No worries! You can still learn from your peers about how to promote meaningful making in your makerspace. Here are some of the great responses shared during the chat. For the full archive, search #DemcoMakerChat on Twitter.
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!
33 Winning Summer Reading Program Ideas
Gathering ideas for your summer reading program? Look no further! We polled librarians and asked what their favorite and most effective programs were and they delivered. From teaming up with hometown heroes to STEM programming to taking your show on the road, there are so many exciting ways you can engage your community through summer reading.
A Poem for Every Reader, A Muse for Every Poet
April is National Poetry Month! Discover new ways to connect your students with poetry and get the wheels of creativity turning—in April and all year long.
How to Build Intrinsic Motivators Into Your Summer Reading Program
What’s the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivators? Librarian Amanda Bressler explains and provides tips on how to foster a love of reading in your young patrons by building intrinsic motivators into your summer reading program.
8 Activities to Celebrate National Humor Month
Laugh it up at the library this April! Celebrate National Humor Month with eight kids’ activities that are guaranteed to bring on the giggles.
Adult Activity Calendar: May 2018
Library Journal Mover and Shaker Emily Ellis shares library programs for adults that will promote health and happiness in your library and celebrate National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, National Salad Month and more!
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!
5 Tips for Funding Your Makerspace
In the second installment of the Demco Master Maker blog series, Nicholas Provenzano, aka The Nerdy Teacher, talks funding and gives you tips on how to build an engaging and educational makerspace.
3 Reasons to Move From Summer Reading to Summer Learning
Library summer reading programs are key to keeping kids engaged and learning over the summer, a time when many kids experience learning loss. Libraries are starting to take a closer look at their traditional programs and asking, “How can we have an ever bigger impact?” And some have already enhanced their programs by transforming them into a summer learning model. Learn the reasoning behind this change from Youth Services Supervisor Amanda Bressler, and gain 5 steps to get you started in your own transformation.
Maker Boot Camp Connects Kids and Technology
What happens when you create an Innovation Lab at your library where people can explore, learn new technology and share their knowledge? Everybody wants in! Learn how Chad Mairn from the Seminole Community Library designed a Maker Boot Camp just for kids to connect them to coding, robotics, circuitry and more.
Adult Activity Calendar: April 2018
Encourage your patrons to forget their troubles and grab a good book — Library Journal Mover and Shaker Emily Ellis shares engaging programming ideas for Drop Everything and Read Month, National Stress Awareness Day and more.
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.
7 Ways to Use StickTogether Mosaic Posters in Your Library
Need to add a little art to your STEAM makerspace? Looking for a way to motivate summer reading program participants? Love collaborative art pieces? Read what librarians shared about how they are using StickTogether mosaic posters for all this and more and steal some ideas for your own library!
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.
Adult Activity Calendar: March 2018
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and National Optimism Month with engaging adult programming ideas 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.
6 Tips for Writing a Successful Grant
You’re never at a loss for ways you could increase your library services to better serve your students and your community. Unfortunately, you don’t always have the funds to pursue your vision, but knowing how to write a winning grant application can help. Successful grant writer and educator Mary Bangert provides six tips for writing effective grants and getting the funds you need to support your mission.
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.
Reader Mailbox: Grant-writing Tips
You have so many ideas about new ways to serve your community, but how will you fund them? Library expert Cathy Hakala-Ausperk answers your questions about grants and gets you started on the road to funding success!
Adult Activity Calendar: January 2018
Winter blues setting in? Stave them off with a full month of fun library programs for adults from Library Journal Mover and Shaker Emily Ellis.
Teen Activity Calendar: January 2018
Library Journal Mover and Shaker Emily Ellis shares fun activities for teens to help them shake off the winter doldrums in your library!
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.
How to Use Data to Plan a Targeted Library Campaign
In the same way that companies use data to target specific customers, libraries can use data to identify supporters and plan a targeted library campaign. Learn how EveryLibrary uses data to inform their messaging and rally support for libraries — and how you can do the same.
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.
Tips for Outreach Services to Children’s Hospitals
Offering outreach services like bedside storytimes and volunteer training is an extremely rewarding way to support hospitalized children and their families. Gather tips and advice for reaching out to hospital staff, launching a partnership and designing your programs.
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.
Reader Mailbox: Flexible Seating and Active Classrooms
Flexible seating is becoming more and more popular in today’s schools. Maybe you’re thinking about trying it, but you still have more questions. See what questions our readers had and how our experts answered them.
Serving Adults With Disabilities at Your Library
Are you on the hunt for new ways to serve your community’s diverse population? Learn how Adult Services Manager Trinity Lescallett finds books and activities to engage adults with disabilities in her library, and gain resources for your own programs.
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!
6 Easy and Engaging Ideas for Passive Programming
Looking for simple, inexpensive passive programming? These effective, engaging and fun ideas are easy to implement and won’t break your budget!
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.
Makerspace Furniture Checklist + 9 Proven Products
You’re ready to start creating your makerspace, but what kind of furniture and seating will you need? Use this handy checklist to help you decide how you will you use your space and what you need to think about when choosing furnishings.
Librarians Share Their Best Book Repair Tips
Book repair got you down? You’ll be on your way to becoming a licensed book doctor with these tried-and-true tips from your peers. From prevention to cleaning to repair, these librarians have got you covered.
Library of Things: 2 Libraries Tell All
With more and more libraries curating Libraries of Things, library cards just got a little more powerful. Read how two libraries have jumped right in to offer unique collections to their patrons. You’ll learn about their new offerings, from wireless hotspots to yard games, and how they’re getting the word out to their communities.
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.
Adult Engagement Calendar: October 2017
Library Journal Mover and Shaker Emily Ellis shares tips, tricks and ideas for engaging adult library programming for the month of October.
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.
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!
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.
Why You Need to Turn Your Library Advocates into Library Activists
You and your staff are passionate advocates for your library. But what really matters when it comes down to gaining funding for your library? Patrick Sweeney from EveryLibrary shares with you why it’s important to build a network of activists who will take meaningful action for your library and its initiatives.
4 Things to Consider When Going From Library to Learning Commons
The role of the school library is expanding and it’s transforming the way students use your space and the services you provide. Learn from an award-winning library media specialist about what you need to think about when transforming your library to a learning commons model. From the services you provide to the instructional and study spaces you design, a little planning can go a long way.
Adult Engagement Calendar: September 2017
Library Journal Mover and Shaker Emily Ellis shares tips, tricks, and ideas for engaging adult library programming for the month of September.
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.
Top Furniture Picks for Collaborative Learning
From comfy seating options to powered tables for multimedia presentations, find out the hottest products for creating collaborative learning environments in your library.
Library Advice: Library Marketing Questions Answered
Marketing your library can be a struggle — you have so many great resources, but how can you promote all of them? And what’s the best way to get the word out? Library veteran Cathy Hakala-Ausperk offers advice for your marketing questions.
The St. Petersburg College Innovation Lab: A Technology Playground for the Community
After writing grants, garnering the support of the college foundation and finding community partners, St. Petersburg College’s Innovation Lab was born.
10 Diverse YA Books You’ll Want to Read Now
Do your teens (and adults) love YA lit? Expand their horizons with 10 #diversebooks compiled by librarian Angie Manfredi that they won’t be able to put down — and neither will you!
10 Diverse Books Adult Patrons Will Love
Sick of the same old plot lines? Never fear — Angie Manfredi has put together a list of 10 diverse books from a variety of genres that your adult patrons (and you) will love!
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’!
Adult Engagement Calendar: August 2017
Kick off adult programs in August by celebrating National Watermelon Day. Then celebrate Senior Citizens, Women’s Equality, dogs, bad poetry and more.
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!
Library Staff: Take Advantage of These Free Learning Opportunities
Professional conferences can leave you feeling ready to take on the world with all the new ideas you’ve gathered. But attending conferences and events isn’t always an option. Fortunately, there are multiple online learning opportunities available to the library community. Discover your options!
6 Steps to Building Partnerships That Benefit Your Library Campaigns
Support (and opposition) for your library can come from some interesting places in your community — and it’s all about relationship-building. Start developing long-term relationships that can result in positive support for your library campaigns.
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!
10 Ways to Fight for Social Justice in Storytime
Libraries are a welcoming and safe place for everyone and you can help ensure this message gets across to your patrons from the very beginning. Learn ways you can practice inclusivity in storytime and throughout your library.
10 Diverse Children’s Books for Your Library Storytime
Head of Youth Services and #weneeddiversebooks advocate Angie Manfredi gives you 10 children’s book picks to diversify your storytimes.
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.
Adult Engagement Calendar: July 2017
The July calendar is filled with ideas for adult programs — ones that encourage us to get outside, create time to relax and try some new recipes.
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.
Motivate Students to Code by Adding Drones to Your Makerspace
Looking for the next new tech tool to add to your makerspace? See how School Librarian of the Year Todd Burleson is using drones to engage students and teach coding in his classroom.
Library Advice: Winning Resumes That Land Library Jobs
Searching for ways to make your librarian resume stand out to hiring managers? Look no further for the answers to all your questions.
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!
The Space-saving Tip for Your Media Collection You’ll Want to Try
We asked five libraries to tell us about how this one product helped them do more with their media collection. See what they had to say.
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!
Adult Engagement Calendar: June 2017
What’s on deck for your June adult programs? How about ways to celebrate Great Outdoors month and more? Download the June 2017 Adult Engagement Calendar.
Reader Mailbox: Answers to 9 Book Repair Questions
As a follow-up to his popular Book Doctor blog posts, expert John Ison answers your specific book repair questions, both common and unique. Learn how to remove a grease stain, fix the spine on a children’s book and what to do when your cat attacks your paperwork.
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.
Reader Mailbox: Newsletter Marketing for Libraries
Library content marketing expert Angela Hursh answers librarians’ questions about how to ramp up their library’s newsletters. You’ll learn the best content to include, how to find it, and the most effective way to distribute your newsletter.
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!
10 Tips for Effective Direct Mail Campaigns for Libraries
Get valuable tips for running a successful direct mail campaign, including how to segment your audience, design tips and how to craft an effective message.
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!
6 Volunteering Activities to Help Kids Build a Better World
Inspire kids to get involved and help others in their community with fun volunteering activities for your summer reading program.
Adult Engagement Calendar: May 2017
May offers lots of opportunities to deliver engaging adult programs, events, displays and more with celebrations like Get Caught Reading Month and Teacher Appreciation 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!
Teen Activity Calendar: May 2017
Spring is in the air and there are so many days and ways to celebrate in May. Try out some of these fun teen activities, events, crafts and more!
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.
Library Advice: Why You Should Have a Professional Mentor and How to Get One
There’s no reason why you should stumble through your library career! Get tips on how to find a professional mentor and how to become one yourself.
Top 5 Teen Seating Picks
Ah, teenagers! They’re a unique age group with their own wants, needs, and one-of-a-kind personalities. How can you reach them? Create a space that offers them comfort, creativity, socializing, and exploration. See top picks in teen seating.
Library Makerspaces: Advice from Your Peers on Budget, Space, Time & Tools
The Demco Makerspace Survey revealed the pain points many librarians have with starting and running a makerspace, but it also revealed some great advice for meeting those challenges head on. See what your peers had to say about their makerspaces and get tips and pointers.
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.
Makerspace Must-haves for Summer
Get the scoop on essential makerspace ideas from TeacherGeek® kits to MeeperBOTs and more to help learners build their creativity and critical thinking — two important 21st century skills.
5 Makerspace Projects for Teen Tech Week
Master maker Diana Rendina has got you covered for Teen Tech Week. Diana shares 5 makerspace projects that will inspire teens to become change agents in their communities while practicing the design process.
8 Kids Books to Celebrate Women’s History Month
Celebrate Women’s History Month in March by highlighting the struggles and accomplishments of women throughout history. Use this book list to break stereotypes and inspire and motivate students to follow their dreams.
Visiting Schreiner Memorial Library, Wisconsin’s 2016 Library of the Year
Renovated and expanded in 2015, the Schreiner Memorial Library (WI) was smartly designed to serve the community’s current and future needs. See why it was named Library of the Year from the Wisconsin Library Association in 2016.
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.
Adult Engagement Calendar: April 2017
There’s more happening in April besides filing taxes. Offer pleasant adult library programs — April is National Humor Month and Lawn & Garden Month.
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.
Top 3 Reasons to Use Flexible Seating in the Classroom
When this elementary teaching veteran read about the benefits of flexible seating in classrooms, she just knew she had to try it. Learn why she cleared 30 desks out of her room and replaced them with flexible seating and why she’ll never go back.
Tips on LGBTQ Resources & Welcoming Environments
Libraries are known for offering equitable access to their services. To ensure that everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community, feels welcome in your library, follow Jessica Jupitus’s 10 tips for creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Adult Engagement Calendar: March 2017
A year ago we published the first Adult Engagement calendar. Each month was filled with seeds of inspiration and ideas for programs of interest for your adult patrons. It has been a fun experience, and I’m amazed by how many interesting and obscure things there are to celebrate.
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!
Meet Brown Biggers, Library Journal’s 2016 Paralibrarian of the Year
Prepare to be fascinated by the 2016 Paralibrarian of the Year. Winner Brown Biggers shares how his IT role makes important connections with students and faculty at UNCG’s academic library.
Gail Borden Library Redefines Summer Reading, Partners With Community
Read how the Gail Borden Public Library won the 2016 Upstart Library Innovation Award for taking traditional library summer reading programs in an exciting new direction.
Library Advice: Secrets to Better Library Signs
There are inviting library signs and then there are library signs that just don’t work. Cathy Hakala-Ausperk reveals signage secrets.
Adult Engagement Calendars: January/February 2017
Turns out socializing helps fight the signs of aging! Gain ideas to kick off your 2017 adult library programs for January and February.
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!
Reader Mailbox: Answers to Your Library Space Design Questions
If you’ve found time to watch any of the Demco-sponsored webinars, you know we are fortunate to partner with smart folks who share their expertise and experiences. What you may not have discovered is the archive of the questions attendees asked but were not always answered during the live session. Read on to find answers to questions on library space design.
25 Reasons Library Makerspaces Are a Good Thing!
The results are in and one lucky makerspace fan has won a $250 Demco gift certificate! See who the winner is and read why your peers think makerspaces are essential to libraries.
Top 4 Reasons Why Makerspaces Matter in Academic Libraries & How to Get Started
Library Journal Mover and Shaker Sharona Ginsberg highlights the benefits of makerspaces in academic libraries and gives tips to start you on your way to success.
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!
5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Library Marketing
Do you wish your library’s marketing efforts were more effective, but you’re not sure what you’re doing wrong? Library marketing expert Angela Hursh shares 5 tips you can implement immediately to improve your library’s promotions and get results.
Library as Learning Commons: 3 Key Zones
It has been 8 years since the learning commons trend took hold. Where are we now? Learn about the 3 zones every library needs and what products best support different learning styles.
How to Design Library Programming That Reaches Millennials and Generation X
If you struggle to get community members in their 20s and 30s to use the library’s services, this post is for you! From partnering with a local pub to holding Punk Rock Aerobics in the library, Sacramento Central Library Manager Jessica Jupitus shows you how to design unique programs that speak to millennials and Generation X. Get ready to branch out and have some fun!
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.
Library Advice: Tips for Managing Your Boss
Having trouble managing your boss? Don’t want to be a difficult boss? This advice column is for you. Library expert Cathy Hakala-Ausperk breaks it down for you.
Adult Engagement Calendars: November/December 2016
There has been a significant leap in adult programming and outreach. Read about 5 ways that libraries are pushing the envelope and leading the way in their communities.
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.
Create an Amazing Low-tech Library Makerspace With These Easy Ideas
Accomplished maker and educator Heather Lister provides you with sample projects and resources to incorporate the maker movement within your school, library or classroom (or all three!), with little to no technology requirements.
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
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.
Teen Activity Calendar: October 2016
Ready for some spooky fun this October? Pack the month full of creative Bullying Prevention Awareness Month and Halloween activities for teens!
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!
The Best Advice I Would Give Myself As a New Librarian
We asked renowned librarians and authors at the top of their game about their job advice for new librarians. What they said are things we can all learn from!
4 Benefits of Holding a Maker Program for Library Staff
Want to get more buy-in from staff and added exposure for your maker programs? Children’s Librarian and maker extraordinaire Holly Storck-Post fills you in on the benefits of holding a maker program for the entire library staff.
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.
6 Tips to Improve the User Experience in Your Library
What makes for a positive library user experience? What strategies and products can help? Read the blog post and browse a helpful idea gallery.
5 Steps to Ditching Dewey: Genrefication in Your School Library
Are you entertaining thoughts of ditching Dewey and exploring subject-based classification in your library? Nationally Board Certified Librarian and Mover and Shaker Tiffany Whitehead gives you tips and tricks to help you start genrefying your library.
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.
How Madison Public Library Delivers Award-winning Service
Join the conversation! Madison Public Library staff reflect on the organization’s recent successes and plans for future community outreach programs and service.
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!
Library Advice: Successfully Embracing Change
Embracing change can be tough for library workers. Our resident library expert helps you be the change you want to see in your library.
Adult Engagement Calendars: September/October 2016
What’s on the horizon for your book clubs and adult library programs? Need inspiration? Demco’s Angie Schoeneck talks unconventional book clubs. Plus, the September and October calendars will spark new ideas!
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.
Teen Activity Calendar: September 2016
Library Journal Mover and Shaker Emily Ellis shares tips, tricks and ideas to help you provide fun and engaging teen programming this September.
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.
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.
Reflections on ALA 2016, Orlando
A feeling of solidarity resounded at ALA 2016 with attendees focusing on new ways to serve those in need and the community at large. Read the recap.
Are You Reaching Library Customers Where They Are?
How well is your library meeting patrons where they are and understanding customer needs? Read this ALA session recap to check yourself.
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!
Creating Collaborative Learning Spaces in the College Library
The way college library spaces are designed to meet the variety of students’ needs has evolved considerably. Read one university’s story.
So You Want to Build a Library Makerspace — Here’s What You Need to Consider
Library makerspaces come in many forms and offer places to tinker, develop work skills or invent. What are your makerspace goals? Check out 4 essential considerations and the latest products.
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.
What Every Library Needs to Know to Get Involved in National Voter Registration Day
Participating in National Voter Registration Day on September 27 is a win for your library. EveryLibrary advisor Nicole Powell gets you ready!
Library Advice: Putting a Positive Spin on Negativity in the Workplace
Negativity in the workplace is catching, but even one person can change the equation and channel a healthy, uplifting environment for all! For all the details, read this Library Advice column from experienced library professional Cathy Hakala-Ausperk.
Adult Engagement Calendars: July/August 2016
What adult library programs will keep people coming back to your library? Get ideas on where to start. Plus, download July and August activity calendars.
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.
Good Things Are Popping Up: Brooklyn Public Library’s Mobile Outreach Services
Open-air pop-up reading rooms? See how the Brooklyn Public Library partnered with leading community organizations to bring the library to the streets.
Indoor and Outdoor Library Spaces: Getting Back to Nature with Nashville Public
Ready to embrace functional space both indoors and out? Get ideas from the Nashville Public Library on how to create an amazing outdoor space and discover ways to bring the outdoors inside.
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!
Using Wi-Fi Data to Develop the Library Programs and Spaces That Meet Your Community’s Needs
Your physical space is one of your library’s biggest assets. Wi-Fi tracking technology can help you visualize how patrons are interacting with that space, as well as inform new library programs and space changes.
Taking Action on Your Library Professional Development
There’s immense value in library professional development, especially for those new to the field. Read all that one librarian gained from attending her first ALA conference, and get re-energized by your own development and networking opportunities.
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.
Take a Virtual Tour of The Mix, San Francisco Public Library’s Ultimate Teen Space
The teens involved in every step of the planning process for The Mix helped make this teen zone the place to be. Explore the results as Manager Cathy Cormier takes us on a virtual tour of the multiple areas of SFPL’s teen zone, their uses and the tools they feature.
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.
CPR for Books? How Caring for Your Collection Saves Time
With the proper circulation, protection and repair (CPR) solutions for book care, your collection lives on. Check out strategies for reviving materials.
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.
Northbrook Public Library Connects With Customers
Guaranteed you’ll be more dialed into your community’ changing needs after reading Part II of our interview with Library Director Kate Hall. She shares community engagement strategies that have made her library a transformation agent.
Adult Engagement Calendars: May/June 2016
Back by popular demand, check out the latest adult programming calendars for May and June.
Library Advice: How to Land Your Dream Library Job
It can be downright hard to land a library job. Cathy is here to help you ace your next interview.
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.
The Librarian’s Ultimate Guide to Coloring Programs
This guide is a must-have for librarians — chock-full of kid and adult coloring tips from tried-and-true programs across the country! Plus, the coloring contest winners are announced!
You’ll Love the 3 Ways This College Library Helps Students De-stress for Exams
Dealing with college students and stress? Get down with the ABCs of de-stressing! It’s easy to get started — all of these activities are budget-friendly and simple to set up.
Northbrook Public Library Secures IL 2015 Library of the Year With Light It Up Blue
Read the inspiring story about how an Illinois library used creative community engagement strategies to make a statement about autism awareness.
2 Academic Spaces That Are Transforming Student Learning
As centers of learning, college libraries are reinventing their spaces to facilitate just about anything students may dream up. Hear from 2 academic librarians about higher education makerspaces and design labs.
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.
The Book Doctor Is In: Protecting Softcover Books
Paperback book covers extend the life of softcover books, but how do you know which one to choose? The Book Doctor explains the differences.
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.
3 Simple Ways to Enrich Your Summer Reading Program
Your library’s summer reading program has been helping kids stem the summer slide and fostering a love of reading for years. If you’re looking for ways to shake things up and enhance the learning opportunities for your program, look no further!
Want to Know the Best Makerspace Tools for Your Money?
What library makerspace tools and activities will be the most effective and the most engaging for your users? Get the crowd-sourced answers!
12 Tips for a Killer Coloring Program in Your Library
Long-time artist or new to the color craze? It doesn’t matter — anyone can use these tips to bring some serious coloring therapy to their community.
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.
Adult Engagement Calendars: March/April 2016
Change is afoot in the world of library programming and services for adults. A recurring theme of limited resources and the need for ideas emerged from our conversations, with many seeking help and guidance, information and resources. This prompted us to take action.
School Librarian Ups Game: Uses Gaming to Increase Readership
Can educational gaming motivate kids to read? The winner of the Illinois School Library Media Association and Upstart Award says yes, indeed. Read the conversation.
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!
Come Together! Collaborative Spaces in the Library
From providing comfort and integrating technology to offering flexibility, learn about ideas to make library collaborative spaces great.
Library Advice: Staff Motivation and Meetings
Who can answer your tough library questions? Try Cathy. This experienced library professional has seen it all. She takes your most pressing questions and offers the straight-talking answers you can really use! In this debut column, get staff motivation and meeting advice.
The Book Doctor Is In: Protecting Hardcover Books
While hardcover books are sturdy and durable, it turns out they could use a little extra protection. See what the Book Doctor recommends.
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!
5 Library Trends to Watch in 2016
As 2016 winds down, what library predictions proved to be true? Get a read on the top 5 library trends and assess what will carry over into 2017.
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.
The Book Doctor Is In: Dirty Books in the Library!?
Got pencil, crayon or ink marks in your books? Dirty covers? How about gum? The Book Doctor will teach you how to properly clean your books.
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.
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!
The Book Doctor Is In: Book Repair Supplies and Materials
High acidity and books don’t mix, but what do you do about it? The Book Doctor to the rescue. Learn about book repair and why the right pH is so important.
Make your Children’s Library a Destination
What does it take for your children’s library to be a kid magnet? A little of this and a little of that to be sure. A Demco product manager breaks it down for you.
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!
Meet Tamara Faulkner, Award Winning Senior Outreach Coordinator
Meet the 2015 Paralibrarian of the Year. This woman is positively unsinkable. See how one woman’s work is changing seniors’ lives for the better.
The Book Doctor Is In: Repairing Damaged Covers
When a book cover is torn or ripped off completely, never fear, the Book Doctor is here. Get the play-by-play on how to mend broken spines, book covers, corners and more.
Libraries Connecting Communities at the Digital Shift
What a concept! A conference that happens at your desk. See what this year’s The Digital Shift virtual conference was all about. Hint: Libraries matter.
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.
Find Your Interests @ Your Library
From virtual libraries to in-person adult library programs, really exhilarating things are happening at the library. Check out the latest.
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.
Library Advocacy, Part 3: Getting Your Message Out
Let library advocacy crusader, Patrick Sweeney help you get your library’s message out. Who knew bar coasters could prompt more library visits?!
The Book Doctor Is In: Reattaching Loose Contents
What do you do if a whole chunk of a book’s text block falls out? You read what the Book Doctor has to say. Gain step-by-step book repair instructions on how to reattach loose signatures.
Library Advocacy, Part 2: Creating an Effective Message
Wordy, unclear or unconvincing messages are a snore. Find out how your library can use data and a 27, 9, 3 elevator pitch to arrive at an effective message.
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.
Boopsie Joins Demco, Brings Libraries to the People
Hear about how Boopsie is now a Demco affiliate and is taking technology further with library apps that link patrons to online library materials.
The Book Doctor Is In: Rebuilding Broken Books (Part 2)
What do you do if the cover of a book falls off? Hint: The right kind of book binding repair tape matters. In part 2 of this post, the Doc shows you what to do.
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.
Library Advocacy, Part 1: The Importance of the Right Message
Your library’s role in the community is evolving. However, people may not understand this. Plus, if your library is trying to be everything to everyone, you’ll end up being nothing to anyone. See why it’s so important for your library to have a message and learn how to get the word out.
The Book Doctor Is In: Rebuilding Broken Books (Part 1)
Hardbound books can take quite a beating, but sometimes you’ll need to step in for some book binding repair. In this post, the Doc repairs a broken hinge.
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?
Explore Coding in the Classroom
Spark something new with fun, easy activities to teach coding.
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!
How to Get Ready for Back-to-school
It’s time for some back-to-school cool. Get great new ideas on collaboration, programming and essential back-to-school supplies.
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!
The Book Doctor Is In: Bookbinding 101
Yes, you’re around books every day, but do you remember all the ins and outs of bookbinding, hardbound books and repairs? Let the Book Doctor refresh you.
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!
Library Discovery: Opportunities for Surprise & Delight
How do you deepen patron engagement with the library and draw connections to other areas of your collection, services or programming? Read the latest ideas.
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.
Reflections on ALA 2015, San Francisco
Almost 16,000 library professionals attended ALA 2015 during a historic weekend in San Francisco. Read the top 3 highlights and apply the insights.
The Book Doctor Is In: Torn Paper Book Repair
It’s a sad day when a book comes back with a torn page tucked inside. Good news! You can handle this book repair with a little help from the Book Doctor.
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.
Slover Library: Outstanding Collaboration & Community Presence
See how a downtown public library successfully walked the line between a city project and a library project with outstanding results. Read Slover Library’s story in their own words.
The Book Doctor Is In: Book Repair ASAP
When it comes to book repair, best do it as soon as you spot broken books in need of help. Get the Book Doctor’s spin on how to properly fix torn pages.
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.
The Book Doctor Is In: Introduction to Book Repair
Get book repair lessons from the stacks to give your books the TLC they deserve. Plus, share your book repair questions and comments for personalized tips and troubleshooting advice.
The Evolving Library: Library Journal’s Design Institute San Diego
From new ways to describe your library to how small spaces can have impact, get a first-person account of the top 5 takeaways from this year’s Library Journal Design Institute.
Pairing Bedtime Math with Your Summer Reading Program Really Adds Up!
Join the founder of Bedtime Math, a nonprofit dedicated to helping kids love numbers, on her mission to weave math into summer learning.
Making Space for Creation
From funding to floor pianos, programming for all ages and makerlab inspiration, read how the Barrington Area Library makes its makerspaces and digital media labs successful.
