Tween programming

American Library Association. (2008). So much to see, so much to do @ your library. Retrieved from www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/issuesadv/kidscampaign/tweenprogs.doc

Reflection

This document is amazing! There are so many wonderful ideas and so many inspirational projects that will for sure gain tweens involvement in the public library. This document that was put out by the American Library Association covers the how to's of library programs as well as offers detailed program ideas and instructions. I found this document a couple of years ago when I was trying to locate a last minute program idea for the library where I work. I ended up choosing the "Build-a-Bot" program and my kids took donated McDonald wind up toys and used modeling clay to turn them into a personalized mini robot. Genius! Both boys and girls loved this program and now that I do have special programs just for tweens, this program is always a hit. 

In the library where I work, we have special programs just for tweens (9-12) but they can also attend our 5-12 programming as well. Some examples of some tween programs that I have done in the last year are:

• Detective 101 (I partnered with our Police Department and a forensic officer came into our library and helped the kids solve a case using fingerprints, blood splatter, and DNA)
• Iron Chef (Simple version of the actual contest)
• Spa Day (Girls and BOYS came in and made their own bath goodies, received foot massages from a local masseuse (she came in for free), and the tweens were taught stress relief exercises)
• Artist Expression (Every other month I taught the kids about an unknown artist, and gave them the materials to create their own version of the artists' art)
• Junk Sculpture workshop- (Huge success! I picked up broken toasters, waffle irons, and other small appliances and the tweens took apart (we had a big safety check) and they recreated them into a sculpture)
• LEGO program
• Grossology Program

  I feel that each age group should get some special programs that are just for them. I have special programs just for little ones, for elementary aged kiddos, tweens, and teens. Big programs such as my Harry Potter programs or Diary of A Wimpy Kid are opened to all ages, because all ages like these books. It works. I also work closely with my Branch Library which is a shared facility and they are located in a high school. These programs work well in a school library as well. We have never had to modify our programs just because it is being held in a different facility.
  It is our duty and obligation to advocate for all ages. I had a hard time convincing some staff members to start programs for tweens. They didn't see the point and one even mentioned "what is the point, they are still getting programming when they are meshed in with the 5-12 year olds). I gave the analogy of the middle child and how they are sorta stuck in the middle...they can't attend the teen programs and they don't want to attend programs with their 5 year old brother. They got used to the idea and now we are always fighting over who gets to run the tween program. Of course, I would never NOT let someone who is on the border in my program..that is just mean.
  I think it is also important to have a great relationship with the teen librarian. My relationship with her has been instrumental in making my tween programs successful. We co chair a tween/teen board and she helps me determine the best choices for programs and even book selection.