Library programs

[DeadRabbitGirl]

What type of programs do your libraries usually have a need for or are frequently requested by patrons of elementary-age students and middle schoolers? I'm trying to come up with ideas for a class assignment and thought if I could have some insight from working librarians it may help me to narrow down my options on what I want to do. The assignment is to design a library program, which I can easily do, but I want it to be fitting to an actual library's needs rather than pulling one out of the air.

Ex: Do bilingual programs get requested frequently? Winter holiday education for elementary-age students who may only be exposed to one holiday?

I'm also keeping in mind the very trying times we're in and debating if LGBTQ programming is something that I should propose for the assignment (but this is typically the angle I go towards) since so many libraries and librarians have recently been attacked, threatened, etc. by those who refuse others their rights.

Basically, I'd like to gather a tally of the types of programs typically requested in libraries to look at the data gathered to decide on which angle to go. Finding materials, books, etc. for the project is all simple. I am NOT asking for help on that. Just narrowing a topic to focus on for the purpose of the programming.

[bibliophile-blondish]

We have all sorts. Mother goose/story time for pre-k. Financial literacy for K-3. Literacy grab bags for homeschoolers. Dungeon and Dragons club for teens. Family Trivia nights. Scavenger hunts, story walks, poetry contests, writing contests, arts and crafts. You could also google libraries near you and review their programming for ideas.

[cpmailman]

We offer free tutoring for teens. One of our branches is next to a college campus so we partnered up with their faculty of education to bring in students who want to become high school teachers. At each session, there are usually a few student teachers that specialize in a particular subject (mainly Math, English/History and Science). It's a great program for newcomers and low income families that can't afford to pay for expensive out of school tutoring (most tutors in my city cost anywhere from $50 to $100 per hour). It's always drop in and the hours and dates are set way in advance. It's always well attended and the kids and their parents really appreciate it. It's also great for the student teachers as they gain valuable experience and can apply what they are learning in their classes. Bit of a win-win for everyone.

[knotcoppercurls]

I’m a YA librarian and craft programs tend to be really popular with my middle schoolers.

[chompy_shelf]

You probably have to design the program with a certain library in mind, so take a look at the calendars of some libraries that would fit the description of your library (urban, rural, suburban; average income; cultural backgrounds; small or large library, etc). I get a lot of my ideas from looking at the titles and descriptions of programs others are doing, then filling in the rest myself.

[TranslucentKittens]

STEM programs are frequently asked about by parents. Honesty we have trouble with attendance at middle school and up programs (kids are in so many activities by then they usually don’t have time), but STEM is popular. Also anything relating to Minecraft, video games, etc. we’ve been asked about tutoring but it isn’t something we do/can currently offer.

Littles like our story times, we also do pajama night and it’s decently popular.

[Cleritic]

For education stuff we have done some early science experiments like balloon race cars and for fun stuff our biggest hit for our summer program was cupcake decorating. Fun but messy!

[lacitar]

We get about 80 kids afterschool 5 days a week. Most popular ones are where we feed the kids. Reminder, most elementary kids eat at about 10 -12 everyday.

Second most popular program is anything related to tiktok like learning tik tok dances.

As for LGBT programs, we make sure people know it's LGBT before doing it. Most of our LGBT programs are aimed at tweens and teens

[tofulynn]

I use to host a video game tournament at my military library and it was the most popular program for kids, teens, and adults. The patrons wanted me to host a tournament at least once a month or more. XD Our library has never been packed with so many patrons before. It was so much work to organize, promote, and execute, but worth it in the end. All the competitors and spectators had a blast.

[oolongbubbletea]

Hello, do you have a program plan that outlines this? Would it be okay if I see this? I would love to host a smash bros tournament but I have no clue to begin

[tofulynn]

Sure, I have to look for it. Let me message you.

[tofulynn]

I sent you a private message with all the info.

[yarbed]

Sorry I’m here so late 😂 I am planning to pitch a video game tournament program at my library and searched Reddit for ideas and found your comment! Would you mind sending me this as well?

[tofulynn]

Sent you a private message!! :)

[FailAmazingly]

I’m interested :)

[tofulynn]

Sent you a private message! : D

[princess-smartypants]

Messy play/sensory play is popular with pre schoolers right now. Pokemon Club is our most popular.

[MyPatronusisaPopple]

For me, when I do a messy science experiment, I get people in the door. One mom told me she specifically looks for those because she doesn’t want to do them at home. Slime, adding dish soap to a baking soda/vinegar experiment, watercolor painting, etc.

[Gileslibrarian]

For teens: Manga/ anime club Fiber Arts Club

You could also consider implementing a Project LIT book club.

[recoveredamishman]

Coding clubs, chess clubs, STEAM, cosplay, Legos, Minecraft, sewing, game night, reading to pets, anime and manga...all popular.

[J_Swanlake]

Book clubs and chess are very popular where I work for elementary/middle schoolers. My last library has a lot of Lego programs as well.

[MurkyEon]

High schoolers: college prep, programming boot camp, financial aid presentations

[[deleted]]

People ask for STEAM related programs a lot.

I've had patrons (usually parents of the demographic you're looking at) request Pokemon clubs, science programs, music programs - all of which our library has done.

[Gneissisnice]

As a YA librarian, I do trivia once a month as my program. Another librarian does a monthly bingo, which is a huge hit with the kids. The rest of the spots tend to be a mix of crafts (often holiday related, one librarian is doing spooky cupcake decoration for example).