We have something special for this month’s glimpse into the Davis Library. Library staff are often asked what we do to keep up with the latest information and how we keep growing as professionals in the field. Teen Librarian Felicia Minard recently presented and attended a conference specifically aimed at kids. The Kids Are Customers, Too! conference is an opportunity for library staff working with children in public libraries to learn the latest information and share fresh idea and practical tips that can be applied directly to day-to-day programming and services. Below you will find the takeaways that Felicia brought back to the Davis Library so that we may continue to implement and provide the best resources, services, and programs to our community.
Mirrors, windows and bridges: A day at the Kids Are Customers, Too! conference
The 2018 Maryland Library Association’s Kids Are Customers, Too! conference was a whirlwind of helpful tips, interesting information, and creative program ideas. As a teen librarian and first-time attendee, it was a privilege to learn from my colleagues' experiences and share my own as a speaker on teen programming.
The top two takeaways I found from this exciting day include:
#1 - Our collections should reflect our customers’ experiences as well as introduce them to experiences that are different from their own. In the keynote session, Books as Bridges, children’s book author and illustrator Anne Sibley-O'Brien gave the audience a renewed appreciation of the importance of diversity of identity and experience in our collections.
Sibley-O’Brien shared her experience moving to and growing up in South Korea and reflected on the transition from living as a member of the majority (a white child living in New Hampshire) to the minority (a white American living in South Korea). She said that, as a child, she never thought about her race or culture, but once she was living in South Korea, it was constantly pointed out to her and was at the front of her mind at all times.
Sibley-O'Brien encouraged attendees to think of books as mirrors and windows. Through this metaphor, she emphasized the importance of a collection representing as many races and cultures as possible. (And I would extend this to include all non-majority life experiences, such as being a member of the LGBTQ community, different abilities, neurodiversity, and gender expression.) This ensures that readers see themselves reflected positively in books and encourages everyone to become more skilled at interacting with different types of people.
Additionally, there was discussion on using books as tools to introduce different races and cultures to children at an early age. Research Sibley-O’Brien participated in found that positive depictions of children of different races and cultures interacting in books leads to reduced prejudice and racial bias. Considering these findings, the vital need to have non-dominant cultures represented in more children’s literature is notably clear.
#2 - Don't be afraid to try new things. In the breakout sessions I attended, librarians from other counties in Maryland shared their experiences programming for teens including escape rooms, activities in the library “after dark” (after the library is closed), and fun ideas for system-wide creative contests like writing and film. I think everyone came away from these sessions with ideas for some new programs. So be on the lookout in the near future, teens!
And, speaking of teens at the library, Felicia recently set up an activity in which our younger customers could decorate a mini pumpkin at home! She provided bags containing a mini pumpkin, glitter glue pens, small washable paint pots, paintbrushes, pipe cleaners, eyeball stickers, ribbon, and adhesive rhinestones. This take-home craft idea was extremely popular with our community and supplies did not last long as there were many eager customers that couldn’t wait to get home and start decorating this terrific teen craft.
As Halloween is upon us, our librarians do like to turn it into a special day for our customers who visit. Not only do our librarians like to dress the part, but displays are also important as they highlight our great collection of materials.
Outside of Halloween, the end of October also provides a great program for our customers, Food for Fines, which concluded October 30. This October marked the fourth year where our customers could reduce their fines by one dollar with every non-perishable item or canned good brought to the library. This program also witnesses a large amount of generosity as many customers like to donate to the cause even when they do not have fines to pay. The Davis Library staff is so appreciative of our customers who recognize that their contribution will help those in need. All food items were be donated to the Manna Food Center.
Again, thanks for your support and we will be back next month with another blog installment highlighting the activities at the Davis Library.Labels: Davis, Displays and Exhibits, Programs and Events
#2 - Don't be afraid to try new things. In the breakout sessions I attended, librarians from other counties in Maryland shared their experiences programming for teens including escape rooms, activities in the library “after dark” (after the library is closed), and fun ideas for system-wide creative contests like writing and film. I think everyone came away from these sessions with ideas for some new programs. So be on the lookout in the near future, teens!
As Halloween is upon us, our librarians do like to turn it into a special day for our customers who visit. Not only do our librarians like to dress the part, but displays are also important as they highlight our great collection of materials.