Once Upon a Display: Where My Library Story Began

Going through some old pictures today, I came across a few displays I created while working in a Youth Services Department. At the time, I was a clerk, but I wanted to help in any way I could. Looking back, I realize those displays were some of the first places where my passion for youth services really began to bloom.

And while these displays may have my hands all over them, they were never created alone. There were countless ideas, conversations, creative minds, and helping hands that went into bringing them to life. I loved working as a team, connecting with our patrons, and having people cheer us on through the long, sometimes challenging, projects.

Lately, the career advice I've found myself giving people most often is: don't forget why you wanted to work in a library. Don't forget your why.

This is mine.

It's creating something that makes a patron stop and smile. It's sharing ideas and possibilities. It's showing our communities what their library can offer and all the places we can go together.

These displays may seem like small things, but looking back at them reminds me why I fell in love with youth services work in the first place.

What is your "why"?

Here are just a few photos of some of the work we did. We had many more displays throughout the years, but these were particularly memorable to me. Also, don’t mind the photo quality; these were taken between 2016 and 2018, when iPhone cameras weren’t quite as good as they are now!

 

 

Frest Start Into Storytime

We’re post-summer reading season, and I truly hope all the librarians and library staff are enjoying a well-deserved break!

Since most libraries are restarting their storytimes sessions again in September (unless yours continues through August), I thought it might be helpful to share some ideas about the foundation of a successful storytime, namely, some guidelines. I started using guidelines a few years ago, and I honestly wouldn’t want to do storytime without them now! When I first began as an assistant librarian in youth services, I felt like telling families the rules might come across as a bit unfriendly. But I noticed that my storytimes weren’t quite landing as well as I’d hoped, largely because of the chaotic nature of the environment. Adults would check out, toddlers would often come up to the felt board, and some parents had to manage crying toddlers throughout the entire session. It was a bit stressful for everyone.
Then, after chatting with a fellow youth services librarian, I remembered that she had created some simple guidelines to help gain a little more control over the environment. These rules aren’t just for the children; they’re for the grown-ups. At the start of each storytime, I like to share these guidelines with the adults because they can help set the pace and regulate their little ones without you juggling storytime and trying to manage the atmosphere of the storytime all at once.

Here’s what I say:

“Hello everyone! Welcome to (library name) storytime. My name is Ms. Meagan, and I’d like to share some guidelines to help us all have a fun and safe storytime.”

Then, I indicate the poster with the guidelines. I’ve put together a few sample guidelines here to provide you with an idea, not necessarily the ones I used, but simply to help you get started.

I recommend keeping the guidelines concise on the physical poster. The poster serves as a quick reference and reminder for staff. Additionally, you are encouraged to expand on rules and guidelines as necessary. Establishing clear expectations for storytime is important and helps to maintain a smooth and organized experience for families.

For example:

“‘Adults, be ready to participate.’ Your little one enjoys seeing you having fun too!”

Pro-tips for using guidelines:

- Remember, you set the pace of storytime. It’s perfectly okay to direct and guide families, since they’re often looking for that leadership.

- Your guidelines can be whatever works best for your storytime!

How to Make Your Own Rules
I went to Canva.com and used the "Classroom Rules" poster template. When I made my own, I sent the design to the graphics arts department at my former library. They laminated and created the poster.

Edit or Addition: Programming Librarian Resource Hub

I was going through my emails when I found that the programming librarian site has a resource hub. They also have sample of guidelines you can use you. See post here!

August: One Year of Blogging

I am in the process of moving to the east coast, but August is my one year anniversary with this blog. I wanted to check-in (with myself) on where at so far. So, to be continued.