More Remote Programming

Dawn Abron By Dawn Abron, Teen Services Supervisor/Creative Space Supervisor, Zion-Benton Public Library April 6, 2020

Many of us are under quarantine so our libraries are closed but that doesn't mean the programs have to stop. Instead of in-house teen programming, we must flex our out-of-the-box brain to come up with some remote programs. There are several teen librarians who are already doing some great remote programs on Instagram and other websites.  Here are more Instagram accounts to follow for new ideas.

Type: Active
Age: Middle school
Optimal size: 20+
Estimated cost: $26 - $50
Planning time: 2-5 hours
Frequency: Daily

Learning outcomes

* Demonstrate technology use that is safe, ethical and responsible

* Leverage digital tools to broaden their perspective.

* Think critically about digital tools and their use

* Express themselves on a variety of platforms

Instructions

  1. @ivpl_teens-The Indian Valley Public Library is taking their annual in-library virtual edible book festival and putting it online. Visit their IG account to see how they are going to do it.
  2. @fflteen-The Fayetteville Free Library hosts all kinds of programs on Zoom. Follow them to find out what they are doing on Zoom.
  3. @ppl_teen- Check out the highlights section of The Portland Public Library to see how they are teaching teens the art of zine making.
  4. @prplteens- Go visit The Park Ridge Public Library to find how they are doing reader's advisory on social media.
  5. @barringtonlibrary_teens- The Barrington Public Library is doing some creative reader's advisory on their IG account; go check them out.
  6. @stfrancispubliclibrary-The Saint Frances Public Library has started a quarantine bingo game. Visit their IG account to see how they are doing their online bingo game
  7. @lpplya-The LP Public Library is using Instagram for reader's advisory and pop culture programming like Nailed It.
  8. @ftplteens-Find out how The Franklin Public Library runs their poetry contest on Instagram

Evaluation

  • Please note that all the above libraries already have IG accounts for their teens. If you are starting a new account to do programming, I'd recommend starting on FB by announcing your new IG page. 
  • Check with your director to make sure you can engage teens on Zoom or any other video conferencing site.
  • It takes time for teens to get used to participating on social media so don't get discouraged if you don't get a lot of interaction at first. Keep persisting- just like in-house programming.

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Post an activity that you think will be useful to others.

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