Instructions

I'm writing instruction for an upcoming program for Teen Tech Week.

I'm writing my directions with certain problem patrons in mind.

This may be arts and crafts, but I mean business 

I seem to always fall into this trap. I advertise for a certain age and end up having parents come and bring significantly younger children with their older siblings and insist they are allowed too. My coworkers have this issue as well, but they offer programs for older preschoolers and elementary age. I have people annoyed when I tell them, no you shouldn't expect your toddler to be allowed to do the same craft as his 12 year old sibling.

I've tried signs. I've stopped people at the door saying "Just to let you know, this project contains sharp metal objects/fire/needles/whatever; So we are only allowing older children to do it." I'm meet with looks like I am smug and crazy. Of course my little one can do it or, I'll do it for them (which is against the entire principle of making a craft program for kids)

But, I also cave and flip flop because I've recognize I work in an community where the practice of  the arts is not as important as sports/farming/hunting etc. Unlike my upbringing, the only time kids in our community might get to do a craft is at school or at the library. This applies across the board. To the low income family that doesn't have the money to keep markers in the house, to the well off stay at home moms, who might have a Pinterest board full of activities but no motivation to actually do them with their kids.

Kids are coming to the library to learn new things and work with craft supplies they have never seen or even imagined. So I feel bad about denying access to these materials due to a child's age. I usually have plenty of supplies so I decide to give in and share.
Some times this has worked and been successful. A well behaved younger sibling has been able to grasp the concepts, respect the materials and not be disruptive. Last fall, I invited a group of rowdy girls who were playing tag in the stacks to come into my program and make something instead (even though they were younger than the ideal age group) They had a blast and their caregiver thanked me profusely, admitted that there isn't much opportunity in their home life to do crafts like this.

However, lighting didn't strike twice. For my December program, I had a mother burst in with two little girls and ask "Is this where me make ornaments?"
I had a bad feeling about this, but then I thought "What kind of Scrooge are you to deny kids a chance to make ornaments for their family? Its Christmas!"

Yeah in hindsight I should have been a Scrooge. I should have pointed out that we offered 4 other holiday programs that month for their age group but this program was specifically for older children. They misbehaved. They were pushy and demanded things, including the mother who went over to a group of teens and asked them to share the colored pencils, even though they were sitting at the same table. When the teens, graciously said yes, the mom took the entire box away and hoarded them just for her two kids. They also got bored and threw their stuff animals which hit me and knocked over supplies. When I address this behavior and asked them to stop, they laughed and stuck out their tongues. Oh yes, how I wish I had been a Scrooge that day....

Last week, I became over anxious that these kids would show up again to a Anti Valentines' day party and I would have put my foot down. I had my speech rehearsed and my finger nails bitten down with worry. Yes I would deny children entry to a party!
Thankfully they didn't show up and a bunch of teens had a relaxing fun time without little kids killing the vibe.

But those kids are still out there....

So I prep, worry and wait for the next program, trying to plan every possible outcome. We are going to have a few activities for Teen Tech Week including an afternoon of perler bead crafts. Hence the need for signs warning all under 6 to stay away with from the mad library tech and her hot iron. Hopefully I get a chance to man the craft table the entire afternoon and participate more.

Participation seems to be my only defense mechanism sometimes

The Return of LEGO Club: Unleash the Choas

133 people showed up for the first LEGO club this summer. I had seven tables, at least 5,000 LEGO bricks and it was still madness.

I was expecting this, just maybe not on this scale. We had issues with kids not sharing, ignoring safety rules and several who had never played with LEGO at all and keep pulling on my tailcoats asking me to show them how to build something.

The kicker was a had a notoriously obnoxious patron show up half way through, remark loudly on the chaos and then had this "helpful" suggestions.

"Next time I come, I will help you organized the kids into groups of the same age and gender. That way it will work smoother. Okay, honey"

 Ah my inner monologue at that point.

"These children are working together to make beautiful creations. Why do they need to be separate by gender? Is there a law that boys and girls can't play together? Did I miss something?! Ages. Sure put all the older kids together! They would win every time because they have more experience and practice. Then you'll be back whining to me at how that's not fair to the little kids. Let the kids be! They are playing fine without your interference. I've been doing this for over a year. This ain't my first trip to the rodeo. Get out of my face, please. And don't call me honey, you're only 5 years older than me!"

(Imagining Lewis Black narrating that is quite satisfying)

Instead I apologized for the chaos and explained that we had an option of a free play table for kids of any ages to use if they don't want to team build.

Thankfully that patron never showed back up at LEGO club for the rest of the summer and things got a lot more calmer. Sure I had a panic attack afterwards and lived in fear that every club meeting this summer would be like the first, but they were not. (thank god)

We had four meetings of LEGO club this year and I divided the challenges into two categories. Creative Challenges and Technical Challenges

Creative Challenges had the kids build something to a specific theme while Technical let them build what ever they wanted but it had to fit a certain criteria

Creative Challenges
Favorite Books-  I selected about 20 well known books and gave each team a envelope with 5 titles that they could chose from. Each team could only pick one book and could build a scene, character or other representation from the story.

Our Winner- The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Superhero HQ- In going with our theme "Every Hero Has a Story" I asked the kids to build a superhero headquarter. They had to think about what the superheroes would use for communication, transportation and other technology. They also had to determine where it was located (A cave, underground, sky scraper or outer space.)

Impressive!

Technical Challenges
Unbreakable- This was a favorite for me. The kids can build what ever they want, but it can't break. I would go over and shake the tables, or tilt the creation and drop them. Any brick or figure that fell off, couldn't be put back on.

This one was call Vietnam Bomb Base. Historical!

Bricks Only- Again another favorite for me. Too often I had seen kids obsessed with sticking on the most mini figures, doo-dads and other assorted pieces instead of actually building something! It's seems to be the idea that the biggest and busiest creations will automatically be the winner. Not so! My experience has been the team with the best team work and clear vision always has the most votes.
For this challenge kids could build what ever they wanted, but there was to be no wheels, mini figures, clamps, food or other accessories allowed.

Again not my first time at the rodeo. For more tips about running a LEGO club and containing the creative chaos it brings, look here at this post.

Preview of Summer Reading

I'm taking one brief weekend vacation this Saturday then it's go time.

My responsibilities for Summer Reading Club are....

5 Toddler Storytimes
Superheroes, American Heroes, Construction Heroes. Community Heroes, Storybook Heroes

4 LEGO club meetings (or 3 I think I lost count)

4 Passive Sensory Programs

8 Teen Passive Programs

2 Teen Program

1 Tween Program (Minecraft!)

3 of my newest brain child- Library Dance Party-bringing music and dance class to the library!

2 meetings of an all new Harry Potter Book Club!

2 Scavengers hunts

and a partridge in a pear tree

31 programs...8 weeks (but who's counting)

I'm pumped! Lets do this!

Storytime from the Liberry: Get the Giggles

My success story! I recently went a a refresher workshop on Every Child Ready to Read. I learned a lot of new information and got to visit my favorite bubble tea place afterwards so it was a win-win for everybody. One of the more awkward parts of a job is a storytime presenter is talking to the parents on how they can carry on with reading and other activities at home to help their child learn. It's also a reminder to them that what library staff do when we present a storytime; we are doing it to benefit and teach our preschool patrons. We aren't just putting on a show because we love to perform and hear ourselves talk.(All though my degree is in theater and I often joke to myself that I pull off a one man show 3 times a week)

It's hard having to calm the chaos of a rowdy room to insert a literacy tip that you pray that it sticks. Last week I had one of my co-workers tell me a patron stopped in and asked for interactive picture books, a tip I had mentioned at my last storytime. My response! "They listened! Someone actually listened!"

Get the Giggles Storytime for Toddlers

Early Literacy Tip: Grown-ups, you'll notice that all of the stories I picked today aren't the traditional ones with beginning, middle and end. They are interactive, which is great to engage your child in "reading" with you. Kids this age aren't going to sit still the entire book of Make Way for Ducklings, and that is okay. Ask me later about some other interactive stories that will make reading book more fun for the both of you.

Opening Song: The Wheels on the Bus

Book: Don't Push the Button by Bill Cotter- Interactive as the story and pictures change as the child helps the grown up reader push the button. Similar to Press Here by Herve Tullet

Song: Do Your Ears Hang Low?

Book: The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli- Our crocodile friends swallows a watermelon seed. Can we guess what will happen? Will it grow inside of him?

Song:Walking Walking
Great for wiggly kids- Tune is Frere Jacques

Walking, walking, walking, walking
Hop, hop, hop, hop. hop. hop
Jumping, jumping, jumping
Jumping, jumping, jumping
Now we stop! Now we stop!

(Other actions- swimming, swaying, flying, skipping etc)

Book: The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone- If you never read this book or had it read to you as a kid, go read it right now!

Dancing Song: Shake Your Sillies Out

Book: Can you make a Scary Face? by Jan Thomas -Interactive because this book speaks to the kids, instead of just being something read to them. Lots of opportunities for jumping, moving and using your imagination. Kid that won't sit still for a storybook? Read them this!

Closing Song: Wheels on the Bus

When you choose a great selection of books, it really shows in your presentation of storytime. Many people have said it over and over again so I'll add my voice to the chorus, choose books you love to read! It helps you get exicited for storytime to start and motivated as you read and process. All these books I consider my A-Team, book that I enjoy reading, possibly over and over again.

The patron in question did actually find me when I was working at the desk and I gave her some more suggestions for interactive stories.

I Spy Book or Spot it Books
Counting Books (What comes before or after...)
Press Here by Herve Tullet
Mo Willems Books
Jan Thomas Books
Any book that the narrative asks the reader to guess what will happen next
Any book that the character breaks the fourth wall and addressed the reader directly
Books with comic book bubbles
Chester by Melaine Watt
Tickle the Duck by Ethan Long
Huff & Puff by Claudia Rueda
Going on a Bear Hunt or similar action stories
Lift the flap, touch and feel for babies and toddlers.

And more that I can't think of right now. Have any Early Literacy success stories or favorite interactive picture books to share. Leave them in the comments!

Pranks

It's always been my private dream to become the office prankster. Wreaking a small amount of havoc and shenanigans in the workplace. Passivise aggressively annoying the co-workers who always annoy me in return.

But I'm not clever enough to do that and not get fired.
April Fools day in coming up and it's another chance to incorporate a passive seek and find program at your library.

Using the power of observation, patrons are asked to find at least 3 silly things in the library.

Here are some of the idea my coworkers and I came up with....

Upside down posters
Goofy faces/Smiley faces places in the library
Re-label subject heading signs  Gross Body Parts= Health 612's   Long Ago = History
A book on toilets or potty training that has been "TP'd"
Googly eyes or Cartoon eyes on poster or protraits
Plastic goldfish in a bowl near books about aquariums
Section of books with spines facing the wrong way or upside down
Re-label office signs- From the Harmless (Minstry of Silly Walks) to the bold. I want to add "Of Farts" under the sign Administrative Office but I might chicken out because our director seriously lacks a sense of humor
If you have puppet or stuffed animals decorating your area, put sunglasses, hats, or headphones on them.
Have the staff members wear a silly hat or put a on a name tag with a clearly made up name (Yoda, Humpty Dumpty, Burt Macklin, FBI)
Have a upside down bowl out with a sign "Don't move the bowl unless you plan to kill what is under it!"
Places mirrors with signs that read "Mirror under repair, do not use!"
Plastic bats, bugs, or spider rings stuck to the windows
Cut out some Ellison Die "E" in brown paper. Place at a service desk with a sign reading "Free Brownies"

My cunning idea for a prize would be to tell the kids they get a tattoo for playing. Then ask them to roll up their sleeves while I change the needle of of my tattoo gun. Laugh and say "Just Kiddding!" and let them pick out a temporary tattoo.

Yeah, we'll see how many get that joke.....

Get FROZEN @ your Library!

(sing it with me)

Do you wanna do a program?

The time has come for my library to embrace the smash Disney hit "Frozen" and do a program entirely dedicated to it.  I of course carried the torch on this one and ran it in a similar fashion to my Star Wars program last summer.
Key points being-
1) Open it to all ages and do not have registration. I know this might make some of your heart rates jump at this thought; but for me it is more important to make my programs as welcoming as possible. This is especially true in winter when our attendance drops and just in general to make families want to come to the library. I couldn't stand having a kid wander in during a regular visit, see a cool program in progress and have to be turned away because they "didn't sign up".
2) Have passive activities that can appeal to all ages. Sometimes the concept of lines, waiting and switching stations can be trying on kids (and librarians!) Having no set time limits relieves that pressure and while chaotic at times, takes away pressure to finish activities in a certain time and in a certain way. Pressure is no fun for kids or me :(
3)Sticking to my Resolve to Rock goals

We kicked off our program with activities followed by a sing a long version of the movie. I know that some might look at my line-up with a critical eye and say these were pretty basic and simple activities (I did think that plenty of times). However I was planning on kids as young as 2 coming with their families so I needed something that was simple and flexible. Also I had no idea on the number of people showing up and when you have to plan for upwards of 100 kid, you have to factor in complexity of a craft and how much it cost to make...(Do you wanna raise your blood pressure? You don't have to raise your blood pressure!) So KISS keep it simple stupid.

Crown making stations
Everyone got a chance to make some marvelous headgear for our Frozen party. I found the template for the crowns and reindeer antlers here  and used construction paper instead of foam. We had snowflakes, stickers and markers for decoration. To cut down on the chaos, yes I cut out each crown/piece ahead of time, punched the holes and even found some clear reinforcement holes to make them stronger.

Our Ice Princesses getting some help with their crowns

Indoor Snowman Building
I created some snowman shapes and laminated them. I also drew several designs and accessories (pieces of coal, hats, sticks) and laminated them. Add some double stick tape and the kids had a whole gallery of snowmen with interchangeable parts to play with. This was a big hit at the party.

Crafts
Snowflake making, scissors and paper and you're done. There is a template for fancy Frozen snowflakes. I cut several of these out and they were quite a pain. :| I let the participants know they could take a template sheet home to try them out but they would defiantly need sharper scissors or an craft knife(which I was not going to provide in a room swarming with young kids) We also had a coloring station and a couple of puzzles out in different parts of the library.

Games
I did a similar version of this game and I also had a decorative little sleigh that kids could throw "snowballs" in. We used ping pong balls. I'm pretty sure the same kids just played with this game all afternoon prompting me to quote "the game is made up and the points don't matter"

Olaf's Scavenger Hunt
I'm a sucker for this activity. I was proactive and I made two sets of items to find in case kids once again started taking the clues off the walls and out of their hiding spaces. For simplicity sake I had a set of snowmen in different colors to spell out Olaf's special message. Any guesses on what it was.

Photobooth
Since I didn't have the budget to spring for some princesses to come to the library, nor do I have the build or hair to dress up as either of the lead characters, I put up a photo booth opportunity instead. Works for me!

Snacks and Movie Time!

I did make Gluten Free snacks! We have carrot sticks (Sven's Reindeer Bites) and Elsa' Snowball (and yes more than one of my co-workers giggled childishly at this name!) They were suppose to be powdered doughnut holes but I had to bake them in mini muffin tins. I used gluten free flour with was pricier than the regular stuff, but not nearly as costly as trying to contact a bakery and special order several dozen treats. We also had "Frozen" hot chocolate (chocolate milk) because the complication of making hot chocolate with that many kids makes my head spin.

Wandering Oaken's Trading post and Snack Bar

Surprisingly I lost about half of the group when it came to movie time, and almost all of them left half way during the film. I guess once the singing stopped, kids lost interest.

I had of course so many other ideas to try but I just didn't have the space. Since it was on a weekend, I only had myself and my boss on hand to help out. We had over 80 people show up which is not too shabby :)

As for my other goal of presenting general neutral programming, I would say it was almost half girls and boys doing all the activities. However I did have a care giver show up with three teenage boys saying they were here for the program. Huh? Okay I was open and certainly wasn't going to turn anyone away because of age. When I pointed out the activities available and that they were welcomed to join in, they looked disgusted and said they didn't want to do any of them. The boys left to go read but the caregiver was peeved that this was all I was offering. I apologized that I didn't consider teenage boys as my target audience when planning this program. So I guess I failed on this point. But seriously teen age boys who looked like they did not care on bit about Frozen!


Frozen Sensory Bins: Snowflake Soup, Arctic Slime, Play Snow
Anything ice, or ice colored would work. Or grab some real snow from outside it available


Here a quick blog roll call of other libraries' Frozen programs
Frozen Movie Party - The Loudmouth Librarian
Portland District Library Program
Frozen@ Your Library- Fat Girl Reading
Frozen Sing Along- Green Bean Teen Queen
Frozen Storytime -Literary Hoots
Super Cute Frozen Display- From the Short Stacks

If you have a Frozen program you've done and blogged about, add it in the comments and I'll add it here!

Basically, if it's something kids love, build it and they will come.  

Your winter programing might be already scheduled but you can still plan to get Frozen "in summer" Also if you are a library that will always be open, even when the schools are closed for winter weather,  you can do an impromptu calamity day program. This is something we are working on because we've had two snow days already this season.

New Year's Resolutions- for programming

No this is not my annual resolution (ie. lie) that I will loss that belly fat, exercise more, give up soda etc.

This is my resolution for my programs in 2015. The gang over at Storytime Underground have challenged youth services librarians and staff to "Resolve to Rock" in 2015. I've actually never set a professional New Years resolution or goal. I have grand ideas and lofty visions that often get lost in the fog of my work. So the start of the new year is the ideal time to write our my goals.

1) Gluten Free Programming!! Huh? I did do this a few summers ago. I was really concerned about exposing young children with gluten sensitivity or allergies while using items in my programs. One kid couldn't eat the hard tack we made for our Civil War program (which is no lost there, it wasn't made to be desirable or delicious) I made a play dough recipe out of baking soda instead of flour. I was being real good.
Then I wanted to do more and more and my allergy free agenda fell to the wayside. I had cloud dough with flour and play dough with flour. I usually don't make snacks a crucial part of my programs, but some other staff members use food all them time.
Then for our Elf Training program this December, we of course had cookies to decorate. One of my favorite regulars came up to ask me "Are these gluten free? And my heart sank. For the hundreds of kids who had played in flour and munched on cookies, there was now one that was who couldn't. No one should feel left out on the fun.

So I resolve that all program snack when I have them should be gluten free. And really there are many options out there that would appeal to all young taste buds. I'm doing a Frozen program in January so I'll be offering carrot sticks and doughnut hole treats, made with gluten free flour because it truly is that easy. I'm also resolved to steer away from fruit snacks, marshmallows or other food that contain gelatin to respect my Muslim patrons' needs.

2) Gender Neutral Programing- I was cutting out crafts for the upcoming Frozen program when some one was asking me what I was doing. "I'm cutting up crowns for the girls to make and reindeer antlers for the boys....or the boys can make a crown too. I don't care let them do what they want."  Yes I was struck mid sentence about how dumb I was sounding. Who did care if the little boys want to make crowns or the girls would rather be reindeer?

I actually think we do a great job at presenting gender neutral programs at our library. We have only a handful of programs geared more to girls than boys (like American Girl program or spa crafts) I think we need to do a better job letting our patrons know about them.  For example we have a fairy tale program that is based on common core practices, but I let parents know it is not just about princesses! My co-worker made an effort to not have only princess story and have it appeal to all genders. At the same time, boys like princesses to. Believe me I worked in the Disney Store for several years and I've seen boy and girls equally excited about princesses.

I did have a parent complain because their two year old son got a Candyland sticker with a fairy on it at my storytime, and that "his father will freak if he brings that home"  I didn't roll my eyes (well not when they were looking) but it's just another example of just eliminating "gender specific" items so children don't feel intimidated and parents don't have anything to complain about. 

Good luck to all fellow librarians and library staff out there in 2015!
(You only have 365 days to get it right...again)

What are you doing on your Holiday break?

If your like me, you've spent everyday at the library since it started and will be here every day until we close on Christmas Eve.

Like a Christmas eve mass/church service you may find your little library filled with a surge of strange guests, defiantly not your regular patrons and folks who never visit the library except twice a year (Christmas and Easter) So what can you do to accommodate these new visitors? If you are like some of my co-workers you probably bemoan the long winter break when caregiver dump their charges off in the kid section while they use the internet on the other side of the building, or complain that your relativity quite time of the year is suddenly shaken and chaotic with the number of people clamoring for you assistance and attention. These co-workers who complain the loudest are coincidentally the ones who always request time off for vacation and left the skeleton crew to man the fort.

So what can you do about this? Instead of bemoaning, be proactive! There are many kids and families looking for something free to do during the holidays. Many parents need a well deserved break from decorating, cooking and being cooped up in the house all day.

If you are worried about hoards of bored children descending into your realm, provide them with a distraction and eliminated the boredom.Some library have designated play sections for children in their youth services department, so this is a no brainier. My department has tables, chairs, and couches, 3 kids computers....and that's it. So if you are in my boat, here a few tips to turn your department into a Winter Break Wonderland.

1) If you have toys, games or other passive activities, put them out now! In plain view! Don't give kids a chance to complain "There is nothing to do here!" Not when they enter the kid's section and see stacks of puzzles and games waiting on the tables for them. I gathered an arm load of large floor puzzles, board and card games and left them out for kids and families to use. We also have Candyland boards and chess boards taped to a few tables. You usually have to ask at the desk for the piece, but I just went ahead and put them out now, so new patrons can go ahead and use them.

2) Display your hot topic books! Do we have Christmas books? We have Christmas books coming out of our ears! They are displayed in a book cart right in front of the children's desk as well as around our Christmas tree. Also since December is a slow circulation month, we have tons of our "Young Reader's Favorites" books in house (any thing that deals with Disney, LEGO or other popular kids characters) They are also placed on a display cart right in the main reading area so kids can find what they are looking for.

3) Create a passive program. Have stations set up around your department. They can be holiday or seasonal; a craft station to make an ornament, a scavenger hunt, or a sensory table. Use what you have on hand; Make snowflakes! Paper and scissors and you're done!

4) Have a coloring table. The kids at my library are obsessed with coloring. Our table gets more visits than our help desk.

5) If you have a movie license, consider having movies during break. We are showing some old school movies (The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Neverending Story, E.T.) all during the holiday break.

6) Impromptu Storytime! If you happen to be starring at a large group of rascally children, pick up a book and do what you do best! Read to the kids. It doesn't have to be a holiday book, but instead you can ask the kids in the audience what there favorite books are and read those.

Sorry for the weak iphone photo

My merry little sign that could reads "Welcome to the library! Please enjoy some board games and puzzles during your visit today. If you have any questions or need to find a book, just ask a staff member and we would be glad to help you. We are happy you came to visit us!"

So as much as I want to "Bah humbug" at this time of year, I feel a little bit of provocativeness can go along way to help my your library a fun place to visit. And yes I'll be here at the desk if you need me.

It's Beginning to look alot like Christmas

Bah Humbug! It's been Christmas since the day after Thanksgiving unfortunately because we had to decorate for early holiday events. And since yours truly worked Black Friday at the liberry, I was the humble decorator. (Though Yuletide decoration are not my forte)

 My co-worker was upset that I was responsible for this display because it had no pictures! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

December 6th is Mitten Tree Day which is a great opportunity for library programing ( keep that in mind for 2015!) Our younger patrons made a make a take mitten craft for our holiday program last Saturday and helped decorate our tree.

Also my boss want us to do a book tree. While I said this was possible, I thought long and hard about the specifics of it. We had a bunch of withdrawn books destined for the recycling plant but worried that kids would still want to pull them off. Plus many of them were thinner books. Then there was the pain of unpacking books just to pack them back up again after Christmas.

Then a Christmas miracle occurred.

Please ignore the cop cars. The police station is across the street from us

Our reference department decided to weed their entire collection of Contemporary Authors which became the branches I used to build our "Blue Christmas" tree. I think it needs some light to make it less Charlie Brown-ish.

Last Saturday we were busy shelf elves. Our city had it's holiday hoopla and we hosted two events at the library! We had a sign language choir and our Elf Training. We had cookies to decorate, toys to make, trees to decorate and present to stack. We had a ball! So much we kept the activities up all day. We had about 60 people show up which is huge for us for a non summer reading program (who usually bring in the big crowds)

Action shot of our shipping and handling department

And when we were all done, the shelf elves and I marched our book carts in the city's parade. Yes so I was pretty Christmas-out by last weekend...and it was on the first week of December. oy.

Another holiday to celebrate. Dewey Decimal Day Happy Birthday Melvil Dewey you old coot. I praise and curse your system in turn, but Non Fiction will always be my favorite section!

Storytime from the Liberry: The Land of Nod

Bedtime storytime at the library. It's a good excuse to keep the kids in their pajamas if you bring them in the morning...or get them ready for bed early if you bring them to an evening one. Should be a win win for parents and kids either way.

I have two storytime dealing with a bedtime/night theme. One focuses on nocturnal animals and classic getting ready for bed stories. (Bump in the Night) My second one I call "The Land of Nod"
because I'm an old soul. This one focuses on lullabies, poetry and picture books about outer space.

BOOKS:
Wynken Blynken and Nod-Poem by Eugene W. Field- Yes I'm going old, old school with this one. There are called classics for a reason. There could be a possibility to work an entire storytime or family program around this book.

Hey Diddle Diddle by Eve Bunting
Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle
When the Moon Smiled by Petr Horacek
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star by Jerry Pinkey (There are lots of different version of this song/story but I love the gorgeous illustrations by Jerry Pinkey)





Activites:
Bedtime Rhymes galore! We did a lot of singing and rhyming in this storytime.

Twinkling Stars
At night I see the twinkling stars (Fists up and open hands)
And a great big smiling moon (Hands form a circle over head)
My mommy tucks me into bed (Lay pointer finger across the palm of the opposite hand)
And sings a good-night tune. (Rock your hands back and forth)

The Man in the Moon

The man in the moon,
Looked out of the moon
Looked out of the moon and said,
“It’s time for all the children on earth
To think about getting to bed!”

I also found an extra verse for Wee Willie Winkie on wikipedia of all places. It's perfect for the library!
 
Wee Willie Winkie runs through the town
Upstairs, downstairs in his night gown
Rapping at the windows, searching all the nooks
To count the many children, reading library books!

Another book that I just recently discovered is The Midnight Library by Kazuno Kohara.
It is an adorable book about a little girl who has a library in the forest at night which she opens to the animals. It is run with the help of her three little owl assistants!  I want owls to help me in the library! It would be awesome like Harry Potter, until the owls pooped everywhere :\ It very relate-able to library workers everywhere and the illustrations are charmingly cute while at the same time being rather minimalist.

Good night books, good night chairs, good night libraries everywhere.