The Heroic Adventure Kids Club (Or HAK Club, for short) is an RPG club of elementary and jr. high aged students that are sponsored by the local library. The H.A.K. Club began in January 2017, formed by 4 students from the Hagerstown Elementary School and a librarian at the Hagerstown Public Library acting as sponsor. The students wanted to learn to play role playing games and there was interest in using it as a play test idea for the community outreach coordinator of the school who was interested in the benefits of elementary students playing role playing games and how it might be used towards social skills & behavior improvement. The club has grown, expanded to two “level” age groups of participants. The group has been written about in newspapers and has been part of three summer reading programs and been featured on the list of “Great Things Happening in Indiana Libraries” by the Indiana Library Federation (ILF). We want to share the origin, the challenges that were faced and the secrets to our success as this group has continued for over three years. We’ll cover what has worked, what hasn’t worked, a few things libraries should always keep in mind & what the plans are for the future.
Date Recorded: 4/29/20
Format: Archived YouTube Video
Presenter: Jennifer Taylor / Hagerstown Public Library
Join Abby Johnson from the Floyd County Library to learn about how to do more with the Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award. We will discuss why Firefly outreach is important, how to set up circulating book kits for daycares and preschools, incorporating the Firefly Award into existing outreach and lots more! This webinar was recorded on 2/11/2020.
Looking to fund your next great library idea? There might be a grant for that! Navigating the world of grants can be daunting for even the most seasoned professional, and many people aren’t even sure where to start. This webinar will provide a brief overview on how to search for funding, as well as recommendations for tackling those applications
Under the staircase, an old study room, an accessible storage closet … anywhere can become a mini makerspace! The North Riverside Public Library, a small library outside Chicago, was able to cobble together funding using our budget and grants to create mini makerspaces in small nooks around our library. We will talk about our process, research on materials and space design, and how we solicited valuable feedback from patrons. We’ll also discuss our failures and successes throughout the planning and implementation process, including budgetary constraints and unique workarounds that we discovered. This talk will be applicable to any small or rural library willing to get creative.
You were a hard-working youth librarian. Now, you’re a youth services manager moving at the speed of light. Experienced or just starting out, everyone needs a support network. Join us for this Q&A-based webinar, where three current youth services managers (and one children’s consultant/ex-manager) share their tips & tricks about time management, coping with staffing dynamics, and handling change.
Join us as members of the Indiana Astronomical Society provide an introduction to practical observing that can be used at libraries for their own astronomy-themed programs. This session will explore the basics of navigating the night sky, cover common types of celestial objects, and provide guidance for finding and identifying popular targets in the summer night sky. Whether you are planning a “Universe of Stories” star-gazing program this summer or just want to brush up on your knowledge of our galaxy, this webinar will provide the information you need!
Indiana State Library Genealogy Librarian, Alice Winslow, talks to kids about how to create their own family tree and learn about their family history.
Libraries are busy places. From programming to services, we want people to know about everything. The challenge? We often have very limited (if any) marketing budgets. Join Kim Crowder, Director, Communications, for The Indianapolis Public Library, and learn easy tips and tricks to boost your marketing strategy on a budget. See examples of what has worked and where your time is best spent.
Join us to learn about STEM and “making” in libraries featuring the Make Do Share curriculum that has been tried and tested in a rural library system in Washington State. Make Do Share was made by libraries for libraries and includes helpful tips to build your confidence while supporting 21st century learners. We will explore ways to incorporate STEM skills into existing programs and how to become a non-expert leader in your community’s STEM learning ecology.