Finger Lakes Library System

Connecting public libraries in Cayuga, Cortland, Seneca, Tioga and Tompkins Counties

Programming

Programming Resources

General | Adults and Seniors | Banned Books | Clubs and Book Discussion Groups | Calendars and Special Events | Crafts | Digital Programs and Gaming | Homeschooling | Maker Spaces, STEM and STEAM | StoryWalk® | Youth Services

This section is devoted to programming resources for all ages. Many of these programs can be adapted for any age group. We have separated each section based on program type and age group. Please see our Promotional Materials page for marketing ideas, images and handouts. Contact Jenny Shonk or Nora Burrows with any suggestions or changes to this section.

 

libraries are for everyone

General Programming Resources

FLLS Program Boxes

We are constantly updating our collection of program boxes for all ages. Search under call number “Program Box” in the Polaris Client to browse and request these resources.

Data Collection

Always collect as much data as possible when conducting a library program. Use this sample sheet Word Document (or create your own) to track the types of programs you offer and keep notes on how they fared at your library. More statistical sample sheets can be found on our Summer Reading Page. Don’t forget to include Passive Programs in your programming statistics!

Taking Photos

Taking pictures and using them for publicity? Make sure to have a current photo release form on file! Download this template to get you started: Photo Release TemplateWord Document

Note: You do not have to have a photo release form on file for every event. However, it is important to outline your library’s position on taking and posting photos. This can easily be included in your Social Media or Programming Policy and approved by your library board.  Once approved,  some form of the following should be announced at every program:

“SMILE! Your attendance at programs sponsored by the PUBLIC Library may be digitally recorded through photographs or video recordings. These images may be posted on our website, in our newsletter, by local newspapers or ultimately on the World Wide Web. If you do not wish your image to be published, please notify a member of the Library staff before or immediately after the program. No individual identification will be used unless the library has a signed parental consent photo release form for those under age 16.”

For more information on taking and posting photos:

Adults and Seniors

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 Banned Books Resources

censorship

 

From the Library Bill of Rights:

II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

Celebrate our freedom to read by fighting censorship year round and by promoting Banned Books Week annually at the end of September.

Banned Websites

Books at your library could become challenged at any time. Be familiar with your library’s policy on challenged materials. 

Sample Challenged Materials FormWord Document

Web Resources:

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Clubs and Book Discussion Groupsbook stack

Book Group Kits

Do you have a book discussion group that meets in your library?  Do you want to start a group? You’re in luck! We have Book Group Kits available for patrons in the 33 libraries in our system.  Each kit contains multiple copies of a title in regular print, and when available, in large print and audio format.  It also contains a Book Discussion Guide that includes book summaries and reviews, author bios and possible questions to guide the discussion.

Available Books Kits for:

To request a Book Group Kit, follow these steps:

    1. Go to www.flls.org or your library’s website and access the catalog. Select your library, if needed.
    2. In the menu, click on Search and then Keyword.
    3. Enter ‘Book Group Kit’ and click Go! This will bring up those kits that are available; request a kit as you would any other item.

Youth Book  Club Resources

FLLS has many Tween Book Club Kits, see a list of titles here. All kits include 10 copies of the book, a discussion guide and activities. Some include addtional mulitimedia. Check one out today!

Online Book Groups

Start your own online book group! Use a blog, Twitter or Facebook to create your own interactive online discussion with your patrons! Check out these samples to get you started:

Anime Clubs

Do you have any tweens or teens drawing manga characters or requesting anime DVDs? Your library could benefit from an Anime Club. Very easy to run, Anime Clubs can include activities such as:

  • Screening an anime movie or episodes from an anime cartoon series on YouTube
  • Crafts (origami, paper lanterns, koi fish, anime shrinky dinks, etc)
  • Drawing sessions
  • Candy sushi
  • Manga swap (much like a book swap)
  • Cosplay (dress as favorite characters and take photos)
  • Games
    • Picking up items with chopsticks contest.
  • Based on the program’s success, inviting speakers:
    • Sushi chefs
    • Japanese language speaker to teach some words.
    • Local manga artist to teach the basics of drawing manga.
    • Local martial artists to demonstrate skills.

Resources:

Writing Clubs

Miscellaneous Clubs

 

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 Calendars and Special Events

Annual

  • April: National Library Week
  • May: Free Comic Book Day (First Saturday in May)
  • September: Banned Books Week
  • November: International Games Week

Date Specific

Crafts

Follow us on Pinterest for more crafty ideas!

Food Crafts

Babies, Toddlers and Pre-K

Teens

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Digital Programming and Gaming

 

Coding For Kids

Minecraft

Tablets

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Homeschooling

 Maker Spaces, STEM and STEAM

For all your 3D Printer questions, see our official 3D Printer Page

No 3D Printer? No Problem! Maker Spaces are about creating! Check some of these resources to get started or keep going with or without a 3D Printer.3D Sheep at Homer

 

StoryWalks®

SENF Storywalk

 

A StoryWalk® is a book that has been dismembered, laminated and presented page by page on a trail, bike path, or in store windows to promote reading and exercise.  StoryWalks® were created by  Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg Hubbard Library.

 

Youth Services

For Early Literacy and Storytimes, please visit our Early Literacy Page

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