Professional Reading- Week 12 Porgrams

Reading Week 12

Programs need to fit the community and patrons the library serves, which means school libraries will differ from public libraries. However, the major concept of meeting the needs of the tweens and understanding what they want and need is the same for all libraries. For all libraries it is important to talk with the tweens in order to understand what their interests are, what they are dealing with, what they want and need. It is also important to consider all tween groups, even those who do not frequent the library and cannot share their thoughts. Considering that all tweens are different and have different likes and dislikes, will help create different programs for different tweens.

The biggest key to creating a strong tween program is to know what they tweens are doing outside of school. Explore what kids are doing for fun? What is popular? What is the latest fashion? Movie? Music? Understanding what interest the tweens and connecting a program with this, will draw them in. Of course not all tweens are interested in the same things, there must be a diverse selection of programs to accommodate all groups and interests. Other ways to build strong programs:
-determine what material and topics are of interest by reviewing circulation.
-promote the program. Find unique and eye catching ways to attract tween patrons.
-outreach to the community
-use children’s center resources and librarians for ideas, guidance, and support.
- collaborate with different companies, agencies, resources etc. to generate ideas and support.

As I think about the tweens I serve and what they are interested in now, I have a few ideas that come to mind:
-Soccer Club- A club centered on soccer. We would read books which include soccer, watch soccer training movies, play soccer, and discuss soccer. This would welcome both boys and girls.
-Hunger game club- a club organized around the popular trilogy. Students would read books and then discuss them. The club would read books similar to this and watch movies that are similar.
-Keep Socializing- a club based on social networking sites.
-Make it Happen- a club based on new technology tools and internet sites. Students will look at how to build blogs, websites, use different computer programs and anything to do with technology.
-Fierce and Girly- a club based for girls.
-Boys will be boys- a club for boys.

How does understanding tween’s developmental stage assist in providing programming?
Understanding a tweens general attitude, mind set, and what drives them can help create a library and library programs that meet the needs and interest of these tweens. Knowing the psychology of tweens gives the librarian an idea of what tweens are thinking and dealing with day to day. Creating a program for a group of patrons, without understanding them would be a sure failure of the program. Creating a connection between what the tween is dealing with and what interests them can be a jumping point for a great program. Communicating with the tweens and having them involved in the program development will also increase the value and longevity of a program. Gathering all information and understanding of the tweens will help create a connection and correlation with the library and “real world.”