Heroes! A Workshop

"Greetings from Wisconsin" by flickr user
Boston Public Library (CC)

Today I am in Madison, Wisconsin, for the South Central Library System's Summer Library Program Workshop. When it comes to their summer library programs (SLPs), Wisconsin libraries use the CSLP theme--which in 2015 is "Every hero has a story." So, yes. An entire hero-themed presentation!

The workshop organizers contacted me to talk about programming through the lenses of Unprogramming and STEAM/maker philosophies, which I did with examples and time for participants to brainstorm with their peers. We wrapped up the morning workshop by exploring a range of SLP alternative options. That's right; SLP doesn't have to be just about reading for prizes any more.

I'm including here the range of resources I shared on the workshop handouts I created--there are so many great programs and SLP variants, and having time to peruse them before summer planning begins full force could be helpful. So, for your reading pleasure...

On Unprogramming:

• "Unprogramming at the Library," a Pinterest board curated by Marge Loch-Wouters and myself
• A blog series on unprogramming by Marge and myself: Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8

On STEAM & Making:

• "STEAM," a Pinterest board I curate for School Library Journal
• "All Things STEAM," a page with program and resource links right here on this very blog
• "Library Maker Spaces," a Pinterest board I curated with Michelle Cooper and Justin Hoenke
• "We Make Everyday," a Pinterest board I curated with Claire Moore

On SLPs:

• "Summer Reading Booklets" by Hafuboti
• "Summer LIBRARY Club: Where prizes and cheating go to die" by Kelsey at Library Bonanza
• "Those Summer Reading Club Prizes" by Abby at Abby the Librarian
• "Summer Prizes - Good-Bye!!" by Marge at Tiny Tips for Library Fun

And, last but not least, the slides from the workshop. Based on the plethora of excellent superhero-themed, Creative Commons-licensed images out there, this is probably one of my favorite slide decks. Most definitely my favorite title slide. Enjoy!

It's a program. It's an SLP. It's... Heroes! from Amy Koester