If you work with tweens and teens, you already know this universal truth: They are always hungry after school. They walk into the library at 3:15 with backpacks, stories from the day, and the kind of hunger that could level a vending machine. And if your library is anything like mine, snacks instantly become social currency. So instead of fighting it, I built a program around it. Gutsy Gourmet is a monthly themed tasting program where kids try foods (and drinks!) they might

Sometimes the best library programs are the ones that let participants get a little messy, a little creative, and leave with something they actually want to keep.

Not every library program needs instructions, worksheets, or a finished project. Some of the most successful programs we’ve offered were built around one simple idea: free play . Free play gives children the space to explore, experiment, and problem-solve on their own terms. It encourages creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking without the pressure of doing something “right.” While many libraries have embraced free play through programs like Lego Club or another free

A fun sensory play program!