Fall Teen Program Ideas

Everything is different this year. And harder. But maybe it will allow for some different kids of programming. It's hard to know exactly what to do.

But that's not all that different from teen services. You never really know what's going to be an amazing program and which one might be a dud.

And it might be a chance to reach more teens, do different types of programs, and try new things.

Some of these ideas might be great cross-over ideas for adults too. As usual, these program ideas are from Pinterest!

Over the summer at my library, we did lots of Take and Make bags. And we'll still do those.

One of the most popular themed bags was our Foodie Fun.

Foodie Fun:
We put bags together with some ingredients that not everyone would have at home.
There are videos on Facebook and our YouTube channel.

We're going to do more of these.

We have six fall recipes planned.

Here's the September one:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/13721973852951063/?nic_v1=1a5oBXwE7

Rock Candy:

I've always wanted to make this with teens, but the timing!

However, if they are making this at home, the timing doesn't matter as much.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/371547038014682029/?nic_v1=1a5oBXwE7

Art Bags:

These seem to go pretty well over the summer too.

Book Art would be a fun project - again, the timing is tricky for inside the library, but not for virtual.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/485333297343531718/?nic_v1=1a5oBXwE7

Art Nights:

We haven't done this yet, but I would LOVE to!

Here's a good fall one.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/371547038014619704/?nic_v1=1a5oBXwE7

Spa Night:

This could be a whole series. You do bath salts, face masks, bath fizzies....

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/541628292689003842/?nic_v1=1a5oBXwE7

Fall Program Ideas for Kids

In case you missed it, here are my ideas for Teen Programs

I know that Summer Reading has hit the library, but I have to start thinking about Fall planning.  We have town wide newsletter form our Parks and Recs department and it's due mid July. Fall planning goes from August thru December. I don't have too many ideas, but I thought I'd share some in case any one else was planning Fall too. And let me know if you have a great fall program idea. 

September 19th: Talk Like a Pirate Day

Last year, we decorated our Circulation Desk to look like a Pirate ship for the week. And we had a few who came to create Treasure Chests. This year, I'd love to try this

November 4th: King Tut Day

I haven't thought too much about this, but I'd like to do something about King Tut. Maybe a craft or maybe a mummy program that's half educational and half entertainment. Of course there's always the Mummy Wrap game!

November 6th: Button Day

I'd like to create this or something similar:

But this could be cool too (in fall colors)

Then I like to do a community wide event in November and make Holiday Cards to the military. Last year we sent off a bunch of cards to deliver to veterans and/or veteran's families within the state. I think it's great to spread a little cheer and also to teach kids about giving back and thinking of others from an early age. We do it in November to meet the deadline. I also have a Holiday card making day for anyone to create a card for their someone special

Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses: 

Last year I did a paper gingerbread house and irritated the heck out of a family who did't read the paper part of the flyer. So this year, I thoughts I'd do a food based program. But I'm combining it with a challenge - which I saw on a kids food show (I'm not sure which one). Everyone gets the same amount of candy/crackers/frosting and has a limited time to create. That way, it's not crazy expensive for the library. It's fair so one person doesn't hog all of one candy. And you can limit the sugar content (which I'm hoping the parents will like.)

Summer Reading Program Ideas

I'm getting excited about this year's theme. Part of it has to do with life size games that I want to attempt as programs. I hosted a live action angry bird game a few years back at the library, and it went over Really well. So, here's hoping for a great summer.  - as usual, these ideas came from Pinterest.

 Sorry

Rubix Cube

Tetris 

Jenga

Pac Man

Connect Four

Mini Golf

Spring Program Ideas: Butterflies

It sure feels like Spring now in New England, but I'm sure that will change soon. It's nice to imagine that we might just sail through winter without huge snowstorms and move right into Spring.  Or maybe it's just fun to imagine Spring programs. So I thought I'd attempt to help and toss out a few ideas for fall - all from pinterest

Also, take a look at last year's Valentine Programs or Mint programs for St. Patrick's Day ideas. Plus last year's Spring Flower program ideas

Butterflies: While teens could make the paper crafts for themselves, they could also help make them for library decor or to hand out at the senior center

Paper Butterfly

Origami Butterflies 

 Butterfly Suncatcher

coloring pages

Chocolate Butterflies

Butterfly Decorated Cupcakes

Winter Programs (6)

Fall is ending and winter is approaching. So I thought I'd attempt to help with some craft programs and toss out a few ideas for winter - all from Pinterest. These are perfect programs for February as a Love Your Community Project

Make busy bottles for kids and give them doctor offices or Emergency Departments.

Knit Sleep Mats for the Homeless or animal shelters

Send a letter or card to a member of the military 

Build a Little Free Library in your Community 

Fall Programs (6)

 I know that Summer Reading is in full swing, but planning doesn't always take a back seat just because it's the busy season. So I thought I'd attempt to help and toss out a few ideas for fall - all from pinterest. Here are some great looking (and easy) recipes to test out with your teens!

Check out the rest of the series here. 

Witches Hats

Perfect for that caramel crave

These went like hot cakes

Make at the library, bake at home

Fall Program Ideas for Teens (1)

 I know that Summer Reading is just starting or has already started, but planning doesn't always take a back seat just because it's the busy season. So I thought I'd attempt to help and toss out a few ideas for fall - all from pinterest. Here are some fun looking accessories! 

Duct Tape Lanyard

Duct Tape Flower Pens or Pencils

Locker Magnets

Glitter Magnets

Summer Reading: Superheroes Ideas Part 2

While it's freezing here in New England, who doesn't dream of summer? Here are a few of my favorite ideas for teen programs for the summer - all on Pinterest. Go ahead and create your own superhero identity with these programs.

Create a superhero identity

Design your own superhero costume

Give yourself a Snarky Name

Duct Tape Masks

Summer Reading: Superhero Ideas Part 1

While it's freezing here in New England, who doesn't dream of summer? Here are a few of my favorite ideas for teen programs for the summer - all on Pinterest. 

Save a Superhero

City Skyline

3D Comics

Superhero Symbol