There are resources for kids' book tastings, but what about the grown people? Here's a how-to for hosting a book tasting for adults at a public library.

About seven months ago, I noticed a new trend among public libraries of offering “adulting” programs. When I first saw a posting via social media about this program, my brain screamed, “Where were …

So, you're planning programming for the adults in your library and you're looking to change it up? From time to time, this question is posed on the awesome Programming Librarian Interest Group and librarians respond with lots of great possibilities. I thought I'd compile a list and share. Perhaps some of these ideas might work for your library? Local 1. Local History Talks/Presentations 2. Local History Walk 3. Genealogy DIY Crafts 1. Paper Making 2. Stab Binding Books 3. Christmas Ornaments 4. Shibori Scarves 5. Water Color Scarves 6. Soy Candles 7. Glycerin Soap 8. Beading 9. Altered Books Technology 1. Digital Photography Classes 2. How to Use Facebook/Pinterest/Instagram/Snapchat, etc. 3. iPhoneography (taking and editing pics with iPhone) 4. Intro to Windows 10 Food 1. Cookbook Club 2. Cooking Classes 3. Soup Night / Pie Night (patrons bring in food to share) 4. Rose Hip Jelly Making 5. Downton Abbey Tea 6. Wine Tasting 7. Edible Book Contest Presenters 1. Paranormal/Haunted Presentations 2. Pet Psychic 3. Professional Headshots for Facebook Profiles 4. Discovering New England Stone Walls 5. Falconry 6. Beekeeping and Honey Tasting 7. Yoga 8. Meditation 9. Veteran Author Talks 10. Living History Performances and Re-enacting Educational 1. Car Seat Safety Program 2. Business Networking/Speed Networking 3. Job Prep (Resume writing, Mock interviews) 4. DIY Home Repair 5. Pearl Harbor (75th anniversary in December) 6. Show Great Courses Lectures 7. Interior Design 8. Travel on a Budget 9. Identity Theft 10. Etsy/eBay 11. DIY Bike Repair Gardening 1. Gardening Presentations 2. Plant Swap 3. DIY Terrarium Writing 1. Publishing Your Writing 2. Writing Memoirs 3. Open Mic Nights Fun / Entertainment 1. Family Movie Nights 2. Star Trek Program (50th Anniversary is coming soon) 3. Introduction to Drones 4. Bridge 5. Collectibles & Antiques 6. Plan the Perfect Staycation 7. Mah Jongg 8. Couponning 9. Coloring Books 10. Chinese New Year Places for Partnerships If you are looking to increase your attendance numbers, partnerships are a great way to do so: America Red Cross (for blood drives hosted at libraries) Local Senior Center Local Historical Society Local University (The outreach office may have someone willing to do social media programs) Local Stores (Drones, DIY Home Repairs/Renovations) Additional Reading Want more ideas? Check out: "Adult Programs in the Library" by Brett W. Lear was highly recommended. You can also access PLIG's Program Speed Dating Packet for more great info and ideas. List Source The list above was pulled from these discussions: Discussion #1 and Discussion #2. You need to be a member of the Programming Facebook Group to be able to read them. Thanks to all of the librarians who shared their wisdom!

Each year, practically every public library across the United States runs a summer reading program for children. Age ranges vary, but the typical audience is school age children. The reason is that…

Create a meaningful day through various activities for autistic adults. Checkout my tips and recommendations by clicking here.

Looking for some relaxing and calming crafts for adults? Check out these 35 stress relief crafts to make when you're feeling anxious and stressed.

We are passionate supporters of public libraries here at Pages Unbound. But there are still awesome services and programs I would love to see libraries provide! Here are ten cool ideas that would g…

Help create a calming environment where your loved one feels secure with these 75 Engaging Sensory Activities for Adults with Disabilities.

Enjoy a fun selection of quick ice breakers for meetings. They will help you energize your team. When it comes to meetings you don't always have a ton of time to warm up your team

With Step-by-step Instructions Crafting is an age-old practice that has shown to have a calming effect on the mind and an uplifting effect on the spirit. People who craft regularly swear by its effectiveness in regulating anxiety and stress. This proves to be pretty great for adult

30- 8 ½” x 11” laminated cards.  For all ages.

Check out the top conversation starters for adults and discussion topics. Get the convo going with these interesting things to talk about.

Want to plan something fun on your next caregiving shift, but can't make it outside? Try one of these 7 great indoor activities for adults with disabilities.

Tired of doing the same activities over and over again? Consider adding a variety of activities to shake things up a bit. Here are a few types of activities to consider. Get more senior activity ideas at notjustbingo.com TODAY!

This list of hobbies for adults is geared towards creative activities that tend to be popular among both men and women.

Active learning is a format that includes various strategies to constantly be involved in incorporating new knowledge into the brain. While the advantages and disadvantages of this model have been carefully weighed by educators, it is done using debates, problem-solving, case histories, interactive activities, and other strategies. By relating

Program Name: Around the World What: We haven’t offered this program yet, but if you had some willing patrons to talk about their trips both within the country and overseas, other patrons could attend who were interested in traveling. Sharing an itinerary, basic information about the area, accommodations, meals, etc. This would be so helpful for other travelers who are ready to make plans. Where: This is an easy program to offer in a small meeting space as I’m not sure how many people would be attending each presentation. When: This could be offered throughout the year depending on when people are traveling or returning from travel. I’d say to definitely offer something near the beginning of the year as people begin making summer travel plans around then. Who: I’d gear this program toward adults, but you could also offer a similar and more simple program for kids based on a local location many kids in your area visit or even a local landmark for people opting for a “staycation.” How: Ask patrons who enjoy traveling if they’d like to share about their trip – make a quick slideshow with some pictures of the trip and ask them to share anything that was particularly helpful for their travels. Alternatives: We’re currently offering a program called Passport Pals for kids in elementary school where they learn about a new country during every program with activities, games and snacks that correlate to that country. Promote online resources and print material that works well for travel – AtoZ World Travel or AtoZ U.S., plus we have TONS of travel books for countries and cities all over the world. During the month of April, I’ll be participating in the 2018 Blogging from A to Z Challenge. For this year’s theme, I’ll be offering you a library program plan with everything you to need to re-create it at your own library. Most of these programs we’ve offered in the past, others are programs I’d like to try in the future. I’m always looking for new inspiration and I thought you might be too!

Do you want to create an ADHD-friendly home organization system with these organization hacks and tricks for people with ADHD? Start here!

Check our infographic for five effective tips to understand and apply adult learning principles.

Recently our participants in Winslow's Adult Day Program have become 'blanketeers' in an effort to help 'Project Linus'! Project Linus is a nationwide project whose mission is to provide blankets to children between the ages of 0-18 who are seriously ill, traumatized, or are otherwise in need of some sense of love, security, warmth and comfort.

Want to read cool books and enter to win prizes? Check out the Bona Fide Bookworm Summer Reading Program for adults 2021!

Want to plan something fun on your next caregiving shift, but can't make it outside? Try one of these 7 great indoor activities for adults with disabilities.

Program Name: Choose Kind – Card Making for Seniors, Students, Police, Fire, Military What: We’ve offered this program a number of time in the past – a passive program that is great for any age group, any time of year. We set up a station with some basic craft supplies – paper, crayons, stickers, scissors and glue and then leave basic instructions for the kids. We’ve had the kids create thank you cards for local police and fire personnel, holiday cards for senior citizens living in assisted care communities and for students during finals week. Where: The best part about this program is that we just set it up on a table in our children’s department. It can be anywhere in the library where you have a little extra room. When: Another program that can be done at any time during the year and works really well when you need a filler program to offer – maybe during late August when summer reading is over or May before summer reading starts. Anytime of the year is a good time to choose kind. Who: We set this program up for kids of all ages, but you could offer it in the teen department, or even in the adult department and see if anyone creates anything! This could also work as a program for college students on a campus as a relaxation program during study hours for mid-terms or finals. How: This doesn’t even require a moderator, just a little staff time to pull some craft material out of the closet and to straighten up the passive program station throughout the day. We’ve often had to put a sign out for patrons to encourage them to make a card to leave at the library (and then allow them to make a card to take home for someone they know) Alternatives: Besides cards for the military, we’ve done a sock drive and collected leftover Halloween candy to send overseas. You could also do a drive for travel size bathroom goods for the homeless or a food drive for a local food pantry – remember that they receive a lot of donations around the holidays, but people are always hungry! During the month of April, I’ll be participating in the 2018 Blogging from A to Z Challenge. For this year’s theme, I’ll be offering you a library program plan with everything you to need to re-create it at your own library. Most of these programs we’ve offered in the past, others are programs I’d like to try in the future. I’m always looking for new inspiration and I thought you might be too!

Tired of doing the same activities over and over again? Consider adding a variety of activities to shake things up a bit. Here are a few types of activities to consider. Get more senior activity ideas at notjustbingo.com TODAY!

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BY ANDREA BALIZET Running a craft program with seniors can be a bit stressful for you, the person leading it, if you don’t keep a few things in mind and prepare well. I really love working with seniors, and I really enjoy crafts, but nevertheless there have been times when I have felt ready to pull my hair out during

\"This programming guide offers interactive events for tweens, teens, millennials, and adults as well as families. A section on themed club programming is also included.\"-- Public library programmers, marketers, and staff across the country have relied on their previous books for fun and engaging offerings that draw patrons in and keep them excited about visiting the library again and again. Now this team of best-selling authors is back with an all-new calendar of ready-to-go programs guaranteed to provide fun all year round. They also offer a series of themed programs specially designed for clubs, with pointers on hosting meetings of clubs and activities that compliment these gatherings. Best of all, their ideas are easily adaptable for a variety of participants, including tweens, teens, millennials, older adults, and families. Complete with planning lists, budgeting guidance, and marketing advice, this book includes delightful programs such as Rememberlutions, Prom Formalwear Giveaway, Cooking with a Waffle Iron, Life Hacks for Living On Your Own, Preschool for Adults, Upcycled Friendsgiving, and many others; club ideas like Parenting Teens, STEAM Club, 5K Club, Crafterwork, and Service Club; suggestions of variations for different age groups; and tips on building interest in the topic prior to the event using trivia and other free games. Packed with an assortment of flexible ideas for youth, adults, and family engagement, this book's programs will help cultivate enthusiasm for public libraries every month of the year.

This list of hobbies for adults is geared towards creative activities that tend to be popular among both men and women.

I’m always looking for small program ideas that don’t take a lot of planning time, are inexpensive, are flexible, and appeal widely. Here are three to try. Sci-Fi Stitches – or – Embroidered notecards You can be silly or serious with this one. I did both and both were fun. For the “sci-fi stitches” I […]

Active learning is a format that includes various strategies to constantly be involved in incorporating new knowledge into the brain. While the advantages and disadvantages of this model have been carefully weighed by educators, it is done using debates, problem-solving, case histories, interactive activities, and other strategies. By relating

Program Name: Around the World What: We haven’t offered this program yet, but if you had some willing patrons to talk about their trips both within the country and overseas, other patrons could attend who were interested in traveling. Sharing an itinerary, basic information about the area, accommodations, meals, etc. This would be so helpful for other travelers who are ready to make plans. Where: This is an easy program to offer in a small meeting space as I’m not sure how many people would be attending each presentation. When: This could be offered throughout the year depending on when people are traveling or returning from travel. I’d say to definitely offer something near the beginning of the year as people begin making summer travel plans around then. Who: I’d gear this program toward adults, but you could also offer a similar and more simple program for kids based on a local location many kids in your area visit or even a local landmark for people opting for a “staycation.” How: Ask patrons who enjoy traveling if they’d like to share about their trip – make a quick slideshow with some pictures of the trip and ask them to share anything that was particularly helpful for their travels. Alternatives: We’re currently offering a program called Passport Pals for kids in elementary school where they learn about a new country during every program with activities, games and snacks that correlate to that country. Promote online resources and print material that works well for travel – AtoZ World Travel or AtoZ U.S., plus we have TONS of travel books for countries and cities all over the world. During the month of April, I’ll be participating in the 2018 Blogging from A to Z Challenge. For this year’s theme, I’ll be offering you a library program plan with everything you to need to re-create it at your own library. Most of these programs we’ve offered in the past, others are programs I’d like to try in the future. I’m always looking for new inspiration and I thought you might be too!

We weren't restricted to the Summer Reading theme for the Adult To Go Kits, so the first one we rolled out was Paper Quilling. We purchased Paper Quilling Kits from S&S Worldwide and packaged them up individually. There weren't enough tools for a dozen kits, so we had to order extra from Amazon, and they were inexpensive. We only included the slotted quilling tool in these kits. Most of the paper hanks already came divided up and banded together, though I did have to split the 6 hanks of all-blu

Introverts around the world will relate to Adult Services Librarian, Elizabeth Koenig's inspiration for starting an arts and crafts program for adults at her library.

Do you want to create an ADHD-friendly home organization system with these organization hacks and tricks for people with ADHD? Start here!