Creativity and relevance are key when creating tween programming. There are a lot of great programming ideas already circulating: Manga drawing program Avatar workshop Fantasy book club Parent/Tween Breakfast Book Club – eat breakfast and discuss a book, provide an fun, creative activity that relates to the book in some way Guest speakers for topics of interest (authors, artists, athletes, musicians or even the K-9 unit of the local law enforcement for a talk or demonstration) (Crowley, DeJong-Boots, & Paladines) Image from: www.5thforcesupport.com More Programming Ideas Websites These sites include programing ideas appropriate for tweens. The Tween Scene: A year of library programming for ages 10-14 https://sites.google.com/site/thetweenscene/ Two librarians have created this site that includes a year of library programming for ages 10-14, organized by month. Each program idea includes a description, outline, materials needed, budget, prep time, and set-up instructions, supporting documents ready to print, and a brief reflection of each program's success. Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Library Programming http://aclayouthservices.pbworks.com/w/page/31984436/Programming The Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Library Association's site includes programming ideas and links to additional resources for all age groups, broken down by grade level ranges, i.e. 3-5, Tweens. ALA - Tween Programs http://www.ala.org/alsc/sites/ala.org.alsc/files/content/issuesadv/kidscampaign/tweenprogs.pdf This site includes several craft and project ideas for tweens along with directions for each project. It also includes links to two wikis with additional project ideas. Youth Services Resource: Teens and Tweens http://acplyouthsvcs.wikispaces.com/Teens+and+Tweens Allen County, Indiana Public Library's wiki has categorized their program ideas: DIY, Gaming, Book Clubs, Cooking, Other Programs. The wiki includes links for additional resources for tweens. Image from: http://en.espritcabane.com/recycling-crafts/keyboard-jewelry.php Pinterest Boards If you haven't already used Pinterest for craft and project ideas, you are missing out! When you are stumped for a great idea, peruse boards for inspiration! If you have a specific craft or project idea in mind, you can probably find step-by-step directions for it on Pinterest. http://pinterest.com/PJams/ideas-for-tween-library-programs/ This Pinterest board contains a variety of craft and project ideas for boys and girls. A large majority of the ideas are geared towards younger children. http://pinterest.com/mammabird12/teen-library-program-ideas/ This Pinterest board contains a variety of craft and project ideas for boys and girls. Many of the ideas would be appropriate for both teens and tweens. http://pinterest.com/heather_booth/teen-programming-in-libraries-a-collaborative-boar/ This Pinterest board contains a variety of craft and project ideas for boys and girls. Many of the ideas would be appropriate for both teens and tweens. http://pinterest.com/fxnsocks/tween-teen-library-program-ideas/ This Pinterest board contains a variety of craft and project ideas for boys and girls. Many of the ideas would be appropriate for both teens and tweens. Additional Readings on the Topic: http://courseweb.lis.illinois.edu/~crowley8/506tweens/Tween_Programming/Home.html - This site explains the term "tween," provides research about the needs of tweens, programming ideas, funding ideas, and practical advice for libraries. http://tscpl.org/tween/ - Topeka and Shawnee County, Kansas Public Library’s Tween page has ideas for programming and other pertinent tween information. Kendrick-Samuel, Syntychia. "Junior Friends Groups Taking Teen Services To The Next Level." Young Adult Library Services 10.2 (2012): 15-18. Library Literature & Information Science Full Text (H.W. Wilson). Web. 16 June 2013. - Information on developing teen & tween library advisory groups. Resources: Crowley, Amanda, Dana DeJong-Boots, and Michele Paladines. “Intro to Tween Services.” Nov. 2009. Word Document. 10 June 2013. www.laconi.net/wp-content/.../04/Introduction-to-TweenServices.docx