Break out of your program rooms and create new ways to connect with families in your community! Idea Exchange has rethought their use of library space by breaking out of the program room and making all the library a stage. Find out how they increased program attendance by over 36% in 5 years by transforming their space into a community living hub to stay and play. By doubling the program space, hands-on activities, STEM based programs, and unstructured play create a flexible learning environment that encourages early literacy through play based activities.
This session will cover:
Re-resourcing and expanding your collection to include activity kits that inspire innovation (i.e. Cubelets, 3D anatomy puzzles, lightboxes, kinetic sand)
Open-space programming pitfalls and lessons learned
Programming ideas for all budget levels
Staff training to improve confidence and engagement
Learning Outcomes
Learn how to re-resource material/collection budgets to deliver exceptional and innovative discovery/play based learning
Learn the advantages and pitfalls of introducing open-space programming at your library
