Adult Programming

Science Literacy Week is a national week-long celebration of science, which ran from September 19 to 25, 2016. University of Alberta Libraries, Airdrie Public Library, University of Lethbridge Library, and Medicine Hat Public Library organized presentations, speakers, and demos to connect users to scientific research, concepts, and technology. This session will examine differing perspectives and approaches in planning and hosting outreach events.
Learning objectives:

• Successful coordination and implementation of Science Literacy Week events
• Targeting specialized presenters/groups for participation
• Cultivating community relationships
• Engaging local community attendance at event

Create a “Human Library” and make a place for “conversations that matter.” Instead of borrowing a physical book, patrons sign up for conversation time with a “Human Book” with whom they may talk, listen, discuss, argue, share a story, and experience some of the diversity that exists in all our communities. Human Books at Sundre Municipal Library may cover topics as wide-ranging as everyday philosophy, Alberta politics, genealogy and anthropology, motorcycle touring in Central America, and much more.
Learning objectives:

• Learn how to plan and promote a Human Library event
• Learn how to avoid the perils and pitfalls
• Discover ways to celebrate the results: conversations that matter

The attached web link points to the full PowerPoint presentation, including videos: 535MB in size.
The attached pdf contains the PowerPoint presentation slides, but without videos.
To view videos separately, follow these links:
"Extreme Gardening: Gardening in Zone 2" https://youtu.be/w7Cx6DDiZdk
"Mildew, Trench Foot and Grizzly Bears: Tales Along the Trails of the Canadian Rockies" https://youtu.be/5NegpabbPg0
McPherson Library, University of Victoria, Human Library at UVic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mnz5DJEybjY
 

Do you have hangry kids in your library? Providing the occasional snack for children attending library programs is great, but what about the kids who use our libraries every day? What about the parents who can’t provide snacks for their kids when they drop them off at the library for the day? Or are too embarrassed to visit the food bank? Delve into the benefits of running an after-school snack program or a Little Free Pantry, and discover how your library can help meet basic needs in your community.

A library pen or coffee mug is a nice token of appreciation, but won't pay the bills for a visiting author or for the library. In this session, we will discuss how and why to cover costs for literary events without using up the artist’s goodwill or library budget. We will explore when and why to fund author events, how to estimate costs, and review relevant grants and their application processes.
Learning objectives:

• Understand when and why to fund author events and estimate costs
• Become familiar with relevant grants and their application processes
• Come away with ideas to partner within your community or region.

From a board game inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, to hilarious online challenges like #bookface, to Secret Agent missions designed to push the readers out of their comfort zone, St. Albert Public Library and Strathcona County Library are connecting adults and teens to great summer reading!
Learning objectives:

• The benefits of offering reading games to teen and adults
• Examples created around different themes
• Resources needed to develop/run a summer reading game and how to share programming resources

Coding is a foundational skill. Many schools are still not teaching computer science, and libraries have a key role to play in introducing people to these critical concepts in a fun, non-intimidating way.
Learning objectives:

• Discover high-quality free online resources for computer science education
• Learn about Calgary Public Library’s self-directed model for coding programs
• Understand the concepts of computational thinking and coding logic

Does your community need an Idea Lab? Absolutely! Using a new partnership model, Calgary Public Library designed a unique, innovation-focused space in our Central Library. An ‘Idea Lab’ is a space that embraces and facilitates idea generation through activities, tools, and technology.
Learning objectives:

• Understand the Idea Labs concept and ethos
• Know when an Idea Lab is appropriate for your library
• Learn how to get one started in your library

LegalAve.ca is a new free website that helps Albertans learn about their legal matters and how to resolve them. This session will go over the key features of LegalAve.ca that library staff can use to find legal information for their patrons without crossing the line into legal advice. Our approach to promoting the website provincially will be outlined, along with lessons learned.
Learning objectives:

• Find accurate, reliable legal information
• Explore features of LegalAve.ca designed for library staff
• Better serve diverse audiences, including Aboriginal people, immigrants, and low-income Albertans