The Children’s collection is tight on the shelves, with a distribution of shelf space that doesn’t reflect patron usage. The sponsor organization would like to increase engagement with early literacy resources, and reduce the prominence of the DVD collection. Patrons have also indicated frustration when their kids are distracted by the library computer terminal, which pulls them away from books or interactions with peers. My proposal will address these concerns with a collection guide for reduction and relocation of library materials to increase engagement, recommendations for budget tracking, and considerations to create areas for groups away from the computer bay.

What can adults do to make a fun new program for kids? KidsTeam E-Textiles brought kids to the design table and asked them how to make a successful library program for other kids their age. Our multi-generational team worked on exploring e-textiles in the public library setting, through hands on engagement with technology. Kids, teen support volunteers, and the local librarian gave us feedback on pacing, instruction, and tools that would make the program run smoothly. We used all of this to create a website for SPL’s Digital Media Learning Program that has resources, design feedback, and our session plans.

This project was conducted to evaluate the availability of library programming and services for LGBTQ+ teenagers, children, and their families. Using a Google survey, we collected 106 responses from across the US and Canada. While most libraries did not offer LGBTQ+ programming, among the ones that did we found a diverse range of offerings. Many libraries partnered with local organizations to facilitate events. This project was undertaken in partnership with KCLS to help shape the library's ongoing role in creating an inclusive community

According to the landmark study done by the Center of Disease Control and Kaiser Permanente (1997), Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) that happen in childhood can have lasting negative impacts on a person’s mental and physical well-being. Read-a-Rama is an early-literacy non-profit that works with children who come from diverse backgrounds, and life experiences that include trauma and ACEs. Read-a-Rama: A Trauma-Informed Care Approach involved the creation of five tailored trauma-informed care training modules and a comprehensive resource LibGuide for staff. This project will help staff foster a safe, collaborative, and empowered early-literacy environment through the principles of a trauma-informed care.

The goal for this project was to envision possibilities for reorganizing the fixtures and collection of the Roosevelt library to make it a more dynamic space. Though the project was significantly impacted by COVID-19, weeding between January and March reduced the collection by just over 1,000 volumes. Recommendations for improving the library’s overall flexibility and accessibility include completing the weeding work, purchasing new shelving units on casters, and reorganizing the book collection to make it more accessible. Potential impacts include increased library use, greater campus unity, and readiness for a future as a 1:1 school.

Teen social media use and teen mental health struggles have been on the rise for many years. This correlation has created a great deal of concern but there has been little study into the content of teen social media information behavior. The Twitter accounts of 77 teens were analyzed for mental health related content finding that these teens were suffering significant stress in their daily lives, struggling with social relationships, turning to celebrities for advice and information, and that teens with an active focus for their social media information behavior were less likely to share mental health related posts.

Readers ready to transition from one reading collection to another may find themselves in a new part of the library, unfamiliar with its layout and unsure of popular authors and titles within their new collection. To fill this knowledge gap, our group partnered with North Central Regional Library. We created twelve patron read-alike guides, six transitioning from Middle Grade to Young Adult and six from Young Adult to Adult, and an additional librarian guide, with information on all of the books from the patron guides. With our documented processes, NCRL can recommend transitional reading material for future popular books.

This project aims to create a connection between Ballard High School’s library and existing sex education curriculum through creative, student-led engagement. After consulting students and staff, information about body image emerged as a need. We developed a list for new acquisitions centered on sex education, created a book display including passive programming, and planned three in-person zine workshops. Due to the COVID-19 closures, we adapted the workshops to occur online synchronously and asynchronously. This project creates space for students to creatively express themselves while utilizing the library as a space to have hard conversations about body image.

90% of deaf individuals are born to hearing parents. At home, these individuals face the challenge of learning or practicing American Sign Language (ASL) in an environment where those around them do not know it. ASLearn is a mobile learning aid designed to teach children ASL, all starting with the snap of a photo. From there, users have immediate access to the ASL translation of that object. With ASLearn, kids can have an engaging, personalized educational experience through interaction with the things right around them - making the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities more accessible one sign at a time.

How can a public library encourage community members to explore the natural world and historical sites while utilizing library resources? Check Out Kingston arose from an initial partnership between the Kitsap Regional Library - Kingston location and the Wild Society, later joined by the Kingston Historical Society. This project planned a local walking tour and developed backpack kits containing exploration resources: field guides, binoculars, observation and scavenger hunt activities, and bookmarks with recommended reading lists. The Village Green community center will circulate these kits, enabling visitors and residents to check out Kingston with new tools while connecting with the library.