During my 5+ years working in library settings, I have been able to create, plan, and host a variety of programs. Below I’ve included some highlights of the programs I have created as a library technician, librarian, and branch supervisor. As a library technician I planned programs for teens, and as a youth services librarian I planned programs for ages 6-18, and occasionally for adults, and as a library branch supervisor I plan programs for all ages.

All You Need is Love: Romance Book Club

One of the most successful programs at the Winters Community Library is our once a month romance book club. I created this book club in the fall of 2021. I knew I wanted to have a focus on romance novels as that is one of the most popular genres. Another aspect I wanted to include with this program was that I wanted it to be outside of the library. I wanted to either have the club meet at a local coffee shop or brewery to help promote local businesses and reach some members of the community who have not previously been to the library. The club officially started in February 2022 (covid restrictions delayed the start) and we meet at a local brewery. This club has steadily grown to 14 consistent members, and consists of a variety of age ranges and variety of those who have lived in town for a while, visit for the club, or are new to town.

February 2024 meeting of the romance book club.

Ghost Painting

In the fall of 2023 a new trend emerged on social media. The trend was ghost painting. Those participating would visit thrift stores and purchase pieces of art and then paint their own ghosts and spooky pictures into the paintings. With this in mind, I reached out to the Yolo County Archives and Yolo County Historical Collection to partner with them on a ghost painting program for adults and teens. We made copies of pieces of art found in both collections and invited patrons to come into the library to create their own ghost painting. This was a fun program, and a great way to include both the archives and the historical collection in a library program!

Adulting 101

Adulting 101 was an ongoing program at the El Dorado County Library, created and started in the summer of 2019. This was a program I wanted to create for a long time. It is a series of classes for 15-25 year olds. The classes covered basic how-to’s for this age range, and gave attendees tips and tricks for “adulting.” The classes held included taxes, career building, car maintenance, cooking, and interpersonal skills. They were held over multiple dates and times, and we got a huge positive response from the community. This program continues throughout the library system, and has had classes featured online when we went virtual.

After School Adventure

After School Adventure is a monthly program from kids in 1st-5th grade. I host this program for two library branches each month. Each month is a different event, and events range from crafts to games to cooking.

Take a Deep Breath

Take a Deep Breath is a teen mental health club that I created at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Teens were home and isolated from their friends, and this club started as a space for them to come and chat with other teens about anything. I began to introduce mental health topics during each meeting. We started meeting every week, and have since moved to a monthly meeting. This program is held in partnership with the Community Hubs program in El Dorado County and a Community Health Advocate is at each meeting to connect the teens with local area health resources.

Mystery in the Library!

In collaboration with a campus creative writing class, students were invited to solve a carnival mystery. This mystery was written by students from the creative writing class at Center High School. The program was held during school lunches, and students from the class came in to play characters. I visited the creative writing class on a consistent basis for the month leading up to the event.

List of other programs I have offered:

Youth Mental Health Forum

Annual Teen Pride Events

Have Yourself a Homemade Christmas

May the 4th Be With You Virtual Event

Silent Disco

Teen Design Squad

Chat & Chew

Teen Tech Week QR code Scavenger Hunt