This document outlines an approach to library programming called "unprogramming". It discusses moving away from traditional programming models towards a more informal approach focused on exploration and interaction. The unprogramming philosophy centers around connecting participants to books, authors, libraries and interests through introductory activities and multiple hands-on stations. Examples provided include programs themed around ancient Greece, medieval knights, spies, superheroes and space exploration. The document encourages librarians to draw ideas from existing programs, gather ideas continuously, get feedback from patrons and feel comfortable with a less formal approach.

1. Unprogramming
for Youth
Massachusetts Library System
February 2015
Amy Koester

2. Hello! I’m Amy.
• Youth & Family Program
Coordinator, Skokie (IL) Public
Library
• The Show Me Librarian
• Shout-out to Marge Loch-
Wouters at La Crosse (WI)
Public Library

3. On Our Agenda
• Getting to the root of programming & its pitfalls
• The unprogramming philosophy
• What unprograms look like
• Getting in the unprogramming mindset
• Questions

4. Why do we program?

5. What are the pitfalls?

6. You don’t have to stick with a
frustrating programming model.
You can instead choose a
refreshing option.

7. What can unprogramming
offer?

8. The Central Question of
Unprogramming
• How does what I’m doing connect kids to…
• a book or books;
• an author or illustrator;
• the library & our services;
• an interest that can connect back to the library?

9. The Unprogramming Formula
• 1 Book/Author/Topic
• 1 Introductory Activity
• 3-4 Stations of Stuff
• Plenty of Time to Explore & Interact

10. Olympians
• Book: Percy Jackson
• Intro: Create coat of arms
• Stations:
• Feed the Cerberus
• Slay the Gorgons
• Deity Concentration

11. Medieval Knights
• Author: Gerald Morris
• Intro: tell Sir Gawain &
the Green Knight
• Stations:
• Build a Catapult
• Create a Hand Shield
• Fencing Demo

12. Spy Club
• Books: Liar & Spy,
Sophia’s War
• Intro: Creating disguises
• Stations:
• Sharpshooting
• Invisible Ink
• Cryptography
• Laser Field

13. Superheroes
• Topic: Superhero books
• Intro: Create superhero
costumes/names, Kryptonite
removal
• Stations:
• Spatula Toss
• Flip-O-Rama
• Flight Photos
• Bad Guy Bowling

14. Lost in Space
• Topic: 520s
• Intro: Video travel & crash
landing
• Stations:
• Harvesting the alien
landscape
• Building shelter
• Staving off space
madness

15. Family Forts
• Book: Anything fun for the
family!
• Intro: Share a story &
build a “campfire”
• Walking S’mores
• Build Forts & Read
• Glow-in-the-dark Hide &
Go Seek

16. Get in the Unprogramming
Mindset
• Mine your existing programs
• Gather ideas continuously
• Talk to your kids!
• Get comfy with informality

17. Questions?

18. Let’s chat!
• amy.e.koester@gmail.com
• @amyeileenk
• http://showmelibrarian.blogspot.com
• http://goo.gl/O6NKb