Spring into Break at Your Library

Spring break is coming — meaning that many of you will soon find yourself with a crowd of young people (and their parents) at your library, eager for entertainment. Are you ready?

Even if you are running behind with your planning, there is still time to pull together an exciting spring break line-up. Check out this list for some of our favorite kid, teen and family programs. Do you have other plans? Share them in the comments.

Image

Yoga Challenge Quest

Yoga can be intimidating for beginners, but this program welcomes kids of all levels (and it doesn’t even require yoga pants). Hang silhouettes of yoga poses on a wall or shelf and challenge kids to maneuver their bodies to match the pose. You could offer this as a passive program or do it as a group.

Image

DIY Botanical Prints

Why not celebrate spring with some nature-inspired artwork? While this program was originally hosted for adults, teens would enjoy it as well. With simple instructions and few supplies, participants can make a piece of art or two to take home or gift to a friend.

Image

American Girl Doll Mystery

To make this program, the Oak Park (Ill.) Public Library combined two popular library offerings — their American Girl Doll collection and a multicultural artifact collection — to create an entire event about history, social movements and artifacts (with a little mystery and scavenger hunting thrown in, to boot). They held it over spring break, and it attracted a crowd.

Image

Magic for Muggles

From concocting a potion to learning a new spell, this Harry Potter-inspired program series featured a range of activities connected to The Boy Who Lived. While Enid (Okla.) Public Library held the series over the course of a school year, you could adapt it for spring break by spreading out activities over the week or by dedicating a full day to Harry Potter magic.

Image

Game and Activity Day

With a Game and Activity Day, you don’t have to choose just one game — there are options for everyone. While Kaneohe (Hawaii) Public Library hosted their game day as a weekly afterschool event, it would also be a great last-minute addition to your spring break calendar. Choose a day, break out the games, and let the fun begin.

Image

Laser Tag in the Library

Lights out! Turn after-hours at your library into game time. With a low budget and minimal set-up, this progam is perfect for teens and tweens interested in some fun, friendly competition. 

 

Image

Karoake Study Break

If you're looking for a way to break the libraries-are-quiet stereotype, this is it. While this event was designed as a de-stress event for studying college students, it would also be a fun mid-day activity for kids on spring break. Pick a day, grab a mic and get ready to belt your favorite tunes.