This program was a way to have a vacation without the worry of flying, crowds, or cost! For this special weekly summer program, I highlighted a different country each session, shared some of its history, brought/made a treat from that country, and gave a craft to do while I shared fun facts.
I named this program as there were only 49 days of our Summer Reading Program.
Advanced Planning
Planning started about three months prior to the program. I asked patrons what places/countries they would love to visit.
Once I had my list of countries, I researched each country's history and prepared a summary of what I learned. I also added in a craft for them to complete while I talked. After that, I brought out treats from the country for patrons to try. The biggest challenge was finding authentic food from these foreign countries here in southern Georgia. The next time I do this program, I will make my list based on what foods I can find near me.
Marketing
I posted my advertisement on our library's social media about a month before and made an additional post a week before each program.
I also made bookmarks that looked like a plane ticket and put them near the checkout desk.
Budgeting
I spent exactly $117.96 on Amazon for the snacks and drinks I could get there. I spent an additional $30 on supplies for the crafts that we did not already have in our library. I ordered food from local businesses to get authentic food, and they were kind enough to donate it to us after I shared what I was buying it for. I also went to the H-Mart to buy supplies to make some food at home.
Day-of-event Activity
On the day of the program, the only worry was to have the food ordered (if it was from a local business) or stored properly (if I made it myself). I had the help of another staff member. She worked on the craft and helped patrons while I shared information about the country during the program. Since I began preparing three months in advance, I had my PowerPoint and notes ready when the program began.
Program Execution
Most of the programs had high attendance. I limited the program to only 12 people to lower my food and craft budget. The only program that had low attendance was the program I chose to have before the 4th of July, but I fault that on the holiday. Since I had the food ready, I sat by the main door and offered patrons a danish. When they stopped, I explained about my program and shared some facts about Denmark. This proved to be a good advertisement as the next week was filled with several people on the waitlist.
Advice
Focus on what foods are accessible to you in your area and have that dictate which countries you use in your program. I would suggest either doing a treat or a craft, especially if you are doing this by yourself.
Supporting Materials
Slideshow Images
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