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Zine Workshop

Submitted by brussell on Wed, 2019-05-01 00:00

What is a ZINE?

The San Diego County Library held a zine workshop during our library's art festival, where each participant created a page related to the loose theme of "Art."

The library provided all the materials on a large table, including pre-cut paper, markers, colored pencils, stamps, weeded illustrated books and magazines for collaging, glue and scissors. After the program, all the pages were compiled and formatted into a DIY magazine (a.k.a. "zine"). Finally, the zine was cataloged and entered into the library's collection as a reference item so the contributors could admire their work.

Wonder Time

Submitted by brussell on Thu, 2018-07-19 00:00

Wonder Time

Wonder Time is an engaging program that encourages curiosity and self-expression. Children discover that learning is fun!

Each Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m., kids have an opportunity to “wonder” about something. The program is geared toward (but not limited to) children ages 6 to 14.

Paint by Sticker

Submitted by brussell on Wed, 2017-04-12 11:58

Paint by Sticker lion

Stickering is a fun alternative to the coloring craze, and it requires few supplies. I purchased three "Paint by Sticker" books — two for children and one for adults — to use at the event. Participants were invited to pick out whatever image they wanted from the books and go to work!

The children's images took about 30 minutes to complete, and the ones for adults took approximately an hour.

Watch the video below to see how painting-by-sticker works.

Abayomi Doll Making Workshop

Submitted by harata on Wed, 2023-02-22 11:39

Photograph of materials in the doll-making kit.

This program was hosted in honor of Black History Month. I am of Gullah-Geechee descent and wanted to share and preserve my culture by teaching others.

The kit includes brown felts for making the dolls and West African textiles for dressing them. The kit also includes 'found objects' like sea shells, feathers, buttons and beads to adorn the dolls, an infographic about the Gullah-Geechee heritage and a free virtual tour of the 'Cum Yah Gullah' Exhibit at the Fort Bend Children's Discovery Center.

Scrapbooking: No Documents, No History

Submitted by harata on Wed, 2022-10-26 09:02

Photograph of an open scrapbook (Men’s League for Woman Suffrage, Miller Scrapbook, Library of Congress.) Collage and scrapbook material surround the book.

This teen or adult program uses Library of Congress women’s suffrage primary sources, such as letters, diaries, women’s self-published information sources and other ephemera, to examine how suffragists documented their activism and feelings on women’s rights and social issues of the time.

Program attendees use current magazines, newspapers, flyers, ephemera and personal effects to start their own scrapbook and create their own DIY personal history (that might become a future primary source!).

Stuffed Animal Taxidermy

Submitted by harata on Fri, 2021-10-15 09:54

Photograph of three final Stuffed Animal Taxidermy boards. Left to right: Panda stuffed animal, Pink Leopard on pink board, Dog on green board

Stuffed Animal Taxidermy is a fun program for kids and teens. Using old, thrifted stuffed animals, kids can give their faux furry friends a new "life" by turning them into a DIY home decoration. 

Thanks to community donations and Amazon purchases, our youth had a blast at this in-person program. 

Fairy Golf: The Mini-est Mini Golf

Submitted by harata on Wed, 2021-09-08 14:08

Photograph of child playing with mini mini golf

It's DIY table-top putt putt!

We provided patrons with everything they need to create a mini miniature golf hole complete with obstacles. Each participant had the choice to take their project home or to make it during our in-person program and add it to the Fairy Golf Course around the library.

The course will stay up as a passive activity in the weeks to come.

Maker Monday: Book Wreaths

Submitted by brussell on Sat, 2020-04-18 00:00

Patrons holding up completed book wreaths

Maker Monday is a recurring program at my library. On the last Monday of the month, we host 15 to 20 patrons to make something new in our Maker Space. Popular programs, like vision boards and book wreaths, we repeat multiple times based on patron demand. This class fills up each time we offer it, plus a substantial waitlist.

For this particular craft, we created book wreaths using withdrawn library materials. While some patrons were nervous to tear apart books, many enjoyed upcycling materials.

Constellation Cross-Stitch

Submitted by lcarlton on Fri, 2019-03-15 09:57

Constellation Cross-Stitch program flier

Constellation Cross-Stitch is a beginner's class where patrons of all ages can learn basic techniques in cross-stitch and embroidery. Patrons utilize skills such as hand/eye coordination and hand dexterity, and they leave with a piece of handmade art for their home.

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