Increase the Effectiveness and Impact of YOUR PUBLIC LIBRARY CHILDREN'S PROGRAM (Grades PK-12) Presented by Devon Abejo Award-Winning Public Librarian and National Presenter

Specifically Designed for Staff Working in Public Libraries: Librarians, Library Assistants, Circulation Staff, Public Services Staff, Children's and Adult Services Staff, Volunteer Coordinators, Branch Managers, and Library Supervisors

• Proven techniques to create engaging and educational programs for every age group in your public library
• Powerful strategies to boost participation and keep kids coming back
• Practical tips for designing age-appropriate, inclusive activities that are affordable
• Creative ways to integrate technology and media for dynamic learning experiences in your public library

Practical Ideas and Strategies

Running a children's program in a public library can be incredibly rewarding, but also comes with its unique challenges. How can you ensure your programs are engaging, impactful, and accessible for children from PK-12? What are the best strategies to reach all age groups, keep them interested, and create a lasting educational experience?

This dynamic NEW seminar, led by library programming expert Devon Abejo, offers public library staff a toolkit of proven strategies and creative ideas to elevate their children's library programs. From developing age-appropriate activities to incorporating inclusive and diverse content, Devon will guide you through practical approaches that increase participation, foster learning, and create meaningful connections with children and families.

You'll leave with ready-to-implement techniques, hands-on examples, and a digital resource handbook filled with innovative ideas that will enhance your programming and help you make an even greater impact in your community. Whether you are running story times, after-school programs, or summer reading initiatives, this seminar will empower you to enhance the effectiveness of your children's programs and inspire lifelong learning.

Ten Key Benefits of Attending

1. Expand Your Toolkit for Creating Engaging and Effective Children's Programs
   Gain a variety of practical, proven strategies to design and implement programs that captivate children from PK-12, ensuring a fun and educational experience for all age groups
2. Increase Participation and Community Engagement
   Learn effective techniques to boost attendance and keep children coming back, while also engaging families and community partners in your library programs
3. Improve Your Ability to Design Age-Appropriate Activities
   Discover methods to tailor activities and content for various developmental stages ranging from toddlers to teens, making sure your programs are both engaging and educational for every child
4. Enhance Inclusivity in Your Programs
   Learn how to create inclusive programs that meet the needs of children from all backgrounds, including those with different learning styles and abilities
5. Build Confidence in Managing Group Dynamics
   Acquire strategies for managing behavior across different age groups, helping to maintain a positive, productive environment during your children's programs
6. Integrate Technology and Media Effectively
   Discover how to use technology and digital media to enhance the learning experience, making your programs more dynamic and interactive
7. Strengthen Your Communication and Facilitation Skills
   Develop effective communication techniques to confidently lead public library children's programs, while also building rapport with parents and caregivers
8. Maximize Program Impact With Evaluation and Feedback
   Learn best practices for evaluating your programs to ensure they meet the needs of the children and the library, and gain insights on how to continually improve and evolve your offerings
9. Gain Practical Strategies for Collaboration and Partnerships
   Explore ways to partner with schools, community organizations, and other libraries to amplify the reach and impact of your children's programs
10. Receive an Extensive Digital Resource Handbook
    You will receive a comprehensive digital resource handbook filled with creative ideas, strategies, and tools to immediately implement in your children's programming

Outstanding Strategies You Can Use Immediately

Here's what you'll learn:

• Discover how to shape programs that spark curiosity, celebrate imagination, and resonate with the developmental needs of children from PK-high school
• Explore approaches that center equity, accessibility, and representation—making sure every child and family feels seen, valued, and invited to participate
• Learn how to build momentum through thoughtful outreach, meaningful connections, and programming that responds to what kids actually want
• Strategies for developing educational content that supports literacy and learning, while also being fun and interactive
• How to build partnerships with schools, families, and community organizations to enhance your programs' reach and impact
• Ideas for integrating technology and media to create dynamic and interactive learning experiences for kids
• Key strategies for handling different behavioral dynamics across age groups, from toddlers to teens
• Techniques for maintaining high energy and enthusiasm during programs, even in challenging moments
• Ways to involve parents and caregivers in the learning process, encouraging them to become active participants in their children's development
• Tips for balancing a large range of activities and demands, ensuring every child receives individual attention
• Creative ways to evaluate your programs and ensure they meet the evolving needs of your library's young patrons
• Self-care strategies to stay energized and inspired in your role as a children's librarian

A Message From Your Seminar Leader

Dear Colleague:

As a Youth Services Librarian with nearly a decade of experience designing and delivering public library programs for children and teens, I know just how rewarding—and challenging—this work can be. Whether you're planning story times for toddlers, book clubs for tweens, or outreach events for entire families, the demands on youth services staff continue to grow.

That's why I'm excited to invite you to attend my upcoming seminar, Increase the Effectiveness and Impact of Your PUBLIC LIBRARY CHILDREN'S PROGRAM. This full-day seminar is designed specifically for public library staff who serve youth, from birth through high school, and are looking for creative, effective, and sustainable strategies to enhance their programming.

Throughout the day, I'll share practical tools, fresh programming ideas, and ready-to-use templates drawn directly from real-world library experience. We'll explore everything from story time techniques and arts-integrated programming to outreach strategies and virtual engagement tips that really work. You'll also receive a digital resource handbook filled with ideas you can implement right away.

My goal is for you to leave the seminar feeling inspired, confident, and better equipped to create meaningful experiences for the young people in your community. I hope you'll join me for a fun, collaborative, and idea-packed day focused on making the most of your children's programming.

Warmly,
Devon Abejo

P.S. Whether you're brand-new to youth services or a seasoned pro, you'll walk away from this seminar with innovative ideas, a refreshed perspective, and practical tools you can put into action immediately.

Who Should Attend

Staff Working in Public Libraries: Librarians, Library Assistants, Circulation Staff, Public Services Staff, Children's and Adult Services Staff, Volunteer Coordinators, Branch Managers, and Library Supervisors

About BER Live Online Events

With the current health challenges, all BER in-person PD events are currently being presented in a Live Online format:

• Outstanding Instructors
  All programs are led by outstanding BER national trainers
• Extensive Resource Handbooks
  You'll have access to an extensive digital Resource Handbook before, during and after your seminar
• Highly Interactive
  You'll be able to ask questions in real time and interact with the instructor and other participants
• Program Guarantee
  As we have for 49 years, we guarantee the high quality of our programs. If you are not satisfied, we'll give you a 100% refund.

Special Benefits of Attending

Extensive Digital Resource Handbook
Each participant will receive an extensive digital resource handbook giving you access to countless strategies. The handbook includes:

• Practical techniques and strategies for implementing engaging children's programs
• Numerous ideas for low-cost or inexpensive technology ideas
• Specific experiences to create engaging lessons
• Ways to support and encourage students to be enthusiastic readers

For in-person seminars, registrants will also receive a printed copy of the resource handbook as long as their registration is received in the BER office at least 15 calendar days before the event.

Share Ideas
This seminar provides a wonderful opportunity for participants to share ideas with other educators interested in enhancing their public library children's program.

Consultation Available
Devon Abejo will be available for consultation regarding your questions and the unique needs of your own program.

Semester Credit Option
Up to four graduate level professional development credits are available with an additional fee and completion of follow-up practicum activities. Details for direct enrollment with University of Massachusetts Global, a nonprofit affiliate, will be available at this program.

Meet Inservice Requirements
Participants of both the Live Online Seminar and those completing the Recorded Version online can receive a certificate of participation that may be used to verify five continuing education hours. State CEUs are available for both versions of the course. For specific details, visit www.ber.org/ceus.

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