Art Graphic Novelist Ask your local comic book store if there is a graphic novelist in the area and invite them to your library for a program. Some are even able to teach a comic book drawing class, but even if they can just come to talk about the process, teens would enjoy it.
Photography Great for all ages: Ask a local photographer to do a presentation on good photos. With loaned digital cameras, a laptop and projector, you could make this an extremely interesting hands-on program: Begin with the photographer giving tips on taking photos, then allow the students to go out an take photos (may need chaperones so that cameras don't disappear), then load the images onto the laptop and have the photographer critique the images and offer more pointers. Get the pictures developed and have a display. If you don't have the equipment, make the program a two-parter, with the tips on one day, then the students take photos and process them on their own time, come back for the next program (a week later?) and receive critiques.
Avatars Using the computers, have a teen program where they create their own avatars on www.meez.com Registration is free but required. If you don't have a color printer available for them to print out their avatars, save the avatars on a flash drive and print them out for them to pick up on a later date.
Creative Writing Book Clubs If you don't already have book club(s) established, take this opportunity to start one or more. Consider having family time book club using 1-2 picture books per meeting and teaching parents how to share the books with their children. Teen book clubs are often popular, but consider having a school age book club, too. Short stories like the Wayside School series would be good to break the ice.
Author visits You probably know if there are any local authors in your community, ask them to present a program on how to publish a book (or how their book(s) were published). This is a great program for teens and adults.
Six Word Memoirs Check out this video to get some good ideas and encourage teens (and kids) to create their own 6 word memoirs.
Dance Twilight Prom (for teens)
Luau Host a Family Summer Luau by making lei's with the young children and beach bags with the teens. Check around your community and see if there is anyone that can teach the hula. Don't forget to do the Limbo!
Drama Clowns This is a great chance to bring in a clown to entertain the children, but an even better program would be to have the clown teach the children a little about clowning. Be Creative: Make it a two part program 1 day to teach about clowning and the 2nd day to create their own clown face using face paint.
Local Theatre See if your local theatre is producing any children's or kid-friendly productions this summer and ask them if they will perform part or all of it (some can use this as advertising, so they might do it for free!) Most theatre folks know at least a few theatre games, too and might be willing to do a program for your children or teens. Many theatre programs you can do yourself. Look in Drama Games and Activities for ideas.
Movie Series If you have a movie license - consider hosting a Creative Movie Series. Click here for creative movies from Movie Licensing.
Three Stooges If you don't have a movie license, you will be happy to know that the Three Stooges Films now available for public performances, so you can host a Three Stooges Movie Fest and that would be appropriate for movies OR clowning!
Music Local Bands
Library Idol Host a Library Talent show (make sure that your judges are kind!)
Songwriting Workshop Great for teens: Some local musicians are able to present songwriting workshops on blues, country, folk, and even rap. If you have a computer area or lab that you can monopolize for a program, try www.splicemusic.com for online song creation.
Mini Library Parade At the end of a craft program where you made instruments, take the children on a parade through the library. Yes, it will disturb patrons, but it will be worth the delight of the children who usually aren't encouraged to be loud in the library. Be Creative: Save this program until the end of the summer, when your children could have accumulated, costumes, masks, instruments, and cheers all made and discovered in library programs.
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