Libraries across the world are often short on staff, time, and money. Passive programming is a fantastic opportunity to engage with patrons, without requiring a lot of prep work, time, or the financial obligation. Passive programs are simple, engaging, and have a broad appeal. Considering and planning for passive programming can provide enjoyable and educational programming that can inspire young people to create and develop leisure activities that support social-emotional well-being on their own terms. These resources will help get anyone new to programming or the short-staffed library the opportunity to engage with their patrons.

Consider involving your teens in selecting and setting up some passive programming options. We have also selected two that you can set up right away.

A child’s brain development is influenced significantly when a child acts on or manipulates the world around him or her. Puzzles provide that key opportunity. Working on puzzles and coloring supports young children with hand-eye coordination, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and problem-solving. Dr. Nikki Martinez, a psychologist in her article, details the many mental, emotional, and intellectual benefits of coloring. Coloring and solving puzzles serve as an alternative to meditation and serve as a calming and relaxation aide. Providing these resources for the children at Catholic Charities can give them a moment to focus on a simple pleasure and connect with themselves.

All you need is a space, provide coloring pencils, markers, crayons, and links to these sources so students can print what they want. Alternatively, a volunteer can select some of these, print them, place them in folders, and organize them in a box.