Every Monday, my colleague Jen Crabtree and I lead patrons of all ages in singing simple rounds in harmony.  In the future, I hope to have teen volunteers help lead this program.  This would allow the group to explore more complex harmonies, while offering interested teens a unique introduction to music education.

 I first developed my love of fiber arts in Terri Nelson’s friendship bracelet program at the Princeton Public Library 30 years ago.  I admired her amazing example hat with different bracelets pinned all around the brim, and as a tween I even became her assistant teacher. Today, I honor Terri’s memory by offering my own monthly friendship bracelets program (complete with my own example hat!) as a librarian at MCL. 

Growing up, I never saw myself as a "science person."  But when I learned I could use paper circuits to make art that lights up, I was hooked!  So I have a deep, personal appreciation for the way STEAM activities like paper circuits can get kids out of their silos and motivate them to engage in practical, creative, interdisciplinary learning.  I offer a paper circuits program every month.

I especially enjoy creating interactive displays where visitors can add responses to prompts, as in my How to Change Everything display.

 I also like working with the Teen Advisory Board in advance to create displays like "Music and Book Pairings" that reflect the reflect the reading and listening choices of real teens.  

I have also used displays to respond to needs expressed by patrons.  In response to frequent inquiries about local teen volunteer opportunities, I designed a bulletin board and brochure on citizen science, reaching out to local nonprofits and identifying opportunities for teens to engage in related volunteer work.  A professor from SJSU saw this display featured on MCL’s social media, and she so appreciated the emphasis on community partnerships that she asked to feature the project in her course “STEM in Libraries.”