A display created for PA Day about entomophagy - eating insects. In addition to information, participants were able to try cricket powder pudding and received a certificate recognizing them as entomophogists.
A hexagonal display of optical illusions that I built to promote Science Literacy Week. This format allowed several people to try a different
illusion at the same time.
To promote a superhero party, I posed with my homemade Thor hammer and digitally added a lightning effect.
The castle entrance I built for my second Summer Reading Club. The windows open to allow for registration and reporting. The list of events was available on a scroll. The top reads Adventure Awaits You Here.
A view of two Halloween-themed exhibits that were added to the children's section. In the foreground, a gate that reads Library for Beastly Boys and Ghouslish Girls. In the background, window silhouettes made of bristol board and tissue paper.
A view of a Christmas-themed exhibit that was added to the children's section. The gingerbread people are made of styrofoam and coated in cinnamon. The candy canes are painted pipe covered with peppermint oil.
To promote free comic book day, I built a bat signal that was positioned at the entrance of the children's area. Its prominent location generated a lot of attention and comments.
A promotional display I created for comic book day. Since the library does not have a large format printer, the image was enlarged in Photoshop then individual pieces cut out in 11" X 17" sections. They were printed and reassembled.
Another promotional display I created for comic book day. Like the Thor image, this was printed on individual pieces of paper, then they were mounted on cardboard and cut around the border to make a stand.
A two-level train table that was built for the children's section that featured a variety of rural scenes. Made from wood, foam insulation, resin, plaster, scenery flocking and acrylic paint.
Due to the popularity of fake food, I built a restaurant to encourage more interactive play. Although it was expected to be popular, what has been most surprising is the interaction between parents and children. Typically parents sit and watch their children play. This gets them involved.
A silly bird puppet built for the entrance to the children's section. In addition to its crazy appearance, the mouth is constructed from a reaching device that allows it to open and close. This has been very popular with kids. The feet can also be strapped to a person's shoes allowing them to walk around with the puppet.
Unsatisfied with the theme offered by the TD Summer Reading Club, I chose instead to offer pirate-based programming. This included the temporary addition of a ship's wheel and Pirate Pete mascot.
I enjoy wearing all kinds of costumes. My usual work attire wasn't appropriate for storytime. I had vests custom-made that are reversible and matching bow ties to wear that feature puzzle pieces, stars, crayons and robots.
The children's section was lacking enough tables. Commercial products were too expensive so I built three tables out of MDF for approximately $400. This also allowed me to customize them with patterned legs and feet.
A photo submitted by a grandmother of my time spent with her grandson.
A Harry Potter party I organized to celebrate the publication of the latest book.
Photograph submitted by a patron of the results of a hand casting event at a branch. Parent and child held hands then submerged them in a pail of molding material before being cast in plaster.