My library runs a program where people can decorate simple paper bookmarks, which are then tucked into books that are delivered to patrons who receive home delivery. We consistently receive positive feedback from patrons, who tell us how lovely it is to discover a hand-made bookmark.
When a winter camp group asked if they could come in for a visit over the holidays, I decided to kill two birds with one stone and get the kiddos to decorate bookmarks for the home delivery program – they got to be creative, and people in the community get to benefit from their creativity!
The children took this project very seriously, especially when I told them that many people find winter to be a lonely time, and that their art could make someone feel better. Kids so often want to be involved, be helpful and do something that matters.
Even the group leaders were amazed at how focused the group was – you could hear a pin drop, as they all sat and focused on their individual works of art.
Just look at all these beautiful bookmarks! I might have put a little note on the two Five Nights at Freddies bookmarks before sending them off to the home delivery department, there might be a special person who would most appreciate horror computer game characters!
I’m a big fan of simple activities – you don’t need to reinvent the wheel with every program, and kids generally love being able to express themselves creatively, however they like.
We have a home delivery department at our library, but if you didn’t, you could still do a project like this, where kids decorate bookmarks to cheer up strangers. Perhaps they could slip them into random books in the stacks, or have a box of them at the check out desk for folks to take when they borrow books, with a note explaining that the bookmarks were created by local kids. Lots of opportunities to help kids feel like they’re making a difference in their community.
Are the kids in your area as craft-crazy as mine??