Pet First Aid

Consider offering Pet First Aid courses to teens (gender neutral, unlike Babysitting courses). Could also turn into program series with entrepreneur/business programs to create a teen Pet and/or Babysitting series.

American Red Cross offers Cat First Aid and Dog First Aid training materials. Arlington Heights community center is offering Cat and Dog First Aid courses.

April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month.

VOYA October 2011

Community Service Teen Programming

To increase teen program attendance, create programs that also offer meaningful community service. Many teens need community service hours for school or religious organizations, so programs fulfilling this need are popular and well-attended.

Could be Community Service Week (held in February)

Required training and orientation sessions

Programs for teens who like working with children: Book Buddies, Game Day, Yoga Buddies (taught by certified instructor), recycled crafts, story/craft time

Programs for teens who like working with adults: Tech Team (one-on-one basic computer instruction for adults who register in advance)

Programs for teens who like working solo: Food Drive (sort and box food during Community Service Week food drive), Read-a-Thon (teens are sponsored to read with money raised going to local food banks and shelters; library supplies books, bagels, snacks, beverages to keep teens fueled; various times - could be 6 hour event)


VOYA October 2011

"Let Them Eat Dougnuts" management tips

"What was the secret to [the best library supervisor's] success, I wanted to know.

'I have one rule and one rule only,' Tom said. 'Figure out what employees really want and give it to them. ... Pull out your copy of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. I know you have one because you have an MLS degree, and anyone with an MLS degree had to read and digest Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Maslow is the only management book you will ever need. Get rid of every other management book. ... When it comes to staff morale, I stress three things and three things only: salary, benefits, and food.'"

'Tom's five rules of food:

1. Pot lucks are a disaster. The last thing tired employees want to do is go home and cook and bake for their colleagues. ... Instead, have pizzas delivered on your dime.

2. Clean the staff refrigerator. Yes, Mr. Manager, that means you. Don’t delegate this job because you will be hated. Put on a respirator and some rubber gloves and throw everything away every Friday afternoon after lunch. Staff will love you.

3. Keep a chocolate jar on your desk. You want open communication? Put a jar filled with chocolate nuggets on your desk. If you keep that jar filled with morsels of milk chocolate, your office will be the most popular work space in the library.

4. Invest in multiple microwaves. Yes, that’s right. Technology is taking over libraries. Computers are important, but they are not nearly as important to staff as microwaves.

5. Don’t forget the Friday-morning doughnuts. And, hey, no matter how much you admire Mrs. Obama, don’t ever be tempted to substitute a fruit platter for doughnuts. Ever!'

-from "The Manley Arts" Oct. 1, 2011 Booklist