Attendees:
Shannon, Hoover
Lora, VH
Tess, O'Neal
Erin, Homewood
Royce, BPL
Anjie, O'Neal
Tara, VH
Rachel, O'Neal
Mary, Homewood
Ashley, Gardendale
Holley, O'Neal
Rachel,
Merideth,
Ellen, Avondale
Tamara, Irondale
Katie, O'Neal
Rebecca, Trussville
Brianna, Ctr Pt
Shawn, Pinson
K, Springville Rd/BPL
Laura, Springville Rd/BPL
Meeting Details
Date: July 20, 2026
Time: 14:26 – 15:58
Please note: This is my first attempt to use AI summary for this meeting. Any fault in capturing content from the meeting is due to AI, not me! Just kidding. View the link here for the entire Zoom meeting: recording here. There was quite a few chats that included links, so watching the video is the best way to capture everything.
Overview
Hoover Library led a collaborative session on passive programming strategies for libraries, bringing together staff from across Jefferson County to share successful program ideas and practical implementation tips. The meeting featured both in-person and Zoom participants exchanging creative, low-maintenance programming options that engage patrons with minimal staff supervision.
Next steps
Hoover
- Send out the slideshow with all the links and QR codes discussed during the meeting. For full access to the slideshow, plus resources mentioned in the meeting click here.
- Add more resources to the ongoing OneDrive resource place for passive programming. (Ongoing)
- Add any additional links or ideas sent by attendees to the meeting minutes.(Please share your ideas widely!)
Key Takeaways
- Passive programming provides valuable patron engagement with minimal staff time investment
- Successful programs combine creativity with practical resource management
- County-wide collaboration strengthens programming quality through shared ideas and resources
- Regular refreshing of program and staff involvement/investment are essential for passive program sustainability
- Both simple (coloring pages) and complex (monthly themed kits) approaches can be effective
Upcoming Events
- Adult Program Swap Meeting: September 20, 2026 – Bring program ideas to share - Meeting will be at the Bessemer Library 400 19th Street North, Bessemer, AL 35020 and via Zoom (link sent closer to time)
- JCPLA Staff Day: Friday, October 01, 2026 at Homewood Library
Summary
Passive Programming Ideas Shared
Quick Engagement Activities
- Shredded Book Puzzles: Patrons guess the book title from shredded pages
- QR Code Stations: Interactive digital content accessible via smartphone
- Photo Backdrops: Themed selfie stations for social media engagement
- Themed Coloring Pages: Adult and children's coloring stations with seasonal themes
- Turn your photo into a coloring page: https://creativelabs.cricut.com/tools/coloring-pages
- Puzzle Tables: Dedicated spaces for ongoing jigsaw puzzles
Take-and-Make Programs
Craft Kits: Pre-packaged materials for projects like dinosaur gliders, origami bookmarks, and friendship bracelets
- Tara from Vestavia Hills shared various take-and-make examples she created
- Adult Activity Kits: Avondale Library's monthly themed activity packs
- Weaving Activities: Anjie demonstrated weaving projects using plastic fencing material
- Pixel Painting Kits: Color-by-number style art projects
Themed Monthly Programs
Tea and Tails Program (Avondale): Monthly kits featuring tea pairings, book recommendations, and related activities, along with book recommendations!
- Ellen described this comprehensive program combining beverages, reading, and hands-on elements
- Spice of the Month Club (Center Point): Educational program introducing different spices with recipes and information
- Key: Start small to see who might be interested. These might also work for your bookmobile and outreach activities if you attend senior centers or facilities.
Community Exchange Programs
- Plant Propagation Station: Patron-led exchanges of plants and gardening knowledge
- Puzzle Swap: Passive display with little maintenance or staff time needed
- Seed Exchange: There is a lot of information out there about starting one, plus grants you can use to start your own!
Other Fabulous Random Things to Consider
- Mosaic paintings (one brand is StickTogether now owned by Demco)
- Guesstimation stations
- Guess the quotes/titles/first line/famous quote/famous song lyric/etc.
- Music listening station or traveling exhibits count too!
- Passive scavenger hunts are great
- Interactive Polls (change the theme every month? give out cheap free prizes?)
- Take & Make or Grab & Go, whatever you call them, people LOVE them!
Implementation Resources and Tips
Design and Planning Tools
- Canva: Primary tool for creating professional-looking materials and signage
- Pinterest: Source for craft ideas and program inspiration
- Programming Librarian Interest Group (Facebook): Professional community for sharing ideas
- OneDrive Resource Repository: Shared county-wide resource collection maintained by Hoover
- This includes webinar links, articles, downloadable patterns for take-and-makes, plus bookmarks for websites that make your work easy.
Practical Considerations
- Staff Involvement: Hoover emphasized the importance of staff engagement in maintaining and refreshing passive programs
- Budget Management: Libraries discussed working within limited budgets by using existing materials and donations
- Space Allocation: Creating dedicated areas (like puzzle tables) helps establish program consistency
- Time Efficiency: Passive programming addresses time constraints by requiring minimal staff supervision once set up
- Quality Control: Regular monitoring ensures programs remain attractive and functional. Watch out for bad actors wanting to spoil everyone's good time! (Don't let them get you down!)
Material Sourcing
- Local craft rooms and supply closets
- Community donations
- Budget-friendly bulk purchases
- Repurposed library materials (e.g., weeded books for puzzles)
