Despite Snow the Pants Sizzled in Hopkinton

We had a dozen kids (girls) sign up. I was hoping for more as I was fortunate to have our middle/high school librarian, Shelley Lochhead, promote the program in the school. I made the pants available for signing after school on Tuesday through Friday but my big program was scheduled for Thursday. Thursday it stormed, school was canceled and by 3pm (time the program was scheduled for) no one came to the library! So we did all the signing and picture taking on the other days. The ones who did come loved the idea and the opportunity to participate (though I was surprised that a number of them had not read the book, which limited discussion). In evaluating the program, I realize that not having a teen advisory committee makes this sort of programming iffy anyway (weather not a factor). It may have been more successful if it were held in the school library - something I had not considered but I noticed the pants had made a visit to a couple of middle schools. I'm new at youth services (it's been 8 months) and it's a part time position so this was a great learning experience for me - if that counts?! I learned that even 7th graders don't like to read a lot of rules (even for the sisterhood) and supervision is essential as they (7th graders) have trouble limiting their input to a 1"x 2" space (sorry about that). Everyone liked looking at the scrap book, it added to the feeling of being part of a larger community. Overall, the pants generated a lot of buzz and I thought the program very creative and I'd like to be included in other programs like this. All your efforts are most appreciated - thank you so much!

Elissa - Hopkinton Town Library