BlueCareer provides information on more than 100 skilled trades, connects patrons with hundreds of trade schools across the United States and Canada, and provides training resources for those seeking to build their trade knowledge and experience.
FinancialFit offers patrons short, easy-to-understand lessons, videos, and interactive tools to help develop and support basic financial literacy. Print material that provides similar information is consistently popular with our users, and we’re excited to be able to offer this digital resource as well!
Join us in September to learn more about these resources. If you cannot join us on the 23rd, the session will be recorded and posted on the Backstage site afterwards.
With school starting back soon and elections happening in a few months, now is a good time for everyone to be aware of Opposing Viewpoints from Gale in Context.
Opposing Viewpoints provides credible information about today’s hotly debated topics.
Explore current issues using the Issues of Interest on the main banner.
Or Browse Issues:
Once you have chosen a topic, Opposing Viewpoints provides an overview of the topic along with links to explore the topic and viewpoints in more depth:
Creativebug: A Treasure Trove for Crafting Enthusiasts
Creativebug is an online platform brimming with over 1,500 video tutorials covering a wide range of crafts, from painting and knitting to jewelry-making and quilting. And the best part? It’s entirely free for library cardholders!
New classes are added weekly, ensuring there’s always something exciting to learn.
Why Should You Share Creativebug with Your Patrons?
Ideal for Programs:
Planning to host crafting events at the library? Creativebug offers
public performance rights, allowing you to showcase videos to groups, whether in-person or online. It’s that simple!
Engaging and Fun for Patrons:
Each video includes closed captions and step-by-step instructions, plus a
Member Gallery where patrons can upload their completed projects and receive feedback from others.
Benefits for Your Patrons
Ad-Free Crafting:
The tutorials are professional-quality and well-organized, free from ads and distractions typical of platforms like YouTube.
Welcoming All Skill Levels:
Whether someone is a beginner learning crochet or an expert seeking advanced techniques, there’s something for everyone.
Unlimited Access:
Patrons can watch as many tutorials as they like—whenever they want—without needing to purchase a subscription!
Fun Program Ideas for Patrons
✅ Quick Craft Workshops Select short, enjoyable classes that patrons can complete in a few hours. Consider workshops like “How to Make a Simple Clay Pot” or “DIY Pom-Pom Headbands.” These can be hosted in-person or virtually, turning them into social events!
✅ 30-Day Crafting Challenges Develop a month-long challenge featuring daily crafting prompts. Encourage patrons to share their projects on social media or within the Creativebug Member Gallery for added interaction.
✅ Craft Circles Organize a “watch-and-make” craft circle where patrons can view a Creativebug class together and work on their projects as a group. This fosters both crafting and conversation.
✅ Seasonal/Theme-Based Events Leverage Creativebug’s content to align with seasonal themes—such as holiday decorations, back-to-school crafts, or summer DIY projects. Pair a class with a themed book display at the library.
How to Promote It to Your Community
Website & Social Media: Highlight Creativebug as a free resource on your library’s website and social media platforms. Don’t forget to incorporate QR codes or links for easy access!
Engage Patrons on Social Media: Motivate patrons to share their finished projects on social media using your library’s custom hashtag. You might even host an online “Crafting Challenge” or a virtual gallery show!
A Sample Month of Fun & Engaging Activities
Week
Staff Action
Patron Experience
1
Promote Creativebug via eBlast and social media
Patrons start a new craft challenge (e.g., DIY wreaths)
2–3
Send weekly emails with class suggestions
Patrons try new projects based on the theme
4
Host an in-person or virtual “Craft & Chat” session
Patrons share their projects and ideas with each other
End
Send out a survey asking about favorite classes and ideas for future events
Patrons give feedback on what they loved!
Creativebug is an incredible asset for libraries to offer their patrons. Whether you’re aiming to host programs, create themed events, or simply provide more resources for crafting enthusiasts, Creativebug has it all. With unlimited access, ad-free content, and projects suitable for all skill levels, it’s a user-friendly resource that can transform your library into a hub of creative exploration.
If you’re eager to get started or need assistance planning your first program, the Creativebug team is available to help! Reach out to them anytime for guidance, training, or ideas for your next big event.
Happy crafting! Let’s inspire your community to create together! 🎨
Although the unemployment rate in Pennsylvania is around 4%, it’s always a good time for librarians to be aware of information that our patrons can use regarding new or changing career paths.
One such tool is Blue Career by EBSCOlearning. This is an easy-to-use resource that provides information on skilled trades.
Blue Career offers three different ways to explore careers and jobs – exploring, interested, and experienced.
For those exploring Blue Career provides an assessment based on a person’s skills and interests in a fun and interactive way.
The results will also have the option to explore other trades if the result is not to your liking.
For those who already have an idea of what industry they would like to work in, the “Interested” section is the place to go.
From there Blue Career gives a list of positions available in an industry. From there they provide even more information about the job, like average salary and what skills and education are needed. There is also information on organizations to join, people to follow on social media, interesting blogs and videos to watch.
For those looking with experience and training looking for jobs, they can create a profile to connect with employers.
