In this interactive live series (online on zoom), we will provide a framework for creating engaging and accessible community engagement programs for families. The framework outlines ways in which The GIANT Room partners with librarians to bring community publication programs into libraries through “Remix Publication Stations”. GIANT Remix is a program funded by the CT State Library, DLD, for local libraries through which families will be given “creative missions” to contribute writings, illustrations, and ideas to community books and trading cards throughout the year.

The GIANT Room will bring “Premium Remix Publication Stations” to selected libraries from those registered for the workshops. These libraries will receive all materials needed to set up and run the stations, and upon completion of the program will receive professionally-printed copies of the final book and trading card publications to add to their library collection, as well as a link to the digital publication which families can access free of charge at home. This is a wonderful program for your community to gain a sense of belonging to their local library, keep coming back to the library to make more publications and read their books, and invite other families to join the program. 

In our program last year in partnership with Ansonia Library, Granby Public Library, Gunn Memorial Library, Killingly Public Library, New Haven Free Public Library, Waterford Public Library and Windsor Locks Public Library hundreds of families joined our live events and Remix Stations in libraries and published: 

• A deck of superhero trading cards with the Waterford Public Library 

• A graphic novel featuring comic strip stories with the Fair Haven Branch

• A game set of Would You Rather…? questions with the Killingly Public Library 

• A deck of engineered buildings and a dream city map with Gunn Memorial and Ives Branch Public Libraries

• And so many more! 

This session is one of the two sessions as part of The GIANT Room professional development for the Remix program. Librarians are encouraged to join both sessions. We will share recordings of the sessions with those who register for the workshop in case you cannot join the live session.

Key Takeaways:

• Participating librarians will have a chance to brainstorm the themes for GIANT Remix stations to best align with their library programs and the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, such as:

  • designing laws and rules to add to a community constitution, aimed at making their community a better place

  • dreaming up what their Oval Office might look like if they were president

  • designing and writing their own postcards to send to their elected officials to make change in their community

  • inventing a country and designing the national flag for it

  • building their dream city, town, or community

• Participating librarians will be introduced to AI tools that make these community publications possible. Expect fun and interactive activities using AI to bring your ideas to life. These activities are designed to help librarians work with creative AI tools in a very engaging and accessible way. 

• Participating libraries will be considered to be chosen as one of the locations that receive GIANT Remix Stations and a Family Event, free of charge, in their libraries.  

Join us to brainstorm, learn, and dream the next series of community publications for your library! 

Presenter: The GIANT Room staff

Recordings

• We are planning to record these sessions and post them on the GIANT Room libguide.

Who Should Come?

Perfect for anyone interested in great childrens/family programming and community engagement.

Accessibility 

• Captions will be made available. If you require another access service to participate fully, please use the Accommodation Request Form at least 7 days prior to the event.