Happy Friday! I apologize for not getting out a roundup last week, but I have a really good excuse – I was busy moving to Watertown! I am officially a North Country resident, and very happy about it!
PROGRAM IDEA: MICROWAVE MONDAYS
Let’s kick things off with an easy program idea that could be a take and make or even a fully virtual series on your social media: Microwave Mondays! Margaret Kingsport is the teen librarian at Fayetteville Free Library, and during the early days of the pandemic, she thought about how many kids might be at home eating cold or reheated food because they couldn’t safely cook for themselves. But if a kid can use their microwave, there are lots of great things they can actually cook independently, ranging from fudge to fried rice to scrambled eggs.
To keep things really simple, just record yourself (or a young helper) doing each step of a microwave recipe, post it to your library’s social media, and ask viewers to tag the library if they make the recipe.
If you want to get fancy with it, you could provide the shelf-stable ingredients in a bag along with a recipe card (maybe even pair this with a branded library mug Friends fundraiser?)
A few tips: Kids should have an adult on hand the first time they attempt any of these recipes. Mugs or bowls will be HOT when they come out, so oven mitts are a must. Every microwave is different, so cooking times are approximate, and after the first few minutes you may want to cook in 10 or 20 second increments and check frequently. And a plate or saucer under the mug is smart for some recipes to prevent overflow messes.
Be sure to check out Margaret’s examples on Instagram @fflteen, and here are some simple recipes to get you started:
Cinnamon Roll in a Mug – i am baker
Microwave Macaroni and Cheese in a Mug – Kirbie’s Cravings
Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge {3 Ingredients} – Insanely Good
The Easiest Potato Soup Recipe (In A Mug!) – Gemma’s Bigger Bolder Baking
How to Make Homemade Tortilla Chips in the Microwave – Sinful Nutrition
Microwave Mug Pizza Recipe (with Video) | Bigger Bolder Baking
2 Minute Pancake In A Mug – Colleen Christensen Nutrition
BOOK CHALLENGE UPDATES
An important perspective on a sensitive topic: what is age-appropriate for teens? The author asks adults to put aside their discomfort and really consider what information and stories teens need access to during these years when they may be experiencing curiosity, fear, or shame about their bodies and identities.
Sex in Young Adult Books Is Age Appropriate
Support from the National Coalition Against Censorship
If you experience a book or program challenge, there is now a confidential national hotline to report it and help you through it.
QUICK FRIDAY SMILES
Seven year old Inara is reading half a dozen books or more each night, aiming to read every book in her public library’s picture book collection.
Read all about it: Seven-year-old aims to read 3,000 books
Better Nate Than Ever is coming to Disney+
Better Nate Than Ever Trailer Reveals New Disney+ Musical Comedy
For the book geek in all of us, the New York Times explains how a book is made
