Libraries are more than books. Some kids need a little direction to get the creative juices flowing. I gleaned the following from PUBYAC contributors. If you’re a member, check out the archives. Please add YOUR comments. Your colleagues would appreciate hearing what works, and what didn't!

For more offerings, see: Storytime-On the Go; Buses and Trucks

BIG TRUCKS & BUSES 

INVITATIONS:

• Garage
• Wheels
• Construction cones or barrels

REFRESHMENTS:

see: Recipes for Storytime

I know food can be a problem these days with so many dairy, nut and wheat allergies. But if you do refreshments, here are a couple ideas:

• Car Fruit Snacks
• Vehicles made from food (vegetables or snacks)
• Doughnuts on a platter made to look like discarded wheels

PROGRAM:

• Read a story/poem, if you must, but it’s all about the BIG vehicles
• Coordinate with the Highway Department to find a weekday during the summer when all the Big Town Trucks can come to the Library parking lot.
• Publicity is pretty minimal, consisting of signs in the Children’s Room, a posting in newspaper, and on the website.
• You may want to block off area with cones.
• The drivers are on-site and available for questions, although they don’t hover around the trucks. It is up to the caretakers to supervise mounting and dismounting and taking turns.
• Indoors, the librarians display a collection of truck books.
• You may want to hand out balloons and serve cake. Be mindful of latex allergies.

VOLUNTEERS:

Get teen or adult help.  

COST:

Most supplies can be purchased in bargain bins at craft stores or Dollar Stores.  

TIME:

About an hour-and-a-half should be sufficient. (Dependent on the number of children passing through; and how many vehicles are offered.)