We learn best from each other.
Not every great idea comes from a conference presentation or a polished professional development session. Sometimes the most impactful programs come from librarians quietly trying something creative in their own communities—and it works.
That’s exactly what happened when I connected with Crissi Brandhuber, School Librarian at Eastside Elementary Library on the west central coast of Florida.
What immediately stood out to me about this program wasn’t the budget or the complexity.
It was the intentionality.
This wasn’t just “a literacy event.” It was a thoughtful attempt to connect reading, families, and community spaces in a way that felt authentic and memorable.
And honestly? I think school and public librarians alike can learn a lot from it.
About the Library + Community
Crissi serves a diverse Title I elementary school community of about 750 K–5 students.
But that wasn’t always the environment she walked into.
“Four years ago, we were a struggling school with no librarian and zero literacy programs.”
A comment I hear over and over.
Because so many librarians are building something from scratch right now—often without huge budgets, huge staffs, or huge support systems.
Her focus since stepping into the role has been creating meaningful literacy experiences that extend beyond the classroom walls and into the community itself.
And this program does exactly that.
Family Story Fest @ Citrus & Sage Bookshop
Program Overview
Family Story Fest was hosted at Citrus & Sage Bookshop, a local independent bookstore, and brought elementary students and families together for a community-centered literacy experience.
The event included:
- Coffee, conversation, and community connection
- A guest author visit
- Interactive craft stations
- Book browsing
- Blackout poetry activities
- A planned poetry café experience
What I really love about this concept is that it reframes reading as something social and experiential—not just academic.
That matters.
Especially for students who may not always see themselves as “readers.”
Why This Program Works
Crissi intentionally chose a bookstore setting because she wanted families to experience literacy in a real-world environment outside of school.
And honestly, that decision is what elevates this program. Libraries and schools sometimes forget that environment shapes experience.
A cozy independent bookstore already communicates:
- reading is valuable
- books are enjoyable
- this space belongs to you
That’s powerful before the program even begins.
“The combination of author interaction, poetry, and creative stations kept engagement high and allowed students to experience multiple forms of literacy.”
YES.
I also love that this wasn’t over-programmed.
Families had room to browse, talk, create, and explore naturally. That flexibility is often what makes family events feel welcoming instead of exhausting.
[READ: Passive Programming That Actually Works (and Why Most Doesn’t)]
One Detail I Especially Loved
Crissi mentioned using featured “teacher picks” throughout the bookstore to help families select books while also supporting local bookstore sales.
That is SUCH a smart partnership strategy.
It helps:
- families who feel overwhelmed choosing books
- students discover new titles
- support the local business hosting the event
And importantly—it makes the partnership mutually beneficial.
Libraries and schools should absolutely be thinking more this way when collaborating with community businesses.
[LINK: Favorite elementary read-alouds]
Best Practices for Recreating This Program
1. Choose the Right Community Space
This program worked because the setting matched the mission.
A bookstore naturally supported the atmosphere Crissi wanted to create.
Think about:
- indie bookstores
- coffee shops
- art studios
- museums
- community centers
The right location becomes part of the experience itself.
2. Keep Activities Flexible + Choice-Based
Crissi emphasized that activities were intentionally low-pressure and interactive.
That’s important.
Not every family wants:
- rigid rotations
- formal instruction
- scheduled participation
Choice-based programming allows people to engage comfortably at their own pace.
And honestly? That often leads to better engagement anyway.
3. Don’t Overcomplicate It
This was one of my favorite takeaways from our conversation. The event was intentionally simple.
Supply-wise, it was incredibly manageable:
- paper
- scissors
- glue
- coloring supplies
- signage
- poetry materials
That’s it.
Sometimes librarians assume impactful programming has to be elaborate or expensive.
It doesn’t.
Atmosphere and intentionality often matter more than budget.
[LINK: Simple low-cost craft supplies]
Supplies Used
Author Visit
- Seating/signing setup
- Author book display
- Q&A area
Craft Stations
- Paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Coloring materials
- Book-themed templates
Poetry Activities
- Short poems
- Blackout poetry pages
- Speaker/microphone setup
General Event Supplies
- Station signage
- Sign-in sheets
Budget-Friendly Tip
Crissi noted that many materials were donated, recycled, or already available.
Her goal wasn’t expensive programming. It was creating a memorable literacy-centered atmosphere.
How the Program Ran
Event Flow
Welcome + Arrival
Families entered the bookstore and explored the space.
Guest Author Read-Aloud + Q&A
Two large groups participated in the author experience.
Open Exploration
Families rotated freely through:
- craft stations
- blackout poetry
- book browsing
- bookmarks and creative activities
Optional Book Signing
Students had opportunities to connect with the author individually.
Informal Community Time
Families stayed, talked, browsed, and connected naturally.
Total program length was approximately 90–120 minutes.
Lessons Learned (The Part I Always Appreciate Most)
I really value when librarians share what didn’t work.
Because that’s where the real learning happens.
Crissi originally planned to include a poetry café component, but ultimately decided not to open it during the event.
Why?
“Not enough room or time. Would’ve been too noisy for what we were going for.”
Great call.
Recognizing when something doesn’t fit the atmosphere is just as important as planning it in the first place.
She also shared:
- the event needed a more structured sign-in setup
- next time she’d simplify the number of stations
- extending the event to a full two hours would help pacing
And my favorite part?
The poetry café idea was still valuable enough that they’re now planning an entirely separate event around it.
That’s exactly how strong programming evolves.
Final Thoughts
“Story Fest started as a vision of what literacy could look like beyond the school walls.”
I love that.
Because this program wasn’t really about crafts or even the author visit.
It was about helping families connect reading with joy, creativity, community, and belonging.
That’s the kind of literacy work kids remember.
If you’re a librarian looking to strengthen community partnerships, create meaningful family engagement, or simply rethink what literacy programming can look like, I think this program is a beautiful example of how impactful simple ideas can be.
Especially when they’re rooted in connection.
[READ: Field Notes: What Does Your Community Outreach Look Like?]
Would She Run It Again?
Absolutely.
And honestly? I hope she does.
Thank you, Crissi! Bravo!!
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