Summer Reading Brainstorming

I just attended (and did a little presentation for) a summer reading brainstorming session with other area children's librarians. It was a bunch of fun! The theme for Illinois summer reading programs is set every year by the iRead team at the Illinois Library Association. The year, the theme will be A Midsummer Knight's Read, and the committee chair, Kathi Kresol, came to our brainstorming session. She did some "wizard potions" which were really science experiments like making slime or volcano foam (using things like vinegar, baking soda, cornstarch, etc.). She also let us make edible wands (pretzel sticks with frosting and star sprinkles! yum!). We also talked about things like jousting with pool noodles, princess parties, medieval food and games, archery, and dragons. I am totally ready to start planning this summer's programs! Let me know if you have ideas/input, too.