It was dinosaur day at the library this week (we’ve been having a lot of fun this Spring Break!), and I led the kids through a really fun art project where we traced our feet, cut them out, and glued them onto a paper replica of a triceratops footprint! I snapped this photo once a handful of the kiddos had glued on their footprints, and by the end of the program, it was still only about 3/4 full. It’s a very simple activity, but so effective at translating the truly massive scale of a dinosaur!
1, 2, 3, 4, 5…
How many more feet will fit?!
Marvel at the scale.
Were you a dino-fanatic as a kid? I sure was! I still am, honestly, which is why I love my job, because I get to do cool dino-themed programs like this one and fill the library with excitement and enthusiasm. How many other grown-ups get to play with foam dinosaur bones or make dinosaur bookmarks??
Being a librarian can be TOUGH right now, there’s no way around it. Two libraries in the Canadian city of Saskatoon had to temporarily close because of the amount of drug-related violence staff were exposed to, and while my own library is thankfully comparatively quiet when it comes to these kinds of incidents, I’ve unfortunately had a number of challenging interactions with inebriated or combative individuals over the years, and they’re never easy. That’s in addition to the constant stress of book bans and challenges, which are on the rise even here in Canada, as bigots grow emboldened by the political situation down south. It can be a lot to take in, for any librarian or library worker.
But I can still honestly say that being a children’s librarian is my dream job. While I would definitely change certain aspects of the role (no job is perfect, after all), it’s still without a doubt the best job I’ve ever had, and as I came to librarianship a bit later in life, I’ve had quite a few jobs (bank teller, legal secretary, customer service agent…). Finding my books on library shelves just adds to my joy! <3
I hope your week brings you some dinosaur-sized joy!
This week’s Poetry Friday host is Marcie Flinchum Atkins.
That dinosaur footprint activity looks like such fun! Libraries are some of my favorite places and librarians are some of my favorite people! I go to my local library almost every week and consider it a tremendous resource in the community. It’s disheartening to know there are so many challenges facing libraries and librarians. Thanks for all you do!
Libraries are some of my favourite places, too! We actually spent much of Saturday at a library, hiding from a sudden spring downpour. It’s so hard to find free places to hang out anymore, where there’s never an expectation that you’ll buy anything. You can hang out all you like at the library!
Love the dino-joy, Jane! Thank you!
Happy to spread the joy!!
I love your dino activity, Jane, a great way to show just how enormous those creatures were. I’m sure the kids enjoyed it! There are some challenges here in our libraries, too, so more ‘greeters’ have begun to be at the front when people come in. And, yes, the banning is an issue, but a school system just won their case against a group here, a cause for celebration!
Hooray, I love to hear stories about fighting the good fight!
I have so much admiration for librarians. It is not an easy job, but it can certainly be rewarding. I am friends with our local children’s librarian. She’s great. Are you interested in adding a line to the kidlit progressive poem? Please let me know. I have too many slots open. https://reflectionsontheteche.com/2025/03/06/kidlit-progressive-poem-2025-sign-up/
Just the word “marvel” goes so well with dinosaurs and poetry. May your job continue to be a joy, and may your maple
leaf wave proudly. And may your neighbors’ malaise not wholly infect you…
Thank you for being a librarian. I remember being in grad school and meeting the library science students. I felt envious because deep inside, I envied their choice of career. Enjoy your dinosaur-driven creativity and stay safe!
Your dinosaur footprint reminded me of the time my class drew life-sized dinosaurs using the grid method. It was one of those great ideas that turned out amazing in the end, but the logistics of the middle were quite tricky. And we used a LOT of paper from the big rolls. Probably couldn’t get away with it today…
I love learning about dinosaurs. My younger son was a big dinosaur fan, and we to read every dinosaur book we could find. I’m so sorry to hear about the challenges librarians face. The library is a sanctuary for so many.
Dinosaurs are an evergreen hit.
Here’s hoping that things will get better for librarians everywhere, in every way.
My daughter finds the same kind of joy you do in her job as a youth services librarian.
Thank you for being a librarian! I am sorry to hear of your troubles . Libraries should always be a place of peace, learning and curiosity. Thanks for sharing the dino project and tiny poem. It was an amazing visual.
I love this dinosaur poster you made with your patrons! So cool! And I agree, being a librarian is the best job! Not perfect, but such a great job.
I always remind myself how lucky I am to have my dream job. <3
Such a great classroom/library activity, Jane! Even I marvel at the scale!
Me too!! Dinosaurs are endlessly fascinating!