Every Week is a Children’s Week-from Personal to Virtual and Vice Versa

Abstract

The “Every Week is a Children’s Week-from Personal to Virtual and Vice Versa“ poster presents programs for children in the “Radislav Nikčević” Public Library in Jagodina, Serbia. It is a continuous program that lasts for more than a decade and has been developed by the library professionals-teachers and educationist by trade. They have a range of skills, competencies and expertise necessary for running the programmes for children effectively and professionally. The program includes a range of services and workshops for preschool and primary school children aiming at children’s cultural development, life-long learning, finding their artistic side, preserving nature, expressing love for animals, being good listeners and speakers, overcoming challenges and adapting to drastic changes in the time of COVID-19 outbreak. The programs in person include recycling workshops, mother tongue and literature lessons, introduction to print and electronic literary magazines for children, foreign languages workshops, celebration of important holidays, art workshops and exhibitions, coding lessons, puppet theatres, reading diaries, etc. In the time of a pandemic, the Library demonstrated its adaptability to changing circumstances and the programs shifted from in person (personal) to virtual. The librarians connected with children through social networks and they took part in the following activities from home: presenting their favourite books, writing poems or short essays on different topics, art contests, recitation activities, introducing pets, etc. They made photos or videos and posted them on the Library’s Facebook page and engaged in discussions in the comments.