What do you think?
Rate this book
The Passive Programming Playbook: 101 Ways to Get Library Customers Off the Sidelines
Passive programming is a cheap, quick, fun way to make all library customers feel like part of the community. It can support reading initiatives, foster family engagement, encourage visit frequency, and coax interaction out of library lurkers--while barely making a dent in your programming budget. Passive programming can be targeted at children, teens, adults, or seniors; used to augment existing programs; and executed in places where staff-led programming can't reach. It can be light-footed, spontaneous, and easily deployed to reflect and respond to current news, media, library events, and even the weather. But even passive programming pros run out of ideas sometimes, and when that happens, they want a fresh, funny source of inspiration.
227 pages, Paperback
Published May 31, 2020
5 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Paula Willey
2 books251 followersPaula Willey (she/ella) is a librarian and freelance writer in Baltimore. My reviews and features have appeared in School Library Journal, the Baltimore Sun, Booklist, and others.
My book, The Passive Programming Playbook, co-written with Andria L. Amaral, has been called "an engaging and practical guide" in Booklist and "chock-full of ideas and inspiration" in School Library Journal.
A member of the rockin selection team at First Book, I read hundreds of books a year looking for just the right titles to appeal to, educate and entertain the students served by First Book's network of Title I teachers and others serving low-income communities.
I also write and speak on passive programming, media literacy, service to people with justice system involvement, graphic novels, and the appeal of horror fiction to seemingly normal children and teens.
My book, The Passive Programming Playbook, co-written with Andria L. Amaral, has been called "an engaging and practical guide" in Booklist and "chock-full of ideas and inspiration" in School Library Journal.
A member of the rockin selection team at First Book, I read hundreds of books a year looking for just the right titles to appeal to, educate and entertain the students served by First Book's network of Title I teachers and others serving low-income communities.
I also write and speak on passive programming, media literacy, service to people with justice system involvement, graphic novels, and the appeal of horror fiction to seemingly normal children and teens.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 6, 2024
I believe it is most often passive programming that really makes people pause and take note of what is happening within the library. It's the fun and participatory small attention-grabbers like "Would you rather ...?" or "Which is better - the book or the movie?" opinion-seeking questions that engage library patrons with low-stakes involvement while simultaneously fulfilling the desire to share their opinion and see how their vote stacks up. It's these seemingly insignificant interactions that help people feel as if they are truly a seen and valued member of the library community, and has them seeking out more opportunities for interesting activities. They also liven up the library in a fun, casual way and help to remove stereotypes that the library is a stodgy relic from the past that is on its way out.
So, if you're looking to engage patrons in a relaxed manner that also allows them to broaden their horizons, creatively explore, and inconspicuously support the library, this book will aid you in your mission. It more than meets its aim of enthusiastic endorsement and promotion of passive programming, with plenty of easy, low-cost, and adaptable ideas to interest and involve library patrons and staff of all ages.
So, if you're looking to engage patrons in a relaxed manner that also allows them to broaden their horizons, creatively explore, and inconspicuously support the library, this book will aid you in your mission. It more than meets its aim of enthusiastic endorsement and promotion of passive programming, with plenty of easy, low-cost, and adaptable ideas to interest and involve library patrons and staff of all ages.
August 30, 2021
"The Passive Programming Playbook" is a must have for all library staff involved in programming since it provides 101+ ways to conduct library programming with library visitors without having physical interact with them.
The book is begins with a brief introduction by the authors and consists of eleven chapters, an appendix of resources, a bibliography, and an index. The eleven book chapters are divided into two parts which are "Rules, Equipment, And Keeping Score" and "Let the Games Begin: 101+ Passive Programming Ideas."
In part 1: "Rules, Equipment and Keeping Score," the authors define what passive programming is (a way to engage library customers at their own pace and interest level through self-directed activities,) provide a list of supplies to make passive programming a success, best practices when having passive programming at your library, passive programming templates, and ways to compile statistics and share results from passive programming events.
In part 2: "Let the Games Begin: 101+ Passive Programming Ideas," the authors provide readers with a week's work of passive programming ideas, themes and ideas to try any time of the year, ideas on creating special spaces for passive programming, a year of programming inspiration ideas, passive programming using library outdoor space, and passive programming during perilous times.
This book is humorous, informative, and inspiring in reference to the amount of effort taken by the authors to compile all of the ideas into a book format. I appreciated that the ideas provided in this book are adaptable & can be used at libraries regardless of how big or small their budgets are or staffing levels. Although I initially purchased this book to be added to the library collection where I work, I am definitely planning to purchase my own personal copy of this book soon due to the enormous amount of programming ideas that are provided.
The book is begins with a brief introduction by the authors and consists of eleven chapters, an appendix of resources, a bibliography, and an index. The eleven book chapters are divided into two parts which are "Rules, Equipment, And Keeping Score" and "Let the Games Begin: 101+ Passive Programming Ideas."
In part 1: "Rules, Equipment and Keeping Score," the authors define what passive programming is (a way to engage library customers at their own pace and interest level through self-directed activities,) provide a list of supplies to make passive programming a success, best practices when having passive programming at your library, passive programming templates, and ways to compile statistics and share results from passive programming events.
In part 2: "Let the Games Begin: 101+ Passive Programming Ideas," the authors provide readers with a week's work of passive programming ideas, themes and ideas to try any time of the year, ideas on creating special spaces for passive programming, a year of programming inspiration ideas, passive programming using library outdoor space, and passive programming during perilous times.
This book is humorous, informative, and inspiring in reference to the amount of effort taken by the authors to compile all of the ideas into a book format. I appreciated that the ideas provided in this book are adaptable & can be used at libraries regardless of how big or small their budgets are or staffing levels. Although I initially purchased this book to be added to the library collection where I work, I am definitely planning to purchase my own personal copy of this book soon due to the enormous amount of programming ideas that are provided.
October 6, 2022
Paula Willey and Andria L. Amaral team up to present The Passive Programming Playbook: 101 Ways to Get Library Customers Off the Sidelines.
With dozens of ideas, Playbook offers mostly inexpensive, easy-to-implement, and adaptable passive programming ideas not just for librarians but for anyone looking to engage their user base in effective, but simple ways. Playbook is divided by categories including sections on programs that respond to lesser-known national/international observations as well as programs based around similar set ups. Willey and Amaral often return to the same idea with different takes (or even, in some cases, the same take) so it often feels as if there aren't truly 101-plus ideas, but the impact is nonetheless significant. Readers can easily take most of the ideas and tweak them to best suit their own space, population, budgets, style, and more.
Playbook also offers success stories and brief, often amusing, anecdotes to help the reader better imagine how a given idea might play out in their space. Throughout Playbook, Willey and Amaral adopt a friendly and casual but still authoritative tone that delivers the material with an air of knowledgeability and confidence.
Some ideas that have stuck with me include adapting "what's your name?" memes from the internet (your sock color plus your first initial, etc.), guess the shredded book jars, and various contests.
The book was tedious to read straight through, but I can't quite recommend it solely as a reference book, either. Collecting the ideas mentally by reading it through is valuable and the organization of the book isn't quite appropriate for using it strictly as reference. Committing to flipping through it every so often as a sort of in-between option might be the best mode of consuming this one.
With dozens of ideas, Playbook offers mostly inexpensive, easy-to-implement, and adaptable passive programming ideas not just for librarians but for anyone looking to engage their user base in effective, but simple ways. Playbook is divided by categories including sections on programs that respond to lesser-known national/international observations as well as programs based around similar set ups. Willey and Amaral often return to the same idea with different takes (or even, in some cases, the same take) so it often feels as if there aren't truly 101-plus ideas, but the impact is nonetheless significant. Readers can easily take most of the ideas and tweak them to best suit their own space, population, budgets, style, and more.
Playbook also offers success stories and brief, often amusing, anecdotes to help the reader better imagine how a given idea might play out in their space. Throughout Playbook, Willey and Amaral adopt a friendly and casual but still authoritative tone that delivers the material with an air of knowledgeability and confidence.
Some ideas that have stuck with me include adapting "what's your name?" memes from the internet (your sock color plus your first initial, etc.), guess the shredded book jars, and various contests.
The book was tedious to read straight through, but I can't quite recommend it solely as a reference book, either. Collecting the ideas mentally by reading it through is valuable and the organization of the book isn't quite appropriate for using it strictly as reference. Committing to flipping through it every so often as a sort of in-between option might be the best mode of consuming this one.
July 29, 2021
This should also be called: Participatory Programming Playbook. Nothing passive about it, these ideas involve action/participation.
August 19, 2021
Purchased the book myself, rather than wait in line at work. Worth it. Not just the ideas, which are good. But, the organization of the book means I will use it as a reference in the future.
February 23, 2022
Excellent resource--organized well, pretty detailed, and lots of content.
January 27, 2023
If you work in a public library and are looking into getting new patrons or more patron engagement without sacrificing staff time, funds, or programming costs, PASSIVE programming is the way to go and this playbook gives you some very thorough, clever, inexpensive and fun ideas!
February 26, 2022
Great resource for library work.
April 15, 2022
Fantastic! Got so many great ideas and can’t wait to get started.
May 15, 2022
Looking for more ways to interact with library users with whiteboards. This book was recommended by other library workers. It is packed with great ideas as well as days to celebrate. Yay!
May 17, 2022
Here's what people are saying about The Passive Programming Playbook:
"Both public and school librarians can get inspired by these fun ideas; teen library councils could also have a great time designing and implementing these passive programs."—Booklist, February 25, 2022
"Packed with great ideas that require little money or staff time, this volume will appeal broadly to library program planners, particularly those on tight budgets and those who want to expand patron participation."—Library Journal, July 1, 2021
"This is such a clever and useful guide for helping busy librarians engage their customers. In addition to great ideas, it provides encouraging guidance for staff to design their own! An invaluable resource."—Deborah Taylor, Recipient of the 2015 Coretta Scott King–Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement
"This vital guide to understanding the purpose, power, and creativity of passive programming in libraries will leave you eager to engage patrons of all ages in valuable ways. An excellent resource packed with ideas for every library budget and space."—Kelly Jensen, Editor, Book Riot
"Public library workers know that passive programming is a lifesaver in the face of budget cuts and staffing shortages. With engaging and entertaining language, a clear layout, and first-hand understanding of working with the public (and an obvious love of what they do), Amaral and Willey have created a unique and valuable guide to help you supplement your programming schedule and meet your community's needs without burning yourself out (while being inclusive and imaginative at the same time). I plan on stealing MANY of the ideas contained in this book—this is a resource I will turn to again and again!"—Rita Meade, Public Librarian and author of Edward Gets Messy
"Patron outreach and programming are central functions of libraries, but with all the tasks required in successfully running a facility, finding ways to implement library-led activities can be daunting. Passive library programming is the answer to any weary librarian who wishes they could do more—it supplements traditional programming and offers a way to engage library patrons at their own pace and interest level through self-directed activities. The Passive Programming Playbook highlights the most inclusive, accommodating, and adaptable programs for patrons of all ages and is an outstanding resource that provides librarians easy, effective, and assessable ways to serve their community well through meaningful library experiences. Rich with innovative ideas that leverage additional interactions with patrons, this worthy addition should be welcomed into your professional collection to support your patron engagement endeavors."—Rose Brock, Associate Professor, Department of Library Science and Technology, Sam Houston State University
"This book has something for librarians everywhere. Have a small library? There are ideas for you. Have a large space but no budget? There are ideas for you. This isn’t just programming for kids; Willey and Amaral show readers how to use passive programming to reach elusive teens and busy adults. You’d think a book like this would be dry. But no! Using a fun and conversational tone, first they tell you how to use the tools that you have, then they give you ideas upon ideas upon ideas. My only problem with this book is trying to decide which passive program to use in my library first."—Julie Dietzel-Glair, Librarian and Author of Books in Motion: Connecting Preschools with Books through Art, Games, Movement, Music, Playacting, and Props
"Reading this book, I felt like I was in the room with an optimistic friend—one who would enthusiastically brainstorm with me from a place of honesty and flexibility. One who is rooting for everyone, because they believe in them! I so wish I'd had this book when I was starting out."—Megan Emery Schadlich, Creator, The Healing Library
"Both public and school librarians can get inspired by these fun ideas; teen library councils could also have a great time designing and implementing these passive programs."—Booklist, February 25, 2022
"Packed with great ideas that require little money or staff time, this volume will appeal broadly to library program planners, particularly those on tight budgets and those who want to expand patron participation."—Library Journal, July 1, 2021
"This is such a clever and useful guide for helping busy librarians engage their customers. In addition to great ideas, it provides encouraging guidance for staff to design their own! An invaluable resource."—Deborah Taylor, Recipient of the 2015 Coretta Scott King–Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement
"This vital guide to understanding the purpose, power, and creativity of passive programming in libraries will leave you eager to engage patrons of all ages in valuable ways. An excellent resource packed with ideas for every library budget and space."—Kelly Jensen, Editor, Book Riot
"Public library workers know that passive programming is a lifesaver in the face of budget cuts and staffing shortages. With engaging and entertaining language, a clear layout, and first-hand understanding of working with the public (and an obvious love of what they do), Amaral and Willey have created a unique and valuable guide to help you supplement your programming schedule and meet your community's needs without burning yourself out (while being inclusive and imaginative at the same time). I plan on stealing MANY of the ideas contained in this book—this is a resource I will turn to again and again!"—Rita Meade, Public Librarian and author of Edward Gets Messy
"Patron outreach and programming are central functions of libraries, but with all the tasks required in successfully running a facility, finding ways to implement library-led activities can be daunting. Passive library programming is the answer to any weary librarian who wishes they could do more—it supplements traditional programming and offers a way to engage library patrons at their own pace and interest level through self-directed activities. The Passive Programming Playbook highlights the most inclusive, accommodating, and adaptable programs for patrons of all ages and is an outstanding resource that provides librarians easy, effective, and assessable ways to serve their community well through meaningful library experiences. Rich with innovative ideas that leverage additional interactions with patrons, this worthy addition should be welcomed into your professional collection to support your patron engagement endeavors."—Rose Brock, Associate Professor, Department of Library Science and Technology, Sam Houston State University
"This book has something for librarians everywhere. Have a small library? There are ideas for you. Have a large space but no budget? There are ideas for you. This isn’t just programming for kids; Willey and Amaral show readers how to use passive programming to reach elusive teens and busy adults. You’d think a book like this would be dry. But no! Using a fun and conversational tone, first they tell you how to use the tools that you have, then they give you ideas upon ideas upon ideas. My only problem with this book is trying to decide which passive program to use in my library first."—Julie Dietzel-Glair, Librarian and Author of Books in Motion: Connecting Preschools with Books through Art, Games, Movement, Music, Playacting, and Props
"Reading this book, I felt like I was in the room with an optimistic friend—one who would enthusiastically brainstorm with me from a place of honesty and flexibility. One who is rooting for everyone, because they believe in them! I so wish I'd had this book when I was starting out."—Megan Emery Schadlich, Creator, The Healing Library
November 22, 2023
I bought this one for my library after attending a workshop by an author of a similar book, who said this was the number one book she recommended, even above her own. High praise. I had to check this one out. I've found myself going back to it every now and then at work for inspiration. I've used a couple of ideas already since purchasing it. Though, mostly it' s inspired me to think of passive programming differently. And what better praise is there for a book, than one that has you thinking differently? I have a passive program going on right now, not directly inspired by this book, but I don't think it would be going on if I hadn't read this. I highly recommend this book to those working in small libraries.
April 12, 2023
This contained some great ideas for parents or for in-house library use. I liked that books were suggested with the activities. The activities and suggestions could be adapted for any age. The wide range of suggestions weren't based on holidays, like most programming idea books are.
April 2, 2023
52 Book Club Challenge #23 - An Alliterative Title
July 31, 2024
worth reading for school librarians as well public. So mnay great ideas!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews