What's Great About Passive Programming?

In our class we looked at different types of programs: passive (stealth) programs, DIY programs and active programs. The class discussed some of the positives they see with programs other than active programs.

• Having a mix of programs allows you to provide something that appeals to more people.  Those people who don't bring kids to programs or storytimes but do come in every Saturday morning to check out books have a chance to participate in some type of program (probably passive) without interrupting their routine.  Also, having low maintenance programs like passive and DIY programs can take the pressure off to have more active programs.  If someone asks why you're not having a big active program all the time, you can point to smaller programs that kids can participate in at their own convenience and maybe keep them coming in for more than just a 45 minute program.
• In this same vein, I think passive programs can be a better fit for older children. Although young children at our library love all the programming we provide (or their parents do), we have more trouble reaching older elementary school children. Passive programs seem like a good fit for this group since it allows them to have more agency and they don't have to worry about bringing a friend to every program.
• Passive programs work well for busy families that can not always make to the library to planned programming at a certain time.  They can stop by when it is convenient for them, pick up some books and participate in whatever passive program that is happening while they are there.  I think that active and planned programming is great for families that might be looking social interaction.  It is great with preschoolers and elementary aged children.  It's great for the kids and the parents to interact with each other, plus we can use that time to share our book collection.  Pitfalls for passive programs included keeping the project contained, keeping staff updated on what the program is, and depending on how long the program goes- helping staff remember to encourage patrons to participate.  Pitfalls for active and planned programs would definitely be time constraints for families.  They have so many activities after school and in the evenings.
• I am a full-time librarian and my work desk is the public desk in the children's room. When I'm not doing storytimes, I'm at the desk observing and always asking myself how I could make my department better for every single kid that walks in the door. That being said, I am a firm believer in meeting kids where they are. Some children LOVE a crazy storytime with 20 kids running around (with 20 adults in a 43-capacity room!). Some kids would rather go to the dentist (no offense, dentists!) than participate in a jam-packed, fast moving program. With the different types of programs, we as librarians can meet kids where they are and indulge their unique personalities and interests. If we only did one type of program, a huge chunk of kids would never get the experience of being themselves at the library. I do many DIY programs that are 90% self directed (the 10% being a sign that says "Hey, this is cool! Do it!"). This catches the kids who are not able to attend formal active programs, or kids that have half an hour to hang out while their caregivers print something in the computer lab. I think we as librarians can do ALL OF THE THINGS with a good mixture of programming. :)
• I actually think a mix of active and passive programs are virtually essential for a library to embrace in order to remain financially viable. We started exploring passive programming because we had to. We don't have enough staff to execute traditional "active" programming for all ages on a consistent basis.  But that's not the only reason to do it. Technology has been a game-changer for this generation. Kids are more independent and self-directed. Our culture has fundamentally changed as a result of the internet. I think it's our responsibility to not only help them navigate that world, but to offer relevant programming for a variety of interests. There used to be a more collective experience around "cultural" events: the country stayed home on Thursday nights to watch the Cosby Show or you anxiously listened to hours of the radio to hear that one song you loved. That's not the case anymore. Passive/DIY programming allows libraries to widen the scope of interests. And it allows libraries the chance to quickly adjust to trends. Active programming takes advanced planning and by the time an event comes around, kids may have moved on. I also think it's a really sneaky way to redirect kids to books. I am not a the-library-is-for-reading-books-and-only-reading-books type of person, but I do believe one of the greatest thing I can do for a child is get them to see that reading is FUN. If kids choose reading as a leisure activity, they win life forever. Passive and DIY book-based programming can excite kids and remind them how fun reading is. 
• Passive activities give that shy young reader who is uncomfortable in group activities a chance to participate, entertain children while their parents are using library computers, and introduce “new” books to children and parents.
• Having a mix of programs allows you to provide something that appeals to more people.  Those people who don't bring kids to programs or storytimes but do come in every Saturday morning to check out books have a chance to participate in some type of program (probably passive) without interrupting their routine.  Also, having low maintenance programs like passive and DIY programs can take the pressure off to have more active programs.  If someone asks why you're not having a big active program all the time, you can point to smaller programs that kids can participate in at their own convenience and maybe keep them coming in for more than just a 45 minute program.