Pen Pals Library Programming at #ALAAC25

Interested in starting a Pen Pal program in your library? Here are some tips and ideas for you!

First, sign up for the Worldwide Library Pen Pal Connections Facebook group to connect with other like-minded people. It can also give you some ideas of who your patrons can be pals with. 

Next, it is time to think about logistics. If working with minors, it is important to get a signed parent/guardian consent for the patron to participate as a pen pal. To cover the costs of postage, writing materials, and even small gifts (stickers, pencils, small buttons) to include in the letter package, presenters recommended reaching out to community sponsors. Once you have the pen pals and the materials, it is time for writing! Presenters suggested setting up a letter writing station with stationary, writing utensils, writing prompts (if needed), and small gifts to include in the package. 

Other tips include giving patrons a deadline date and sending out all letters at once monthly. Additionally, when patrons pick up return letters from you, encourage them to read and write a response right then and there, in order to avoid patrons from forgetting to write their letter and missing that month’s deadline. Another suggestion is that if a patron misses two deadlines, then having them be dropped from the program and having them reapply. Likewise, if a patron doesn’t receive a response in two cycles of receiving letters, consider pairing up with a new pen pal (after reaching out to the library/school to find out what is happening, if there is an emergency in the pen pal’s life, etc.). 

Have fun creating connection and community!

(All images taken by S. Sansbury)

Sarah Sansbury (she/her/hers) is an elementary school teacher-librarian from Atlanta, Georgia. She recently finished her doctorate in school improvement with a focus on how school librarians contribute to student achievement. She is eager to learn how to better partner with local public librarians so that her students can benefit from all the community resources available to them. At the conference, one will most likely find her drinking coffee, no matter the time of day. You can follow her on BlueSky and Instagram: @supersansbury.

Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.

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The post Pen Pals Library Programming at #ALAAC25 appeared first on ALSC Blog.

 Interested in starting a Pen Pal program in your library? Here are some tips and ideas for you! First, sign up for the Worldwide Library Pen Pal Connections Facebook group to connect with other like-minded people. It can also give you some ideas of who your patrons can be pals with.  Next, it is time to think about logistics. If working with minors, it is important to get a signed parent/guardian consent for the patron to participate as a pen pal. To cover the costs of postage, writing materials, and even small gifts (stickers, pencils, small buttons) to include in the letter package, presenters recommended reaching out to community sponsors. Once you have the pen pals and the materials, it is time for writing! Presenters suggested setting up a letter writing station with stationary, writing utensils, writing prompts (if needed), and small gifts to include in the package.  Other tips include…
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