Intergenerational

Community Puzzle

Aug 21, 2024

$51-100

Byline

Allison Puestow, Assistant Director, Tomahawk (Wis.) Public Library

In this collaborative passive program, patrons color their own puzzle pieces to add to a wall-sized puzzle display.

Advanced Planning

I was inspired by the Boulder Public Library when they did a similar puzzle at the 2024 PLA Conference. They had small laser-cut puzzle pieces for people to color as a break from the conference activities. I thought it was a great idea, and presented it to my director as a fun and easy passive program. We planned it about a month in advance, but it doesn’t need that much prep work, mainly just the shipping time.

Marketing

For marketing, we have a sign by the table and on the wall where we stick the pieces. Our front desk staff usually let people know that it’s available as well.

Budgeting

The main purchase was the puzzle pieces. We bought a 50-pack for $16 and have purchased a total of seven packs. The ticky tack we already had, but we bought a two pack for about $8 of the brand we prefer. The markers we already had (although you could use any coloring medium). The cardboard and paper we used to cover the tables we already had from leftover packaging.

Day-of-event Activity

The day of, we laid down paper on the picnic table (it was part of an outdoor event) and I set out some puzzle pieces and a bin of markers. I also had a bin with a sign for completed pieces to go in. I sat there for a while with them, but a staff member wasn't required.

Program Execution

It’s been a big hit. It has been mostly young kids, but anyone who wants to can make one. Since we had extra after the event, I put them on a table in the library for other patrons to color. Because of its popularity, we have purchased more pieces to keep the program going since patrons still show an interest.

Advice

If you have table space and wall space, it’s a great passive program. If your budget is tight, then I would get a set number of pieces. I would advise you to cover the workspace with paper or cardboard to prevent mess.