Like many libraries, the Covina Public Library began offering grab 'n' go activity kits for library patrons in early 2020. These kits followed the usual menu of maker experiences, offering activities in the following areas:
Bright Beginnings family activity kits for families with infants and toddlers (created and provided through the library's Literacy Center)
Kids Create craft kits for young children
Makerspace kits for middle grades
"Tweens on the Go" STEAM-oriented kits for tweens
Adult DIY maker kits for Adults.
In January 2022, after our lead programmer moved on to a position with a different local government, I signed on and began collaborating with a colleague to continue creating distance programs for Covina's wide array of makers. In addition to the usual kit structures, we began adding informational resources that sought to enhance the learning experience. These then became LibGuide-style digital resources that addressed the underlying STEAM topics addressed in the activities as well as further information on how to complete the activities.
As the Covina Public Library shifted to in-person programming, the collaboration of two employees expanded to a team of three part-time employees and two supervisors. Specific programs were allocated to individual team members, and I was assigned both Makerspace and Tweens on the Go programs.