Super Hero Tattoo Art with Jeff Mackie
Written and/or verbal survey questions were to be presented to attendees as they exited the
program. A majority of respondents were expected to:
• be excited about participating in the 2015 summer reading programs:
“Every Hero Has a Story” (children ages 1-12) and “Escape the Ordinary”
(teens ages 13-18).
• be encouraged to participate in additional summer reading program events.
• be inspired to try their own arts projects by making a library craft or participating in
in the library’s summer art contests.
• want to tell a friend or family member about the library and its programs.
Library staff would observe a majority of attendees actively engaging in the program by registering for the
summer reading program and interacting with the artist. Anecdotal responses from attendees would confirm
their enjoyment of the program.
Hundreds of children filled the library during the 2015 Summer Reading Program’s kick-off day on
Monday, June 8. While the number of children getting tattoos isn’t exact, 447 children signed up for the reading program that day. Excitement for all things superheroes was high, and families were eager to register for the reading program. After registering for summer reading, participants stopped downstairs to get a temporary hand
or arm tattoo. With templates and an airbrush machine ready to go, Mackie was able to quickly move children through the lines.
Children and adults expressed delight in receiving their superhero tattoos. Patrons were especially impressed
that they could choose between a variety of superhero templates and colors. After getting their tattoos, a number
of children came back to the Children’s Room to show off their newly tattooed hands and arms.
From this librarian’s perspective, the tattoo program was a fantastic way to kick off the summer reading
program. Both library staff and volunteers commented on how well the program went, and children were
thrilled with their tattoos. Temporary tattoo art is a program to be considered again for a future event.
New Ulm Library, o Friends of the New Ulm Public Library
o Area schools
o Local businesses and media outlets