Candy Madness

Our library has a Fun Committee, funded by our Friends of the Library, that comes up with ideas to increase morale among staff.  Candy Madness is a program that we have wanted to run for staff the past couple of years, but couldn't quite figure out the logistics.  This year we made it happen!

Prep
Start with the fact that candy=increased staff happiness.  I don't know if you have this situation where you work, but whenever we put out food, 5 minutes later it looks like scavengers picked through it.  All that is left are the wrappers!  We were trying to find a way to disperse candy to staff in a new and unique way that also maximizes fun.

A couple of years ago, we found a bracket put out by ESPN during March Madness that only dealt with candy and treats.  It's like they were speaking to us!  All it was missing was a tasting component.

We made our own bracket and tried to use things that we might actually be able to find at a local store (no razor blade apples).  Our selections naturally made four categories-Classic 1, Classic 2, Holiday, and Movie Theater.

The Game
We hung up a sign with instructions and dates of each round (to coincide with March Madness, of course).

Staff were asked to vote for their favorite in each pairing using hash marks.  Winners moved onto the next round.

The Finals
This week we are celebrating our Final Four.  It looks something like this.

 Lots of candy-don't put it all out at once or it will instantly disappear!

A condensed bracket

Notes for Next Year 

We operated under a number of assumptions that we probably shouldn't have.

• People know how to make hash marks (and cross them when you hit five).
• People understand the concept of brackets and that you vote once per pairing, rather than once overall.
• People will be happy with 64 possible choices of candy.  While I thought this was a lot, I have gotten a list of things that were left out.  Next year we may open up a category early for people to make their suggestions.

Despite these glitches, this has been a really fun program.  Staff has been tasting candy and discussing results.