Social Library, Volume 107
Jennifer Peterson
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01 May 2018
This latest edition of our Social Library series includes a number of libraries who are developing strong partnerships with others in the community to bring music, geeky entertainment, mental health support and healthcare to patrons. Partners include the police department, social workers, healthcare providers, artists, and photographers. If you'd like to see your library featured in a Social Library edition, please let us know via [email protected] or find us on Facebook.
- Liverpool Public Library in New York shared an invitation to celebrate new instruments in the library's Music Garden. "Celebrate the new instruments in the Music Garden, purchased and installed last fall thanks to the Richberg Fund grant. Bring your own instruments or use the LPL’s bongos, ukuleles or others. Make joyful noise with Children’s Librarian Ms. Laurel around the permanent large tubular bells, tongue drum, pentatonic marimba and cavatina."
- Puyallup Public Library in Washington shared a story from the local News Tribune, as they gear up for their fifth annual PuliCon, a mini-comic con, on May 5. The day-long convention includes free comic books, crafts, a blood drive, Geeky Storytime, scavenger hunts, a virtual reality drop in, cosplay photography, a cosplay dance in the evening, and Artist Alley, with local creators who specialize in art and items that celebrate geeky culture.
- Bettendorf Public Library in Iowa hosted Scam Recognition and Avoidance, a presentation by Sgt. Jeff Nelson of the Bettendorf Police Department on how to recognize and avoid scams. "Many people, especially older adults, are victims of scams in many forms. Help your family and loved ones keep away from financial and emotional hardship by attending this information session."
- Decatur Public Library in Illinois announced the upcoming event, You Are Not Alone: Learning about Postpartum, with keynote speaker, Emily Lux, a PhD student in the School of Social Work with the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and a mother who had postpartum depression. The evening will also include a panel discussion with experts from local hospitals and health organizations. We learned in a short TV segment (beginning at 1:40) that the event is the first in an initiative which will include a new postpartum depression support group that the library will be hosting beginning in June, in partnership with St. Mary's Hospital.
- Albany NY Library in New York is providing a way for community members to access a Free Rapid HIV Test. "What’s your status? Stop by the Arbor Hill / West Hill Branch from for a free rapid HIV test. No insurance necessary, walk-ins welcome. Results in as little as 20 minutes. Ask questions about HIV, how to prevent getting infected, PrEP, & more." And additional upcoming opportunities are available at different branches, provided in collaboration with the local medical center.