Social Library, Volume 159
Jennifer Peterson
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14 July 2020
We continue our Social Library series, featuring the innovative ways libraries are adapting programming to virtual formats to engage with their communities through art, language practice, and pets, and highlighting the ways libraries invite creative and artistic contributions to the community memory, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you'd like to see your library featured in an upcoming edition of the Social Library, let us know via [email protected] or find us on Facebook.
- Lewes Public Library in Delaware has been hosting weekly Virtual English Conversation Group, Virtual Spanish Conversation Group, and Virtual Italian Conversation Group sessions in Zoom. The announcements encourage basic conversational skills in each of the languages and welcomes patrons 18+ to join others in the conversation groups to improve "listening and speaking skills, increase your vocabulary, and practice pronunciation."
- Berryville Public Library in Arkansas is accepting submissions for their Mural Design Competition, for a 8x16 foot space on one of the library's external walls. With more libraries looking at ways to make their outdoor spaces more welcoming, what a wonderful way to showcase local creativity. The entry information includes a quote from Julie Hall, library director, “Creativity, community, and curiosity are all at the heart of our mission, here at the Berryville Library. We are eager to see how an artist can transform those ideals into an eye-catching image that can speak for the library and spark people’s imaginations today and well into the future.” And there's a $250 cash prize to the winning design!
Library System on Facebook
- Whatcom County Library System in Washington is posting a Friday Feature each week, highlighting contributions to Peoples’ Perspectives: COVID-19 in Whatcom County, a county-wide, multimedia initiative to capture and archive local experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. "How will we remember life in Bellingham and Whatcom County during the Stay Home, Stay Healthy quarantine? And how will we share the story with future generations? Now is the time to record our impressions." On July 3 they shared the work of local artist Ann Chaikin, who entered her project in Allied Arts Of Whatcom County Creative Challenge.
- Harrington Public Library in Delaware is hosting a Virtual Art Show. From July 7 - August 3, patrons are invited to upload a photo of their artwork to the library's Facebook page, or via email, and the art will be on display in the library's Facebook album, Virtual Art Exhibit.
- Toledo Lucas County Public Library in Ohio is hosting a virtual Meet and Greet Pet Show for Teens. "We want to see your pets - Bring your pet to the virtual library and share a funny animal story at our Meet and Greet pet parade. All types of pets are welcome."