Social Library, Volume 62
Jennifer Peterson
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05 July 2016
This edition of the Social Library highlights the work of five libraries we follow on Facebook. From Library Olympics to financial services, through partnerships and effective outreach, these libraries are implementing strategies, both small and grand, to highlight library programs and services that meet the needs of their communities. If you'd like to see your library featured in the Social Library series, please let us know via [email protected] or find us on Facebook.
- Braswell Memorial Library in North Carolina hosted their first Teen Library Olympics with events including book stacking, speed shelving and book cart relays. The Rocky Mount Telegram covered the excitement in a wonderful article, including quotes from the competitors and organizers. What a wonderful way to introduce teens to library skills and to kick off their summer reading program!
- Woollahra Libraries in Australia has been sharing so many fantastic photos from their #DoubleBayLibrary opening, but this week they caught our eye with a wonderful staff introduction post for their events and programs coordinator, Jenn Martin. The post includes a bit about her role at the library along with a quote from Jenn. Do you use social media to introduce the community to your team?
- Shelton Timberland Library in Washington State announced the opening of a new Bank On Washington Financial Services Kiosk inside the library. "The kiosk is designed to provide accessibility to financial services at a safe, approachable location. Bank On is a group of key government agencies, community organizations and financial institutions that work together to provide access to safe and affordable financial products and services to individuals and families." The project is part of Bank On Washington, a statewide initiative from Bank On, a national program. Explore additional library approaches to supporting financial literacy efforts in the Pathway to Personal Financial Skills and this article about Financial Education Tools for Libraries from CFPB.
- Westerville Public Library in Ohio introduced their circulating collection of adult coloring books. "Finally, coloring in a library book is socially acceptable! Borrow, color and return. De-stress, practice mindfulness and find your creative outlet." Westerville patrons are invited to borrow books for 14 days, color a page or two (no paints or markers, please), add their signature, make a copy if they'd like to keep their work, but leave the page in the book you return, and borrow another of the 13 coloring books currently in the collection. Perhaps patrons could even be encouraged to post photos of their coloring creations to the library's Facebook page. Check out the WebJunction article about the Adult Coloring Explosion for more ideas.
- And Algonquin Area Public Library in Illinois shared a calendar announcement for the Village of Algonquin Electronics Recycling Event, along with an invite for community members to bring gently used surplus books and DVDs by the library on their way to the electronics recycling site. Make recycling a community event by partnering like this with your local agencies!
Thanks to all of this week's featured libraries for such outstanding service to your communities!