Social Library, Volume 66

Jennifer Peterson /

Image courtesy Harare City Library on Facebook

Libraries highlighted in this edition of the Social Library provide examples of innovative ways to grow patron loyalty, host fundraising events or to join community recycling efforts. We've also featured a book club alternative and a wonderful project that's helping African libraries enhance a corner of their libraries to create vibrant spaces for children where reading and learning flourish. 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.

  • Harare City Library in Zimbabwe hosted a two-day workshop for library staff who are part of Book Aid International's Open Doors Children's Friendly Corners project. The project, in its second year, aims to create vibrant spaces for children in African public libraries where reading and learning can flourish. The project is in the process of developing at least 60 corners over four years in Cameroon, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe, working in partnership with national library services, NGOs and government ministries. Here's a short video about the project, featuring libraries in Malawi. Congratulations to the librarians who are taking part in the project and thank you for the great work you're doing!
  • The Jericho Town Library in Vermont was featured in the local paper for the community-building initiative focused on keeping the Town Green clean. They joined forces with the County Store to obtain grant-funding for a new trash/recycling station. And now, the library, the store and a number of other organizations and individuals are pitching in to tend to the station, in support of the county's commitment to recycling.
  • The Friends of the Griggs County Public Library in North Dakota hosted a Pancake Breakfast fundraiser at the fairgrounds this past Sunday. We added this great idea to the list of fundraising event examples collected in a webinar last year.
  • Image courtesy Columbia County Rural Library District on Facebook
  • The Columbia County Rural Library District in Washington state hosted their recurring Book Chat (the not a book club, book club) last week. We love this approach to a no-pressure book club, described as "an evening to be together and talk about books, play some fun word and book related games, converse, laugh, share favorite book titles, and have an evening filled with lively chatter." Attendees are invited to bring a beverage and a favorite appetizer to share, and the library provides dessert!
  • Rodman Public Library in Ohio has kicked off their annual Loyalty Card Drive, with an invitation for community members to enter a drawing for wonderful prizes for three different age groups. Anyone who renews an expired card or signs up for a new card is eligible to be entered into the prize drawing. Library patrons who have an active library card in good standing are entered into the drawing when checking out items. What a fantastic way to bring the community to the library and to grow loyal patrons!

Thanks to all of this week's featured libraries for such outstanding service to your communities!