Social Library, Volume 74

Jennifer Peterson /

Image courtesy Scarsdale Public Library on Facebook

This year's final edition of the Social Library brings fresh ideas for any library to explore. It includes a cultural celebration, a social media readers' advisory service, a year-round reading challenge, a mobile science exhibit, holiday dogs AND ugly sweaters. Thank you to all the libraries we featured this year, and if you'd like to see your library featured in future Social Library editions, please let us know via [email protected] or find us on Facebook.

  • Scarsdale Public Library in New York posted some wonderful photos of their 2016 Diwali Celebration. The celebration was hosted in partnership with local organizations, the Mayura Dance Academy and the Indian Center of Westchester, and included mandala decorations colored by a patron in their Adult Coloring Group!
  • Each month, Hillsboro Public Library in Oregon invites readers to #GetRecd, using their book recommendation service. This month, the library's question was "Who are your three favorite historical figures?" Patrons are invited to post a response to the question as a comment, and then the library provides a timeless reading suggestion! The service launched in October with this question: "If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?" Take a look at the fantastic recommendations being provided and try this social approach to readers' advisory at your library!
  • Davenport Public Library in Iowa shared an announcement about their next annual reading challenge. They support readers with blog posts about the online reading challenge throughout the year. In 2017 they're going to travel the world! "Don't worry about buying plane tickets or packing a bag though, we're going to explore the globe through the magic of books! Just like last year, the Reading Challenge is very low-pressure with an emphasis on discovering books and authors you may not have tried yet. You can participate every month, or only the months that interest you. Remember—there are no Library Police that will come knocking on your door if you fail to finish a book each month! Read for fun, for discovery, to learn something new—kind of like travel which opens your eyes to cultures and sights beyond your own backyard."
  • Image courtesy Woodford County Library on Facebook
  • We learned through a post from Woodford County Library in Kentucky about the launch of the Science in Play 2Go exhibit. "The mobile version of Kentucky Science Center's progressive next-generation learning experience, empowers children and adults to learn together, and for life, all through the power of play. With key elements that embody the philosophies behind the Science Center's permanent exhibit, Science in Play2GO will visit libraries across Kentucky for 3-month residencies at no cost to libraries or their visitors." The mobile exhibit will tour three more libraries in Kentucky in the next year.
  • And we couldn't pass up a few holiday-related posts. Camarillo Public Library in California shared photos of the therapy dogs who attended the PAWS for the holidays event. The PAWS reading volunteers and their therapy dogs provide "a wonderful service to this program which helps kids practice their reading skills. Reluctant readers love to read to our service dogs. Dogs that participate in the program are all certified service or therapy dogs and act as an incentive for children to read. The dogs are great listeners and give the child a sense of comfort and encouragement while reading."
  • And last but certainly not least, Burnham Memorial Library in Vermont shared photos of staff on their Ugly Sweater Day. The community was invited to help by voting for their favorite, either on Facebook or in person. We're not sure who the official winner was, but we loved all of them!

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