The Social Library, Volume 23

Jennifer Peterson /

Image courtesy of Patrick Heath Public Library, Demitra Borrero and Alicia Owens

We were thrilled to hear from three libraries who have been following our Social Library series who asked that we share, with you, their wonderful examples of outreach. So in Social Library, Volume 23 we're pleased to be showcasing our first set of library-submitted submissions! From tech assistance to unlikely spokesperson, these libraries are going the extra mile, in serving their communities, AND in sharing their great work with the WebJunction community. Thank you!

  • The Patrick Heath Public Library in Boerne, Texas shared some info about the weekly tech assistance they offer to patrons on a walk-in basis. "Alicia Owens, aka Teacup Techie, sits at a table out in the lobby each Tuesday from 10am to 11am and from 6pm to 7pm. Each Wednesday from 10am to 11am, Demitra Borrero, aka Digital Diva, is available to the public in the lobby. These two staff members assist with all manner of technology on a wide array of devices. This program has been much more popular than our regularly scheduled classes were, so we just do this for now! Additionally, Teacup Techie posts a Teacup Techie Tip of the Week each Tuesday on the Library's Facebook page."
  • Image courtesy of AMP Library on Twitter
  • We also heard from the Annie Merner Pfeiffer Library at West Virginia Wesleyan College, who have been using a unique spokesperson, Boris de Bones, in their social media outreach efforts. Elisabeth Rogers and Susan Roth recently presented their approach to Unorthodox Marketing (see YouTube video presentation of their slides) to the West Virginia Library Association. In this post Boris de Bones wished Max Plank a happy birthday!
  • La Vergne Public Library in Tennessee showcased their Career-Family Resources Day. Hosted by TN-ZERO Family Resource and Information, 25 service organizations were available to answer questions and provide assistance. The local news radio station, WGNS, shared an announcement of the event, which was organized to provide a one-stop venue for job seekers and other community members.
  • The Marin County Free Library shared a post announcing the new patron-created and supported old school movie suggestions at their Point Reyes Station Library. The book is tabbed for alphabetical entries, and includes a space for recommenders to leave their names. And the post on Facebook invites recommendations there too!
  • Image courtesy of Friends of the
Boca Raton Public LibraryAnd thanks to the Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library who reached out to us to share with us their volunteer spotlights. "Each month we interview one or two of our fantastic volunteers, and post the interviews to our monthly emailed newsletters. We share them on social media and also post them to our website. We just started this series last year, and have so far highlighted our bookstore volunteers and our Board, but we plan to start showcasing library personnel for the library we support, the Boca Raton Public Library in Boca Raton, Florida." This post introduces bookstore volunteer, Dana Small.

We look forward to seeking out next week's treasures from those we follow on Facebook AND to hear from more of YOU! If you have innovative and impactful programs going on at your library that you'd like to showcase, let us know at [email protected], or find us on Facebook.

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