Social Library, Volume 133

Jennifer Peterson /

Image courtesy Sidmouth Library on Facebook

This fresh edition of our Social Library series includes a variety of ways libraries are using Facebook to connect with their communities. From a nature table to mom speed dating, and from summer reading to a railroad anniversary, these examples are sure to inspire. And we’re grateful to the Portage District Library for letting us share their post honoring librarian Nicolette Warisse Sosulski. If you'd like to see your library featured in an upcoming edition, please let us know via [email protected] or find us on Facebook.

  • Sidmouth Library in the UK shared photos of their Nature Table with an invitation to the community to bring their nature finds to the library, to get help with identification and to receive a "nature spotter" sticker. Periodic updates are posted to Facebook, including the addition of tadpoles! We love this passive approach to growing interest about the natural world around us and to supporting participatory learning at the library.
  • Davenport Public Library in Iowa hosted a Mom Speed Dating event in conjunction with Mother's Day weekend. "New to the area or just looking to make new mom friends? Come to the Eastern Avenue Library and meet some other moms! Bring your mom (or don't) and meet new mom friends! We'll have crafts and activities, as well as questions to help get the conversations started." The two-hour event was described in the Quad-City Times, as a friend-making session, similar to speed-dating.
  • Tooele City Library in Utah joined in their local celebration of the Golden Spike 150 Anniversary, which marked the anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. The library is always good about using short videos to announce and promote events, and this was no exception! A video with Jami and Holly invited the community to come down to the Tooele Valley Train Museum, where there were free train rides, games, music, food and family fun, and they created a fantastic highlights video to share after the celebration.
  • Spooner Memorial Library in Wisconsin reminded us that many libraries are kicking off their summer reading programs. "Our librarians have become En-Raptored by Reading! They can’t get enough dinosaur books. They promised us they’d stick to a vegetarian diet this summer, so kids are on their “do not eat” list." Be sure to check out the early additions to their dino-riffic photo album!