Social Library, Volume 152
Jennifer Peterson
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03 March 2020
Up next in our Social Library series, we’re featuring more examples of the innovative ways libraries are using Facebook to connect with their communities. From social connections to cooking workshops, and from a murder mystery ball to a succulent exchange, these library examples are sure to inspire. If you'd like to see your library featured in an upcoming edition of the Social Library, let us know via [email protected] or find us on Facebook.
- Lethbridge Public Library in Canada shared this fantastic "Libraries are..." graphic, to demonstrate the important role libraries play in creating opportunities for social connection and emphasizing the health benefits of socializing. "Libraries offer a welcoming space and many opportunities to socialize." The post invites people to visit the library and their website to see all the opportunities they provide to socially connect. WebJunction and others have been using the #libsocialconnect hashtag to highlight this effort in libraries.
- Athens County Public Libraries in Ohio is hosting FEAST: Families Eating Affordably and Sustainably Together, a series of 18 workshops from November 2019-April 2020. "At each workshop we'll cook together, share a meal, and enjoy hands-on learning and demonstrations...FEAST is a project of the Hunger Prevention Coalition and is presented by Community Food Initiatives, Live Healthy Appalachia, and OSU Extension Snap-Ed, with support from HPC members, Athens County Public Libraries, Integrated Services, Ohio State Alumni of Athens County, and others." The local paper, The Post, shared "this is the second year of FEAST programming...FEAST is hands-on; attendees cook, then eat. Registration is free." In the latest workshop announced, the library shared, "For World Food Wednesday, we'll be indulging in turkey tacos with stir-fried veggies. How scrumptious!"
- Homewood Public Library, Homewood, AL shared a fabulous album of photos from their Murder at the Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball. The initial announcement described, "Just like a game of Clue, every character is important. Closer to the event, you will be assigned a character, so please only register if you are sure you can attend. Costumes and props are encouraged! Open to 6th-12th graders only. Pizza will be served."
- Bellingham Public Library - Bellingham, WA did a fantastic job of reporting back from the Public Library Association conference in Nashville! What a wonderful way to share that staff are supported in attending the national conference, and their commitment to bringing their learning back to the community. Their Facebook post directed people to their Twitter feed, where they live tweeted quotes from presenters at the many sessions they attended, including keynote speakers Stacey Abrams and Dr. Bettina Love. "Hello from Nashville! We (Katie, Bethany, and Janice) are at the opening session of the Public Library Association conference, where we're meeting library professionals from across the country and learning new ways to deliver excellent library services! #PLA2020 #librarylove."
- Santa Maria Public Library in California hosted another successful free Succulent Exchange, with around 100 attendees. "Please bring "pest free" clippings of your favorite succulents to trade and share with other succulent lovers. This is an excellent opportunity to share information and succulent tips. The succulent exchange will be held in the Lavagnino Plaza located in front of the library." There were fantastic photos shared in two local papers, the Santa Maria Times and Lompoc Record, where we learned that the library hosts three Succulent Saturdays a year, in March, June and October.