Social Library, Volume 157
Jennifer Peterson
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09 June 2020
We continue our Social Library series, highlighting creative approaches from five libraries who are connecting on social media to inform, entertain, and educate their communities. From care packages to virtual book discussions, and from bathtub ducks to TikToks, these libraries 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.
- Hartland Public Library in Wisconsin created an effective and "hilarious 1950's style newsreel film" Libraries on the Move! to inform the community about the changes to services as the library reopens. It begins with a segment on "What you can do for the library" to stay safe and then moves on to "What the library can do for you."
- Ada Public Library in Ohio is making waves in the local media, as Natalie Walton, youth services coordinator, has taken the library's virtual storytimes on the road! She explains to the Courier and to Hometown Stations that she wanted to bring more to the storytimes than what she was doing from home, with a "boring backdrop," so she enlisted her husband to serve as cameraman and has visited her sister's farm for a few editions, and has welcomed guest appearances from chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, roosters, a dog, and even the school board president! Check out some of the other sessions on the library's Facebook videos page. We love the hilarious interview with the ducks in the tub!
- Belmont Public Library in Massachusetts continues their Care Packages program, which was highlighted on the Massachusetts Library System's Idea Share. Corinne Coveney, Community Outreach Librarian explains that beginning in March, the library "wanted to find a way to connect with our library patrons and get books into their hands — from a distance. We created Care Packages, bags with a handful of books, movies, or music, that we place outside on the front walkways of the library. Each bag is colorfully labeled with a hint at what it includes for kids, teens, or adults. Anyone walking by can stop and grab a bag to keep forever. There's a bit of a surprise for them — they won't know what they get until they take the bag home and open it!" The contents of the Care Packages come from the Friends of the Belmont Public Library's stock of book sale donations, and the local Trader Joe's and Star Market provide the paper bags.
- Sierra Madre Public Library in California caught our eye with their post about being on TikTok. If you're not yet familiar with the possibilities of TikTok, this Book Riot article provides a good introduction and shares some bookish accounts to follow. We recommend checking out the Danbury Library on TikTok to see the potential!
- Dennis Public Library in Massachusetts hosted their second BYOB: Bring Your Own Book Discussion last week. "Library staff have set up an online discussion where you can share the books you have been reading, chat with friends and neighbors, and have a fun time, safely from the comfort of home. Grab a cup of tea and your most recent reads and get ready for a great time!" Interested patrons can contact the library via email to receive the meeting link, or phone information, to join the discussion. They promoted the discussion in a short video in early May, and followed up the first session with a post that includes a link to a list of the books discussed.