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The Social Library, Volume 49

Jennifer Peterson /

Image courtesy Slover Library on Facebook This week's edition of the Social Library features libraries especially effective at engaging their communities on Facebook. We're featuring a contest that shows library love, book recommendations from Cosmic Librarians, a #bookfacefriday gem, dinner with a book character, and a family science expo. Each Tuesday, we share news from five libraries we follow on Facebook. If you'd like to see your library featured in the Social Library series, please let us know via [email protected], or find us on Facebook.

  • During the month of January, the Slover Library in Norfolk, Virginia is inviting the community to participate in the #itsmyslover contest: "Tell us why Slover Library is YOUR Library, and you could WIN a prize!" People are invited submit an original photo they've taken explaining what their favorite thing is about the Slover Library, and then share the photo with the #itsmyslover tag on Twitter, Instagram or Slover Library’s Facebook. It looks like they're utilizing a Facebook app for the tag #itsmyslover (which is presumably collecting tagged photos from all the social media channels), and they have a document covering simple Contest Rules, as well as information about photo release permission.
  • Pima County Public Library in Arizona hosted a "What Do I Read Next" Day on Facebook last week. During the day, patrons were invited to tell the team of "Cosmic Librarians" or #PCPLcosmiclibrarian the last 3 books they read and loved, and PCPL's best-read librarians provided suggestions for a next fantastic book. Image courtesy Leeds Libraries on FacebookThere was initially a bit of confusion with patrons posting to both the event page and to the photo of the team of Cosmic Librarians, but all the requests were provided a response!

  • Leeds Libraries in the UK posted this wonderful photo at right. We've shared our love of #bookfacefriday before in the Social Library, but this one is a gem worth sharing. "No librarians were hurt in the making of this #bookfacefriday."
  • Greenwood Public Library in Indiana shared a photo of librarian Miss Linda holding a sign, "If you could have dinner with a character from any book, whom would it be?" We've seen this engagement approach used with other questions on Facebook, and as you can see from the dozens of comments posted in response, it's guaranteed to successfully invite participation.
  • Skokie Public Library shared a staff-made How to video on making Milk Planets, along with an invite to their Family Science Expo. "Come to the library for an afternoon of science fun! Explore hands-on activities and interactive demonstrations with library staff and local science enthusiasts and experts. Drop-in event for all ages."

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

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