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The Social Library, Volume 38

Jennifer Peterson /

Image courtesy Shoalhaven Libraries on Facebook

We're pleased to bring you Volume 38 of our Social Library series, with some wonderful examples of libraries connecting with their communities. We're featuring a monthly reading group that encourages social media engagement, a library providing a space for local business support, hairdressers and barbers building literacy, and even a famous library visitor. We're pleased to be hearing from readers that they enjoy our weekly highlights of the great work happening in libraries. 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.

  • Shoalhaven Libraries in Australia is participating in Read Watch Play, a monthly reading group that encourages everyone to read and tweet about what they are reading. It's run by the NSW Readers Advisory Working Group, and many libraries around the world have joined in. The group uses monthly themes (November's theme is Techno Read) and invites readers to share using the hashtag for the month (‪#‎technoread‬) on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. They host a live discussion on Twitter each month as well, using the month's tag and ‪#‎rwpchat‬. And with November's theme, Shoalhaven Libraries created the corresponding book display in the picture above.
  • Somerset County Library System NJ will be opening their new business space at the Warren Township Library branch with a reception on November 12. In a story in MyCentralNewJersey.com we learn the new space includes:
    • Charging stations for devices
    • Conference room that can be reserved with an accessible white board and projection screen
    • Librarian-curated business book and periodical collection
    • Display screen dedicated to business news and updates
    • Credit card-operated fax machine,
    • Managed space to collaborate
    • One-on-one business-focused librarian assistance.
  • The Mississippi Library Commission shared an article from the Clarion-Ledger, Books at Barbershops Promote Reading which features the Books in the Barbershop program, which promotes reading by creating mini-libraries at barbershops around Jackson, Mississippi. We also saw in American Libraries, mention of Marilynn Lance-Robb, branch manager of Carvers Bay Branch Library and owner of MaFlo’s Hairstyles & Designs by Marilynn, in rural Georgetown, South Carolina. Image courtesy Manatee County Neighborhood Services Department on Facebook Marilynn has been using her salon as a way to connect people to library resources and services, for example, training people on how to use MedlinePlus. Your local salon or barber could be your next literacy partner!
  • The Manatee County Public Library in Bradenton, Florida is partnering with Realize Bradenton and their Knight Foundation #PopUp series. At Books, Bots, & Bites PopUp, the community will be invited to build bots and to take part in a bot parade!
  • Look who visited the Downtown branch of the Hartford Public Library! In town starring in Rear Window at Hartford Stage, Kevin Bacon stopped by to pose with that library's superstars! Wouldn't it be nice if all movie stars visited libraries in their travels?
  • And we wanted to mention that Carolina Forest Library is hosting a Veterans Appreciation Reception tomorrow, sponsored by the Friends of the Carolina Forest Library. Hope you're doing something to help recognize your local veterans.

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

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