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The Social Library, Volume 32

Jennifer Peterson /

Image courtesy Weber County Library on Facebook

This week's edition of our Social Library series brings inspiration from innovators engaging with communities in libraries, schools, farmer's markets and through art. We're pleased to recognize the libraries in volume 32 for providing learning opportunities, entertainment, reading encouragement and outlets for creativity. We look forward to seeking out next week's treasures from those we follow on Facebook. And if you'd like to see your library highlighted in the Social Library series, please let us know via [email protected], or find us on Facebook.

  • Weber County Library in Utah invites local teens and adults to their Spanish conversation hour: "Join Spanish-speaking library staff for casual, one-hour group conversations to practice and improve your Spanish. Staff will provide learning activities and other fun methods to create a productive learning environment. Fluency is not required, but some experience with Spanish is suggested."
  • We loved this idea from the Newberg Public Library in Oregon who ceremoniously recognized readers at Dundee Elementary for having the largest percentage of public elementary students participate in the library's Summer Reading Program. Competitive reading never hurts! 

  • We knew it would be tricky select from the many libraries doing excellent outreach during Banned Books Week, but we think you'll agree that Banned Book Trading Cards are worth the spotlight! In 2012, Susan Brown first shared her brilliant idea at the Lawrence Public Library in Kansas, and now at the Chapel Hill Public Library in North Carolina, to invite local artists to create small-scale works inspired by a banned book and then ask a jury to pick seven designs (one for each day of Banned Books Week) to appear on trading cards. Both libraries continue to host the project, and have announced the winners for 2015 at Chapel Hill and Lawrence. So you can start to plan your own trading card project, here's some of the national coverage to inspire you:
  • Webster Public Library in New York sets up their Book Swap Saturday at the local farmers market. They invite folks to bring a used book to donate and take one of theirs, and they can chat about library services and it looks like they encourage folks to join the Friends of the Library too!
  • And in anticipation of Halloween, we wanted to share this clever program at the Cook Memorial - La Grande Public Library in Oregon. Teens are invited to come to iCraft, a monthly program open to anyone in middle or high school. This month they'll be making Ping Pong Lanterns.

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