Social Library, Volume 54
Jennifer Peterson
/
15 March 2016
This latest edition of WebJunction's Social Library collects news of library programs and services that address youth literacy, family memories, fair housing, local music, and patron fitness. Whether collaborating with volunteers or partnering with local organizations, libraries are finding ways to ensure community needs and interests are met and nurtured. 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.
- Chattahoochee Valley Libraries in Ohio sponsor a literacy program aimed at fourth-grade boys whose reading skills and enthusiasm need a boost. Over a 5-week period, volunteers visit 10 different schools in the area to read to a small group of students during their school lunch hour. We became aware of the program when the library posted this inspiring album of Guys Read photos from a celebration with the students’ families and the volunteers at the Columbus Public Library. An online application is made available for interested volunteers. Learn more about this fantastic program in a video and article from the local Ledger-Enquirer. This local program was inspired by GuysRead.com, the web-based literacy program founded by nationally renowned children’s author Jon Scieszka.
- In February, the DC Public Library announced the exciting launch of their Memory Lab. The new DIY space provides the tools for patrons to digitize home movies, scan photographs and slides, and learn how to care for physical and digital family heirlooms. And this past week, the Washingtonian published this fantastic story on the new Memory Lab.
- The South San Francisco Public Library in California partnered with Project Sentinel, a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, to host a presentation for renters and landlords called Avoid Housing Discrimination. The session covered ways to identify and prevent housing discrimination and understand tenants' rights for fair housing. Is there an agency in your community the library could partner with for a similar program?
- The Denver Public Library in Colorado shared news that they are, for the first time, releasing a vinyl record featuring two local bands. A year and a half after they launched their new local music service Volume, the library released the limited-edition disc at a launch party at a local bar. Music lovers were invited to "just bring your DPL card (or we can sign you up for one at the show) to receive a copy of the record!" Denver's local paper Westwood has a write-up on the exciting news. The record release is helping to build awareness of the library's music service Volume, that allows Denver Public Library card holders to download and stream music from local bands and musicians, DRM-free. The library puts a call out out to the local music community 3-4 times per year for submissions, and any Colorado artist is encouraged to submit their music.
- Troy University Libraries in Alabama have been featured in multiple news sources for their innovative approach to student health by installing exercise bikes in the library. First mentioned in Tropolitan the local paper, the story was eventually picked up by the Huffington Post. The library installed three of the exercise bikes, complete with special spot for books or laptops, and the students responded so positively that they've already ordered more.
Thanks to all of this week's featured libraries for such outstanding service to your communities!