Social Library, Volume 65
Jennifer Peterson
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16 August 2016
In this latest edition of the Social Library we've highlighted a handful of libraries who are creating a stage for karaoke crooners, two libraries who are supporting Harry Potter fandom, one who is connecting locals to historic bars and breweries, and a few more who are fanning the Olympic flame. Whether aligning with current events, passing fads or timeless staples, libraries around the world are connecting with their communities in meaningful and entertaining ways. 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.
- Burlington County Library System in New Jersey hosted the South Jersey Hellhounds Quidditch Club as part of their Fandom Fest. In preparation for the live demonstration, the library shared several key differences between quidditch played by wizards and quidditch played by muggles. With the release of the latest in the Harry Potter series, we're certain your libraries are welcoming a wave of fans, old and new, and perhaps it will inspire the formation of a Quidditch club in your area.
- A Finnish library, Tikkurilan kirjasto, made BBC news last week, with a story about their Karaoke Zone, where patrons of all ages can book time in a sound-proof space and sing their hearts out. We discovered a number of other libraries that provide karaoke programming, and one even circulates a karaoke machine! The Glenside Public Library District has hosted Tween Karaoke and Brooklyn Public Library hosts afternoon Karaoke for Adults. Still other variations include the Mohave County Library Open Mic Karaoke, which invites patrons to bring a poem or song to share, and Connetquot Public Library has been hosting an end of summer celebration (photo above) called Sing Stars Karaoke. A few years ago, ARSL featured a story about Karaoke Night at the Huachuca City Public Library, and last but not least, we discovered this video of Karaoke Night at Athens County Public Libraries.
- Waukesha Public Library in Wisconsin has been hosting events highlighting the Wisconsin Public Television documentary Bottoms Up: Wisconsin's Historic Bars and Breweries; first a viewing party, Doughnuts and Documentaries, and later a visit with one of the co-authors of the book of the same name.
- We found more Harry Potter goodness to share, this time from New Braunfels Public Library in Texas where their "chapter of the Harry Potter Alliance (an international service organization dedicated to harnessing the power of fans to do good works) has done some amazing work this summer. Not only did they organize and run a toiletry drive for Haven for Hope, they also created dozens of cards to cheer up hospitalized kids. These teens are amazing!"
- And we couldn't pass up highlighting two libraries who created eye-catching book displays to coincide with the Olympics. Webster Public Library in New York and, already featured above, the Waukesha Public Library in Wisconsin.
Thanks to all of this week's featured libraries for such outstanding service to your communities!