Social Library, Volume 70
Jennifer Peterson
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25 October 2016
In this latest edition of our Social Library we're highlighting library projects, celebrations, and festivals, a charity team-building event, and an inspiring TED Talk. Each edition of the Social Library brings a fresh set of ideas from libraries who are connecting with their communities in a variety of ways, with patrons of all ages. We enjoy showcasing the great work of these libraries and hope you find inspiration for your own great work. 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.
- Garfield County Libraries in Colorado announced the opening of their StoryWalk Glenwood Springs. "StoryWalk® is a fun, educational activity that places a children's story (a deconstructed book, page by page) in a park or on a trail . . . and an opportunity for children to experience reading a book while walking through a nature setting. It helps promote literacy, outdoor physical activity, and encourages parent and community involvement. The project was made possible through a grant from LiveWell Garfield County, a partnership with the City of Glenwood Springs Parks & Recreation department, and the hard work of volunteers from the Glenwood Springs Kiwanis Club."
- The Seattle Public Library has been hosting numerous events for Booktoberfest, an "annual celebration of books, beer and good cheer." In venues across the city, staff have been hosting bookish happy hours, librarian-hosted trivia nights, spooky stories in bars and libraries, a Stranger Things 80s film fest, Literary Mixology AND Libraraoke! I was lucky enough to join in the fun last week and even picked a few literary inspired songs from their amazing list to sing. In case you're curious, I sang Oh, You Pretty Things by David Bowie, and Video Killed the Radio Star by the Buggles. I introduced the later by noting that people once predicted that the internet would kill libraries, but instead, libraries have survived, and are thriving!
- Calgary Public Library in Canada, along with many other libraries on Facebook, shared the video of their library CEO, Bill Ptacek, presenting his wonderful TEDxCalgaryTalk from May. He shares wonderful stories of how libraries are more than their buildings and the ways in which "the library is not a place, it's a concept."
- Indiana State Library posted some delightful pictures of their team participating in a lunch time painting party! It was part of their state's employee charity campaign (SECC) and we loved to see their beautiful art and smiling faces. What a great way to create together and put time and energy toward a fundraising effort. Are there ways your library team works together to support local charities?
- Gilmer County Library in Georgia put out a call for submissions for their annual Festival of Trees. For 23 years (!), the library has invited organizations in the community to host and decorate one of 30 trees located throughout the library during the month of December. "Over 450 patrons attended the 2015 Festival of Trees last year and over 6,000 patrons attended throughout the month of December. You will not want to miss this opportunity to spread your message to thousands of your neighbors and Gilmer Citizens." The festival includes a launch event with music provided by local student groups, refreshments and door prizes.
Thanks to all of this week's featured libraries for such outstanding service to your communities!