The Social Library, Volume 29
Libraries highlighted in Volume 29 of our Social Library series represent libraries who are enriching local lives, connecting people and interests, and meeting community needs. Two of the libraries were featured in national news for their outstanding work, one is addressing early literacy, another is reaching out to millennials, and one library wins the most unique programming award of the week, with their annual car show.
- The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library in North Carolina was featured in two news stories this week. The Charlotte Agenda article, How Charlotte Mecklenburg Library convinced 13,000 people to come back, explains the library's current data project. The project aims "to track cardholder behavior and use that information to place programs in the right locations, better advertise services and give people gentle nudges to influence behavior. The end goal is to get more people either in the doors or using the library’s online services. The ultimate goal is to more effectively tackle community issues like third-grade literacy and the digital divide." In posting the article, the library mentioned that since the Charlotte Agenda first interviewed them for the story, they've welcomed back closer to 16,000 people! The project coincides with an advertising campaign the library will be rolling out on local billboards and in local media. They shared this wonderful video on their Facebook page this week, which will be used in their marketing efforts. The library also shared the video from NBC News featuring Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and the American Library Association, showcasing how Modern Libraries Go Way Past Books, With 3-D Printers and Laser Cutters.
- Also in national news, Al Jazeera America recognized the Enoch Pratt Free Library for being a safe haven. The story spotlights the importance of libraries especially to the children of Baltimore. "I feel safer in here than out there." - 11-year-old Darrell Simmons
- Indianapolis Public Library and IndyPL Kids shared the September schedule for Call-A-Nitetime-Story. Each week of the month listeners can access, by phone, a new story read by library staff. Just a phone call away, this month's stories are all about the night, and are available 7 days a week, 24-hours a day.
The Seymour Library in Brockport, New York is launching a new adult program. "The 'Top Shelf Book Club' is a new reading group created for those in their 20s-30s. We will meet the third Tuesday of every month, at the Stoneyard Brewing Co. Tap Room, to discuss new and edgy pieces of writing. We'll cover a variety of genres, but will provide you with a short story for the first meeting on Sept 15th from 7pm-8:30pm." For more adult programming ideas, be sure to check out the WebJunction webinar archive, Beyond Book Groups: Fun Library Programs for Adult Readers.
- And for this week's most unique programming, the Somerset County Library System in New Jersey is hosting their 10th Annual Free Car Show. Car owners can register for free by completing a short form, and everyone can attend the 3-hour car show in the Bridgewater Library's west parking lot. Check out some of the photos from previous year's shows.
We look forward to seeking out next week's treasures from those we follow on Facebook AND to hear from more of YOU! If you have innovative and impactful programs going on at your library that you'd like to showcase, let us know at [email protected], or find us on Facebook.
Thanks to all of this week's featured libraries for such outstanding service to your communities!