The Social Library, Volume 27
Welcome to Volume 27 of our Social Library series! This week brings innovative examples of libraries providing readers advisory, growing early literacy skills, making connections with community businesses, and of librarians on cycles! Every day, libraries and library staff around the world are informing communities about the vital resources and services they provide, and every day, communities are benefiting from the great work you do.
- Greene County Public Library in Ohio posts an album each month with a collection of staff picks. Library Staff Picks for August 2015 features staff reviews of books, music and movies, and invites Facebook followers to leave their own comments on any items they've already checked out or recommend other favorites. The staff review includes a link to the item in the library's catalog, the first name of the staff member (or just 'staff member' if they choose not to use their name), and the branch or department they work in. You can browse previous month's staff picks in their collection of albums. It looks like each month's edition includes anywhere from 12-15 reviews.
- Pitkin County Library in Aspen, Colorado, caught our eye with the Lit Letters, a series of posts highlighting everyday literacy tips for parents and caregivers. Each of the 10 posts (so far?) share easy ways to support early literacy development of young children. Take a look at the posts and share with your library communities.
- Library of Michigan shared a post from Michigan Radio about their cross-state road trip, visiting Michigan Libraries, for an upcoming online feature. The post invites listeners to follow them on Instagram, share their own photos and tag why you visit your local library with the hashtag #MILibrary. We look forward to seeing the full feature!
- One of our Geek the Library followers on Facebook brought to our attention Cycling for Libraries, "a politically and economically independent unconference and a bicycle tour that supports physical and mental well-being of library professionals." Each cycling tour includes visits to academic, public and special libraries along the way, and discussions about library issues. In a few short weeks, the fifth Cycling for Libraries tour will travel through Norway, Sweden and Denmark, arriving in Aarhus, right in time for Next Library conference and the opening of Dokk1. You can follow Cycling for Libraries on Facebook and on Twitter with the #cyc4lib hashtag.
The Springdale Public Library in Arkansas hosted Morning Brew, a weekly meeting of community organizers and local business owners organized by the Springdale Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber describes the event as "Northwest Arkansas' most popular morning networking event...Every Thursday morning, from 8:30 a.m. until 9:15 a.m., Springdale's business community gathers at a different business. Attendees have the opportunity to make announcements and hear from the host business. First time attendees are introduced each week as well. Fun door prizes and breakfast refreshments top off the fast-paced event." Does your Chamber organize an event like this in your community? Or could you regularly host a similar networking event?
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!