Social Library, Volume 162
There's no shortage of creative ideas to inspire your social media efforts during COVID-19 in this edition of the Social Library. These libraries have found ways to provide ongoing services, to stay connected with their communities, and to encourage safe practices in this challenging time. From unboxing videos to embroidery kits and from contact logs to virtual field trips, these fun examples come from innovative staff with great ideas! If you'd like your library to be featured in an upcoming edition of the Social Library, let us know via [email protected] or find us on Facebook.
- Lincoln Public Library in Ontario, Canada is providing Book Your Bubble appointments for patrons to be able to visit the library with "up to 10 people in your family or friends bubble." The appointments last for 30 minutes and are available to book five different days of the week.
Stoughton Public Library in Wisconsin reached out to us to share the great success they've had with their new materials unboxing videos. Sarah, the library's Technical Services Manager said, "I started doing it after I spent 20 minutes watching a fabric store opening boxes of fabric and realized I had something in boxes to share too! The unboxing videos are literally just me opening and pulling books out of a box in the tech services department. Patrons like it if I can share a bit about the book which I really can only do for the nonfiction materials. Videos are a great way to keep engaging your patrons. They miss the library and miss library staff!" The videos are all under 5 minutes and Sarah is a joy to listen to. You can find all of them on the library's video collection on Facebook.
- Anchorage Public Library in Alaska found a fun way to encourage people to keep a contact log as part of the city's efforts to help stop the spread of COVID-19. They're posting contact logs from fictional characters, including Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Devi Vishwakumar, Simon Spear, and Ensign Kelvin. "Are you keeping up with who, where and when you've had contact with people? One of our favorite fictional characters is here with an example of how to keep a contact log. Watch for more logs coming soon and remember to keep yours up-to-date!"
- Jefferson County R.J. Bailar Public Library in Florida is offering embroidery kits as part of their curbside service, along with an online class with the library's director. "Have you ever wanted to learn hand embroidery? Make this project with library director Miss Natalie! Call the library to pick up a kit curbside, then tune in to the class in on Zoom next Friday. Kids are welcome to join, but please note that the kit contains needles and sharp embroidery scissors, and an adult needs to pick it up from the library."
- Beaumont Public Library System in Texas launched a new program in collaboration with local organizations called Librarians Out & About. Miss Robin and Mrs. Megan visit locations around town, bringing questions submitted by patrons, and to learn more about these local institutions in a short video. Earlier in August they visited the Shangri La Botanical Gardens and coming in September, a visit to the Neches Federal Credit Union.