Social Library, Furry Friends Edition
For something fun and different, this Social Library edition features libraries that are putting pets and other furry friends front and center on social media! From virtual pet shows to cat-themed storytimes, and from spotlighting staff pets to hosting a giving tree for pet needs, these ideas are sure to inspire, if not warm your heart for the furriest of friends. 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. And in related news, check out the I Love Libraries article, What It’s Like to Be a Library Cat During the Pandemic.
- Fargo Public Library in North Dakota hosted a Virtual Pet Show & Tell, for attendees to showcase their pet(s) in an online session. "All ages & pet types are welcome!"
King County Library System in Washington is hosting Meow Fest, a series of online events for cat fans. In its fourth year, this day-long festival includes five events: Cardboard Cat Castle Craft-Along; Cat Chats, sharing favorite books in chats with KCLS staff and their cats; a presentation on Understanding Cat Behavior, with a local animal shelter; a musical performance by The Rock Cats; and finally, Four the Love of Kitteh Video Festival, to watch funny cat videos and LOL with other feline enthusiasts in the chat.
- Coeur d'Alene Children's Library in Idaho hosts weekly story times for preschoolers, and in October, they hosted a Cat-tober Preschool Story Time! Families are encouraged to stop by the library to pick up a craft kit and related books each week, and there's a fantastic blog post that provides a worksheet, activities, tips and songs for grownups to share with their preschoolers.
- University of Wyoming Libraries is sharing, as part of their De-Stress for (Virtual) Success efforts, photos of staff pets (meet Pugs the cat!) to help students move through finals week. In more normal times, staff provide a variety of activities and snacks in the libraries during finals week, but with the pandemic, they've had to go virtual! In addition to sharing on Facebook, they have a collection of staff pet photos on the LibGuide page as well. We love the idea of getting to know staff better through the stories and photos of their pets.
- Trussville Public Library in Alabama is encouraging the spirit of giving this season with their Community Holiday Trees. In partnership with local agencies, the library is helping to collect needed items under the Mitten Tree and Pet Tree. The community can donate hats, mittens, socks, gloves and blankets for humans, and food, treats, beds, toys and other supplies, for dogs and cats. The Children’s Department has also set up a display of books by the trees to help children learn about generosity, caring, volunteering, pet adoption, and caring for pets.