Special Edition: What libraries are doing worldwide
We're all in this together
We're seeing creative ways libraries around the globe are reaching readers at home. We've picked out several examples to inspire you. We'd love to know if you try out any of these ideas, so drop us a line! Together, we'll get through this.
Keeping patrons reading in their bubbles.
Waimakariri Libraries are reaching out to patrons via social media in a big way with a wide variety of live events, recordings, and posts to keep Kiwis of all ages reading in their "bubbles" at home. Scroll through their feed for ideas like Bubble Book Chat for fans of Historical Fiction. Meanwhile on their website, their list of things to do at home (that aren't reading) is a humorous yet helpful selection of library services to beat the boredom blues.
Speaking of bubbles...
Kāpiti Coast District Libraries is asking patrons to write a poem about what the pandemic has meant for them and their bubble (household) for their eighth annual poetry competition. Entries may be written in English or Te Reo Māori, and will be published as a print book and e-book.
Stories from around the world transport children to new lands
A new video series by Manatee Libraries in Florida introduces children in the U.S. to folk tales, myths, and lore from other countries. Children will meet people (virtually) from around the globe; learn some geography; and get a feel for other countries through stories. The videos are well-produced and engaging for a wide age range. The first visit is to Kenya to meet the Maasai people.
Like many libraries, Surrey Libraries is not processing holds right now, but they wanted to continue to provide reading recommendations in digital formats. They also wanted to share upcoming online programs. Since they're already reaching patrons through NextReads newsletters, they found it was easy to add in other information with just a few quick edits. Take a look at the ways Surrey Libraries, Durham County Public Library and Washington County Cooperative Library System leveraged NextReads newsletters as their latest communications tool. It's perfect for now and can continue once your library re-opens. What to give it a try? Here's how.
#librariansathome
Washoe County Library System recently asked staff for photos of what they were doing at home to share on social media. Library Assistant Jennifer Cole jumped into LibraryAware to come up with a good way to show off the shots. We're told the library has seen a lot of engagement already.
We loved the idea so much we asked if we could create a template inspired by Jennifer's work for all LibraryAware customers, and they said yes! Just search "librarians at home" and add your staff photo and details.
We've seen libraries all over sharing what their staff is doing at home, including the library-related work they're doing while "partly open," introducing their pets including a this adorable bird, and using selfies to spell out a warm greeting to patrons. They're all great ways to put a "face" on your library, and give isolated individuals a sense of connection. Share what you're doing under #librariansathome onTwitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Quaranreads and other online library happenings
Dallas Public Library is offering a wide range of virtual programs as part of "DPL at home." Offerings range from Social Distancing Together: Book Happy Hour, to Thursday Trivia--The Office, to Book Buddies, in which young readers practice reading aloud 1-1 with library staff. There are lots of ideas and information to inspire you.
Resources for libraries serving Native and Indigenous Peoples
Red Planet Books and Comicsis offeringfree artworkby four Native artists and graphic designers featuring messages including "protect your elders," and "take care of your community."
The State Library of New South Wales is sharing social media graphics, posters and brochuresin partnership with the Centre for Aboriginal Health and the New South Wales Multicultural Health Communication Service.
Logan City Council Librariesprovidesstories for all agesfeaturing Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander peoples or their decendants in a celebration of the culture and traditions of First Nations Peoples.
Libraries connect customers to Indigenous language learning options
Northern Lights Library System is connecting patrons to a free course through a local college to learn conversational Cree (Cree-Montagnais-Naskapi). Cree is one of the most widely spoken Indigenous languages in Canada; it is also spoken in Montana in the U.S.
Christchurch City Libraries offers several resources for those who want to learn or improve their command of Te Reo Māori, an official language of New Zealand.
Library system's 3D printers create PPE
When Stony Brook University and other medical facilities were in dire need of face shields and other personal protective equipment, they called upon the public libraries of Suffolk County in New York for help. The Suffolk Cooperative Library System set up a 3D printing farm using printers from the Cooperative and member libraries from all over Suffolk County who donated their 3D printers and supplies, temporarily, towards this effort. With 58 printers working in 2 shifts, they average 200 printed items per day. Watch them being made.
Connecting with colleagues at home
The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) has a webpage dedicated to COVID-19 efforts and resources, including #AusLibChat, an Australian and New Zealand centered professional discussion on Twitter for library and information services students and professionals. The next chat is Tuesday, May 5 at 9 p.m. AEST with the theme “Housebound.” Too early/late for your time zone? All chats are recorded.
On a lighter note, ALIA also offers backgrounds to add a little fun to your online meetings (which might be nicer to look at than your pile of laundry. Just saying.)
This is the last of our planned Special Editions. We hope they've been helpful. We'd love to know if anything inspired your library to try something new, so drop us a line. Watch for NoveList News or LibraryAware News to return as scheduled in May. If you get one but not the other, you can sign up here.
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