Category: Library Programs

Public libraries innovating and serving during COVID-19

4/20/2020

Public libraries are a pillar of many communities, and people of all races, ethnicities, genders, ages, abilities, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, (etc.) rely on them daily. They could be using the library for free educational and/or entertainment resources, internet access, technology help, a quiet study or meeting space, somewhere to get warm and dry, a safe public restroom, human connectedness ... and the list goes on and on. Public libraries are one of the only places you can go today where you're not expected to to buy something, and they're frequently referred to as "last bastion of democracy in America." So what happens when a global pandemic causes libraries to shut their doors?

They adapt!

The COVID-19 Pandemic has made libraries innovate and market their services like never before. Lucky innovation is where libraries thrive. Some of the popular talking points and trends regarding nontraditional library services in the profession right now include the following:

Libraries 3D printing PPE for first responders and medical professionals
Providing resources to some of the most at-risk populations
Digital programming including storytimes, nature scavenger hunts, escape rooms, and more!

According to a Wired article called COVID-19’s Impact on Libraries Goes Beyond Books,

"...libraries have also become much more forgiving about item return dates and library card expirations. Some libraries have started offering even more robust online offerings, from upping the allotment of streaming media rentals to hosting online reading sessions. On March 24, the Internet Archive announced it was creating a 'National Emergency Library' by suspending wait lists for the 1.4 million books in its digital lending library. The organization says the suspension will remain in place until June 30, or the end of the US national emergency, whichever is later."

We are living in unprecedented times. Essential employees like medical staff, grocery store employees, truckers, farmers (the list goes on!) have probably never been more overworked or more appreciated. Despite public libraries not being deemed as "essential services" during this pandemic, librarians and library workers across the country have been working remotely to continue to serve their communities.

Here in Wisconsin, public libraries will be able to resume curbside check-out services when abiding by certain health and safety guidelines beginning Friday, April 24th. But normal library operations, including returning library materials, attending in-person library programming, and browsing the shelves, are still a ways off. While library administrators (and everyone else!) figure out how to most safely and effectively resume normal operations, please know that if there's one thing that is "essential" for a public library, it's their community. It will always be that way. We can't wait to see you in the stacks again soon!

PS: Happy National Library Week!

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Exciting news: I got hired as a full-time youth librarian!

9/21/2016

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Paid vacation, sick time, health insurance - OH MY!

I'm thrilled to announce that earlier this week I accepted my first full-time job offer as the new youth librarian at the Community Library in Salem and Twin Lakes! That means going from two part-time library jobs down to just one – essentially cutting my commute time in half! Did I mention I'll be getting a substantial raise in addition to the fact that now I'll be getting paid to do what I love for 40 hours a week? It almost sounds too good to be true, doesn't it?

Since I've already been working at the Community Library part-time for two years and grew up visiting the Salem branch, I'm very familiar with the library's patrons. But now that I get to turn my attention from working with adults toward serving children and teens, I'm even more excited because I get to help kids in the area where I grew up foster their love for reading and thus, learning.

From strengthening and creating new children and teen programs to doing local school and daycare outreach visits; diversifying the youth collection and hopefully getting some new educational play materials at each location, I have high hopes that what I aim to achieve in this new position will help bolster my ever-growing youth librarianship skills, many of which were built during my youth services internship at the South Milwaukee Public Library, where today I worked my last shift.

The Community Library, located in Salem, Wis.

Almost exactly two years ago I started this website. A few weeks after that I got my first library job and a couple months later I found myself in graduate school. In a few more months I will officially have my Master's in Library and Information Science and it's incredibly comforting to know I already have a full-time job in my field under my belt.

Thank you to all my family and friends for supporting me – especially my parents, librarians and teachers who encouraged my love for reading since before I could even hold a book, let alone read. I also need to extend a huge thanks to everyone at the Community Library and South Milwaukee Public Library for helping me start my professional career off with a strong foundation and I can't wait to see where it takes me next! Here's to another new chapter!

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Pokémon Go: 'Gotta catch 'em all' at your local library

7/27/2016

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Photo via Akron-Summit County Public Library's Facebook.

So I realized I only posted one blog entry in June and now July is almost over and I still have yet to publish anything new! This summer is flying by, and I'll be honest — I've been spending my time enjoying it rather than blogging ... not that blogging isn't enjoyable, haha.

One of the latest crazes to surface during my blogging hiatus is the Pokémon Go phenomenon. And while I personally don't want to waste my time, data or phone battery playing the game, I can already tell you that I love it. Why? Because it is a perfect match for public libraries.

Perhaps the best way to familiarize people with the library's resources and services is to get them in the door. Once you get someone inside, it's almost impossible for them to not find something of interest. And Pokémon Go is definitely bringing people into the library — particularly millennials who might not regularly step foot inside a brick-and-mortar library branch.

Photo via Community Library's Facebook.

Whoever was responsible for deciding to make public libraries Pokéstops and/or Poké Gyms deserves a high five, a bear hug, a pat on the back and maybe a foot massage too. This decision is not only bringing people into the library, but it's giving librarians new and creative programming ideas as well. Some libraries have even reinvigorated their old Pokémon clubs in addition to creating new programming for the next generation of Pokémon enthusiasts. Between hosting group walks to catch Pokémon, setting off lures and inviting people to libraries to battle for control of a gym, this new mobile game is breathing some fresh air into youth services provided by libraries everywhere.

Well there's no telling just how long this trend will stay in the spotlight, public libraries have been quick to embrace the mobile game's growing popularity. While Pokémon originally got big in the early 2000s, many libraries have seen a rise in circulation for their Pokémon materials since the games exponentially successful launch earlier this month.

We'll see how long Pokémon Go remains a "thing," but I'd be willing to bet a super rare Pokémon that it won't be nearly as long as public libraries last!

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Landing my first youth services position at a public library

8/24/2015

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Hello dear reader, and happy Monday! I have some pretty exciting news: You're reading the words of the South Milwaukee Public Library's new youth services intern! After three different interviews for entry-level youth services positions at public libraries across southeastern Wisconsin, I've finally managed to land a position that will serve as a giant stepping stone toward working as a youth services librarian full-time after finishing graduate school.

The South Milwaukee Public Library recently hired a new youth services librarian and a new library director, so I'm extremely excited to be joining the team as they make some big changes to the institution, including an intensive update to the children's collection, redesigning the children's room and implementing new youth programming.

Today was my first day on the job and I got a pretty good look at what I'll be doing during the 12 hours a week I will be working in South Milwaukee. In my new position I will be answering reference questions, providing reader’s advisory, assisting patrons in the use of library resources and helping with the planning, advertising and implementation of children's programming. This internship will also allow me to gain valuable experience with collection development projects like selecting, weeding and cataloging library materials.

I will still be working as a library assistant at the Community Library locations in Salem, Twin Lakes and Silver Lake; however, I am extremely excited to be able to start working more directly with children and their parents at the South Milwaukee Public Library. I am especially looking forward to leading storytime programs for kids of all ages. Now all I have to do is find a way to juggle these two library positions on top of going to grad school full-time and attempting to keep up with this blog on a regular basis . . . Good thing I'm going on vacation next week – I have a feeling it's going to be the last of my relaxation time for quite a while!

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Libraries and social justice: Ferguson one year later

8/12/2015

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Just over a year ago, the small town of Ferguson, Mo. was rocked by the shooting of Michael Brown. More than 365 days later, the community is still attempting to heal. At the center of that peace-seeking effort is the Ferguson Municipal Public Library and its director, Scott Bonner.

Since Brown's death in 2014, the library has transformed to fulfill many of the town's essential needs. It became an educational safe haven when local schools were closed due to the riots after the grand jury's ruling. The library also became an office for local businesses and a meeting space for anyone who needed it. Bonner and his team stepped up to serve the needs of their community the best way they could: by being librarians.

According to an article in American Libraries Magazine, "Bonner discussed modifying library policies to account for the changing needs of the area. The library even acted as an art gallery, being one of 14 venues that participated in the Alliance of Black Art Galleries’ 'Hands Up, Don’t Shoot: Artists Respond,' an art exhibition that featured more than 100 artists and ran from October 17 – December 20, 2014."

"Hands Up, Don’t Shoot" Quilt by Heidi Lung on the wall of the Ferguson Municipal Public Library. Photo credit: Willie Miller/American Libraries Magazine.

When the shooting happened just over a year ago, Bonner had only been in his position as director for five short weeks. In a recent interview with American Libraries Magazine, he discussed how the library has changed since Brown's death:

"We are far, far more programming-oriented. I knew when I took this job that I was going to try to make the library more responsive to the community. I didn’t know we would have to do it at lightning speed. It was a big shift from what the library did previously. When I started, there was no programming on the schedule. The previous director had watched her budget drop from $600,000 in 2008 to $400,000 in 2012, so she pulled back a lot on library hours and programming, like so many libraries have had to," – Scott Bonner

Thanks in large part to a flood of donations, increased funding allowed the library to start to address important issues through its programming, including the creation a teen newspaper, STEM/STEAM learning, and discussions about social justice and equality. Bonner told American Libraries Magazine:

Director Scott Bonner. Image via Library Journal.

"We still have healing kits [backpacks stuffed with a stuffed animal, children’s books about healing, and information about mental health resources; patrons check out the kits, return the books and the backpack, and keep the rest]. We just had a big box of stuffed animals donated for those. And our Readings on Race book club is doing really well. It was started by community member Carla Fletcher. She wanted to find ways for people to stop talking past one another on race issues, and help people find a common vocabulary. They meet once a month, and we usually have a diverse group of about 20 people show up. In my experience, that’s a really good turnout for a small library book club,"

– Scott Bonner

When asked how the past year changed his perception of the Ferguson community and the library’s role in it, Bonner told American Libraries Magazine, "It has magnified my existing perception of what libraries are for and what they can do in a community. It’s given me a chance to take the community library idea and try it in hyperdrive."

Bonner and the rest of the staff at the Ferguson Municipal Public Library have proven just how important local libraries are to their communities. Public libraries are far more than book-lending institutions filled with old ladies saying "Shh." Instead, libraries are at the center of their communities and their staff members work effortlessly to unify, unite and better the people they serve.

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Libraries aren't the only ones with summer reading programs

8/5/2015

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It's somehow already August (!?!) and that means the summer is going to be over before we know it! But don't break out the back to school supplies just yet – there's still plenty of time for trips to the beach, weekend getaways and, of course, summer visits to your local library!

It's no secret that summertime is when public libraries shine most. Ask any youth services librarian and they will tell you it's hands down their busiest time of year. Not only do summer reading programs like those offered by libraries decrease the effects of summer slide, they also are a great opportunity for kids (and adults) to foster their love of literacy and win some cool prizes in the process!

Of course, libraries aren't the only ones with some awesome summer reading programs – and there is still time to take advantage of many of them before those trees change from green to brown. Here are a few other neat summer reading programs going on across the nation.

Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program 2015

This year Barnes & Nobel's Summer Reading Program, "Imagination's Destination," rewards children in grades 1-6 for reading eight books over the summer by giving them another book for free! There is a wide variety of free books to choose from, but hurry up and get reading! This chance to win a free book ends September 7th.

Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge 2015

The Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge asks kids to "Power Up and Read" to set a new world reading record! Kids go online to log their reading minutes where they'll also be able to take weekly challenges and earn rewards. The elementary and middle schools who log the most minutes win visits from authors Michael Northrop (Trapped, the TombQuest series) and Varian Johnson (The Great Greene Heist, Saving Maddie), respectively. But don't delay –
this reading challenge ends September 4th.

Sylvan's Book Adventure Reading Program

OK, so this one isn't technically a summer reading program because it goes on all year long – but how great is that?! Book Adventure tests children's reading comprehension by asking them to take quizzes about the books they read. After they've gotten all the questions right on the quiz (one retake is allowed), they'll be awarded points which can be traded in for prizes such as temporary tattoos, a chocolate bar, a free three-month subscription to Highlights and more!

So what are you waiting for? Pick up a book and get reading today!

Click here to discover more summer reading programs!

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How libraries can prepare to better serve teens in the future

6/25/2015

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When I was 13 I didn't own a cell phone. I didn't pluck my eyebrows. I didn't spend hours taking pictures of myself and then Snapchat them to all my friends. I didn't feel inundated with unrealistic body image ideals presented by the media. Frankly, I just didn't care, and that's because I was still living in a kid's world. Sadly, I feel that with each trip around the sun this planet takes, children are entering the adult world sooner and sooner.

Being a teenager today is quite different than it was for me, just as my glamorous time of adolescence was different than my parents, and theirs before them. And I'm not just talking about today's popularity of social media or Minecraft or whatever the heck else is ~hip with the young folk~ these days.

Image via American Libraries magazine.

Like it or not for anyone who has already survived their awkward and acne-ridden teenage years, those young whippersnappers of today are tomorrow's future, and the ones who will be using the library (and everything else) long after the rest of us leave this world. Teenagers are society's real innovators, and they are shaping the future! During a time when teens have access to information and entertainment at the click of a mouse or the swipe of a finger, libraries need to find a way to keep them coming through their doors, regardless of what sort of technological (or hormonal) changes are occurring elsewhere.

In January 2014, the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) released a report titled The Future of Library Services for and with Teens: A Call to Action. According to an article in American Libraries magazine published earlier this month called The Future of Library Services to Teens, "The report is the culmination of a project funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and spearheaded by YALSA’s National Forum on Libraries and Teens, which focused on the needs of teens and how libraries can support those needs."

"Teens are living in an environment filled with mobile technology. They can find and download music, movies, and personal or academic reading materials from anywhere, not just at the library. Yet many teens do not have the skills or access to use the technology available to them. And in some cases, library staff working with teens don’t have the knowledge, skills, background, or support to help adolescents in the way needed in the 21st century," -- The Future of Library Services to Teens, American Libraries magazine

Coming up with a plan for how libraries can serve and attract teens in the unforeseeable future can be a daunting task, and with limited budgets and staff (and patron) reluctance to change, it can be especially difficult for libraries to start adjusting. However, according to the American Libraries article, there are small ways libraries across the country can get the ball rolling now, including:

Hiring new staff to support digital media and learning initiatives and provide support to other staff and youth and families around the ideas of connected learning
Talking with a state youth-services consultant about YALSA's Futures report and its impact on the work that libraries in the state do with and for teens
Working with college and career readiness providers in the community in order to develop programs and services for teens that will help them succeed in life
Providing training to colleagues on the ideas embedded in YALSA's Futures report

But perhaps the most obvious way for librarians to arm themselves with the metaphorical weapons they need to secure a long-term teenage patronage is by *gasp* TALKING TO TEENS! Find out what sorts of services, materials and activities teens want and do your best to incorporate them. Don't just talk to the teens who walk through the library's doors -- you already have them hooked on books! Make an effort to reach out to teens who don't usual frequent the library and see what you can do to get them to open their minds — or better yet, open a book!

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Library programming: Teaching a Blogging 101 class

6/9/2015

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Friday I had the opportunity to incorporate some of my personal skills and hobbies into the Community Library's programming for the first (of many) times. How exciting!

There is a large demand for computer classes from our adult patrons, so I talked to my supervisor about leading a class dedicated to blogging, and she was excited to have one (Blogging about teaching a class about blogging .... I know, how meta of me)!

With a journalism degree from Marquette University and having blogged on and off for about four years, I felt that I had a lot of tips and tricks to offer others interested in learning more about blogs or starting one of their own.

Not only was teaching a Blogging 101 class interesting to the library's patrons – it was a great way to promote my own blog!

I designed the class so it could be beneficial for anyone who attended – from someone who doesn't even know what a blog is, to someone looking to launch a professional blog for a small business. I had five patrons register for the six available spots in the class, and ended up with having four of them attend – not too bad of a turn out for a small rural library on a beautiful Friday afternoon!

One woman in attendance was looking seriously into creating her own blog to curate self-produced content, whereas another was thinking about starting a travel blog to write about her vacations. Another woman in the class wanted to document stories of her experience being a nurse, and the fourth patron was exploring the idea of starting a photo blog for Schlitz beer memorabilia. There was a good variety of topics people were interested in blogging about, and a nice age range of program participants as well, which is always great to see.

Image via Pinterest.com

Because I am very familiar with and enjoy the functionality of Weebly.com for my blogging needs, I decided to have the class attendees sign up for a free account and publish their first post after giving them some introductory blogging information. We also covered how to use social media to promote a website and blog posts after they are published.

Public library programming is a great way to learn new skills or be introduced to unique hobbies. From blogging basics to yoga classes, craft time to book discussions and beyond – public libraries are always there to support their community members and enable them to be lifelong learners! See what free program is offered at your local library today!

To view the upcoming programs at the Community Library, stop in and pick up a copy of our program brochure or visit our website, communitylib.org.

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It's a bird, it's a plane, it's the Super Summer Reading Program!

5/27/2015

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SUPER SUMMER READING 2015

Superheroes are sweeping public libraries across the country with this year's summer reading program! With separate categories for kids, teens and adults, summer reading programs are a great way to beat the heat and get the whole family reading. Not only will you meet new heroes and heroines through books, but you just might discover some new superpowers of your own (and win a few prizes too)!

Below are the details for the summer reading program at the Community Library, where I work. The kids and teen summer reading programs run from June 8-August 7, and the adult program runs from June 8-July 13. Similar programs can be found at your local library.

"Every Hero Has a Story"
Kids (ages 0-11)

Kids will be given a bingo-style reading log. Complete a horizontal, vertical or diagonal bingo to receive a program completion prize! Extra bingo forms mean extra entries in the grand prize drawing. Prizes are available while supplies last. This year's grand prize is four tickets to Discovery World in Milwaukee.

"Escape the Ordinary"
Teens (ages 12-18)

Teenagers will be given a bingo-style reading log. Complete a horizontal, vertical or diagonal bingo to receive a prize! More bingo forms mean more entries in the grand prize drawing. The grand prize is a certificate for four VIP wristbands, pizza, and pop at America's Action Territory in Kenosha.

"Escape the Ordinary"
Adults (ages 19+)

As part of the annual summer reading program, read or listen to books to enter weekly drawings and win prizes. The grand prize is a Kindle Paperwhite. Patrons who turn in at least three weekly drawing slips will be eligible to win.

As the Community Library explains in its program brochure, this year's summer reading program theme aims to, "celebrate heroes of all ages who walk through the doors of the library each day; the heroes who have made their marks on history; the heroes who keep our communities safe, clean, and productive; and high-profile superheroes. From the youngest child to the strongest, mightiest crusader, each and every hero has his or her own story to tell."

What are you reading this summer? Tweet me @TessaFoxReads or use #TessaFoxReads.

Images via Collaborative Summer Library Program

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Volunteering at the Shorewood Public Library P.L.A.Y. Day

4/29/2015

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Saturday I volunteered in the early literacy room at the Shorewood Public Library, leading kids in different sensory activities and educating parents about how they can incorporate simple and fun learning activities at home
(Photo via Shorewood Public Library).

This weekend I was able to take advantage of a great volunteer opportunity presented to me by my professor, Mary Wepking, who spread the word that the Shorewood Public Library was looking for volunteers for a children's program on Saturday, April 25th. Since I want to work in youth services, I knew there was no way I could pass up the opportunity to help with the Community P.L.A.Y. Day – and I'm so thankful for the fun and educational experience!

Here's the description of the P.L.A.Y. Day from the Shorewood Public Library website: "Parents, grandparents, caregivers, and children (infants through kindergartners) are invited to join us for a day of P.L.A.Y. - Play, Literacy & Learning Activities for You & Your Young Children. Discover the many ways children learn through play. Make some fun and easy learning toys. Learn about healthy foods kids will love. The Shorewood Library is partnering with the North Shore Health Department, Outpost Natural Foods, and others to help parents and caregivers make the most of those early years."

I worked primarily at the infant and toddler station that focused a lot on different sensory activities, like playing with squishy gel-filled bags and shaking bottles filled with uncooked rice and corn kernels. I also helped kids do a craft that used paper cups, straws and small paper octopus cutouts to make little pop-up puppets. At my station there were also other educational activities that focused on age-appropriate learning, like matching and identifying colors, shapes and sizes.

Not only did I get some more experience working with children in a library setting, I also got to brush up on my nonverbal communication skills. Shorewood Library serves a pretty diverse population, and I interacted with many parents and children who spoke little or no English. It's amazing to see just how much you can communicate with others based on facial expressions and gestures alone!

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<<Previous

Public libraries innovating and serving during COVID-19

They adapt!

PS: Happy National Library Week!

Exciting news: I got hired as a full-time youth librarian!

Paid vacation, sick time, health insurance - OH MY!

Pokémon Go: 'Gotta catch 'em all' at your local library

Landing my first youth services position at a public library

Libraries and social justice: Ferguson one year later

Libraries aren't the only ones with summer reading programs

Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program 2015

Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge 2015

Sylvan's Book Adventure Reading Program

So what are you waiting for? Pick up a book and get reading today!

Click here to discover more summer reading programs!

How libraries can prepare to better serve teens in the future

Library programming: Teaching a Blogging 101 class

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's the Super Summer Reading Program!

SUPER SUMMER READING 2015

Volunteering at the Shorewood Public Library P.L.A.Y. Day

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They adapt!

PS: Happy National Library Week!

Paid vacation, sick time, health insurance - OH MY!

So what are you waiting for? Pick up a book and get reading today!Click here to discover more summer reading programs!

SUPER SUMMER READING 2015

Author

Connect with me online!

Archives

Categories

So what are you waiting for? Pick up a book and get reading today!

Click here to discover more summer reading programs!