I found several ideas in this module’s lecture inspiring. At my library, all librarians are part of the Community Services team, as such, outreach is a regular part of the job. This is different from my previous library, where only the children’s librarians went out into the community on a regular basis. I didn’t expect to find a position where my outreach skills would be valued, so I appreciate this.
The community my library serves is a small, walkable town, so it’s easy to get out and talk to the shop owners and residents, whether we’re running a table at a community festival, standing out front with our book bike handing out calendars and flyers, or even stopping in to meet the owners of the new gelato shop. (What started as a lunchtime treat turned into scouting a location for a future book discussion–a win-win!)
Talking with patrons inside of the library is a great way to find out how we can “serve the whole person.” The more we learn about their interests, needs, and struggles, the more closely we can align our programs and materials to best support them. I love the idea of a community closet filled with supplies that patrons can take as they need them. The “soup day” idea is inspiring as well. We already run a program called “Cook the Book” where patrons choose recipes out of a particular cookbook and bring a dish to share with the group. One of our regular patrons, who is insecurely housed, loves the program and always participates by bringing what she can–a pack of string cheese or something similar. I’ve already suggested a coffee and conversation group at which people can meet representatives from our county’s support services (which I learned about in another class I am taking this semester–Serving Homeless Patrons in Public Libraries.) Maybe the answer is a larger event where we don’t differentiate between people’s need level–everyone can just come and participate.
I am grateful to be part of a library that values its community and is open to new ways of connecting with patrons and finding better ways to serve them. I’ve included a picture of the book bike I referenced in this post. I will admit up front that I really dislike riding the bike but using it as an outreach tool is effective and a great way to start conversations.
hi @susanneritchie, thank you for sharing how your library engages with your community. I particularly thought it was interesting that all librarians at your library are a part of the outreach efforts. At my library, there is a team dedicated to that. It sounds like fun that all librarians at your library get to participate in outreach activities. At my library, we also have a book bike! But ours is called the “Bibliobike.” It’s always been my dream to ride it! Great post 🙂 –@ali0 (ali ongaro)
“Bibliobike” is a good name! We should really come up with something better than “book bike.”
@susanneritchie Yay for the Book Bike! Our library here in Elk Rapids just got one too.