Date Night at the Library: Image credit: Donna Forbis.

Date Night at the Library

11 January 2021
Dan Bostrom
Comments: 0

In 2019 BC (Before COVID), our library hosted a self-directed program for couples called “Date Night at the Library.” It was quite popular, and the plan was to run this program again this year, but we all know what happens to “best laid plans . . .” Even though we may not be able to invite couples in to explore the library in person, the concept can still be adapted for distance usage. The ultimate purpose is to get people to explore your collection, resources, and services.

The original program encouraged participation as a couple or team. We had husbands and wives, parents and...

Image credit: Stephanie McCabe via Unsplash.com.

Library Advocacy: A Resolution for Us All

4 January 2021
Dan Bostrom
Comments: 0

As we say good-bye to 2020, it is customary to set goals moving into the new year. The promises we make for ourselves generally center on self-improvement and less on the impact we have on our community.

2020 was a year of suffering. From daily death tolls becoming a part of our lexicon to the fight for racial justice, this year has pushed our mental limits. Throughout it all libraries have been there to offer support, relief, and comfort for the individuals they served.

Surviving this unpredictable year is enough without the added pressure of reform. Let 2021 be a year for...

Teen Using Laptop. Image credit: Annie Spratt via Unsplash.com.

My First Year as a School Librarian

28 December 2020
Dan Bostrom
Comments: 0

I started working at my hometown library when I was 16 and have been working in libraries ever since. The library was my happy place as a teen and in my first year as a school librarian, I hope to bring that feeling to an entire school of teens and teachers alike.

Staff and students were used to a traditional model of library service so one of the first things I had set out to do was learn more about what they wish the library offered. I created surveys for both teachers and students, introduced myself at department meetings, and opened my doors with a smile to every request to use...

Image credit: Oregon Public Library.

Fine Free at Oregon Public Library

21 December 2020
Dan Bostrom
Comments: 1

Oregon Public Library went fine free in January 2020. It seems like many moons ago, however, this philosophy change is still making its impact. As an organization, we decided that going fine free was an important change to make. Unfortunately, Oregon has not always had the best perception among community members and we are on a path to change that. Therefore it seemed like an extremely important step to make to have patrons feel welcome. We all know how it feels when we are told we have a fine and unfortunately many patrons feel a sense of shame. As an organization that runs on community...

Assistant Director Heather Zabski helped devise the efficient assembly line for preparing materials for delivery. Image credit: Fox River Valley PLD.

The Birth of a Library Service

14 December 2020
Dan Bostrom
Comments: 1

Home delivery: a more comfortable way for patrons to get library materials during a global pandemic.

What to Expect When You’re Not Expecting

On March 13, 2020 staff and patrons alike sat stunned as the Fox River Valley Public Library District closed the doors of its two locations, the Dundee Library and the Randall Oaks Library, in response to a global pandemic. The first few weeks were spent scrambling to figure out how to adapt, and how this would change our daily lives, and our future. Yes, we could communicate, read, watch, and search...

Image credit: Fox River Grove Public Library District.

Fox River Grove Library Unveils Grant-Funded Videos

9 December 2020
Dan Bostrom
Comments: 0

The Fox River Grove Public Library District has created two videos to promote the Library and the Fox River Grove community. The videos were funded by the My Library Is… Grant from the Reaching Across Illinois Libraries System (RAILS). The videos are available on the Library’s YouTube channel, social media, and website, as well as the RAILS My Library Is... website.

Video #1: Library Superfans The first video features real Library patrons sharing what makes the Library so special to them. “In these difficult days, we are...

3D Printer. Image credit: Altadena Library.

Recommendations for Makerspaces During a Pandemic

4 December 2020
Dan Bostrom
Comments: 0

The COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed how patrons and library staff utilize and learn in makerspaces or within their maker communities. Beyond topics of public health and politics, this pandemic has shown the importance of the skills and sense of community that one may gain in makerspaces. A perfect example is masks and other PPE supplies. In many ways, programs and classes where patrons have learned to sew are lifesaving! Let’s review some best practice suggestions to reopening a makerspace safely during this or any pandemic!

Timed Appointment Based System...

Image credit: Lisle Library District.

The Festive Readers’ Advisory We Need Now: Teen and Adult Book Boxes

30 November 2020
Dan Bostrom
Comments: 1

After Lisle Library’s Adult and Teen Focus Librarian, Noelle Spicher, started hearing about the success of teen book box programs in other libraries, she began crafting a procedure to try out the program at LLD and it went live in January 2020.  A few months after the launch of the teen program, adults began asking if they could have book boxes too, and Noelle went to work figuring out the logistics. The adult program has been running alongside the teen program since October 2020. The steps involved are: 

  • Patrons sign up for a book box using an online form on the website or...
Reading Colors Your World.

SRP Already? Lessons from the Pandemic

16 November 2020
Dan Bostrom
Comments: 0

Yes, it’s November. Yes, many of us are still recovering from the Summer Reading Program that wasn’t (or almost wasn’t). No, we don’t want to think about Summer Reading 2021, but like it or not, planning time is here.  Normally, libraries base their coming programs on participation and response rates of the program that just ended, but with a global pandemic raging, nothing is normal. Now is the time to make decisions for 2021.  Do you hope for the best and plan based on your 2019 B.C. (before COVID) program? Were you able to pivot and still provide an SRP in some form in 2020?  If so,...

My Library Is... Campaign.

Announcing the My Library Is... Grants for School Libraries!

9 November 2020
Dan Bostrom
Comments: 0

As part of the My Library Is… campaign, RAILS and AISLE are teaming up to offer up to ten $1,000 grants to help school libraries promote their value. My Library Is... Grants for School Libraries are designed to help libraries tell their stories in a more coordinated and impactful way.

RAILS and AISLE are inviting creative approaches that emphasize some aspect of marketing, promotion, storytelling, and/or advocacy. Examples could include (but not are limited to):...

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