Minutes JCPLA/ASRT Craft/Creative Zoom session, Thursday, April 23, 2020:

Attendance:

Shannon H, Hoover

Alicia E, Trussville

Deni O, Hoover

Joi M, Vestavia Hills

Samantha H, Hoover

Kenyata R, Pratt City

Judith W, Homewood

Holley W, EOM

Lea D, Hoover

Sam R, Springville Road

Leslie D, Avondale

Patricia D, East Lake

Morgan H, EOM

Hannah C, Hoover

Gus J, BPL

Terri L, Vestavia Hills

Karen E-J, BPL

Jiemin F, BPL

Riana M, Pinson

Maura D, Trussville

Katie Jane M, Hoover

Fontaine A, Five Pts W

Deidre S, Bessemer

Heather Mc, Smithfield

Lee W, North Birmingham

Tisha G. FPW/Homewood

(If I missed your name, please just let me know!)

Hoover’s Glue Gun Gang is a monthly craft program just for adults. Started in 2013 by Deni Owens, it has quickly grown from one session a month to three sessions of 12 people each. Sessions are timed with consideration of the schedules of full-time workers, as well as stay-at-home parents and retirees. The program is popular and registration is very competitive. Each month, Deni selects a craft project that will appeal to adults, be very inexpensive, finished within two hours (hopefully) and not be too messy. Soda and candy are served as refreshments. Glue Gun Gang events are currently free but this may need to be evaluated after we return from quarantine.

Last year, Deni began creating a website to showcase the crafts from GGG, intended to be a resource for librarians as well as anyone looking for a fun craft.  The website is at https://gluegungang.com/ . The website is still in development so check back often for new projects and tutorials! Contact Deni at deni.owens@hooverlibrary.org if you have any questions or need help implementing one of the projects.

Inspiration can also be found on the Pinterest page for GGG:  www.pinterest.com/hoovergluegungang

Samm’s wedding & book crafts, in preparation for Samantha’s wedding this year, she has been collecting all kinds of diverse book crafts that are easily replicated.  She has her own Instagram page if others want to check that out https://www.instagram.com/sammiltonartsandcrafts, 

also https://www.facebook.com/banksls .  Book crafts are all over Pinterest and might take a bit of preparation (folding pages takes time) but is enjoyable by all!

Purl on the Plaza was started in 2010 by Shannon at Hoover and has grown from years and years of building and establishing relationships throughout the years.  Our Facebook group has 189 members and through asking for email addresses, the newsletter goes out to 619 subscribers!  When I give away door prizes, I ask for their name and email address with the clear message that if they do not want to receive the newsletter, they don’t have to give it.  I have developed relationships with small, independent yarn shops and other knitting/crochet groups throughout the county.  We have free lessons two times a year which generates new people becoming devoted to the crafts.  Our once-a-year “World Wide Knit in Public Day” (usually in June) exhibits different crafts such as spinning, weaving, tatting, embroidery, cross stitch, and other handicrafts.  Trussville’s knit & crochet group (the “Yarn Manglers”) has been thriving too!  People who do these crafts want to keep doing it socially throughout the month.  Our virtual Purl meeting had over 20 people from all over – we had two former members who now live out of state and one person “stuck” in her villa on the island of St. Barts.  They all joined via Zoom to chat, catch up and craft. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/PurlonthePlaza/ and the underdeveloped website:  http://www.hooverlibrary.org/purl

Kelly Laney, Springville Road explains her crafting group – Coffee, Conversation, and Crafts started as an off-shoot of "Chick With Sticks" that Ms. Grace started.  She ran it one night a month and had about 6 regular participants.  It was limited to knit and crochet.

I wanted something to be more appealing to a general audience, and was also aware that a lot of my seniors don't feel comfortable going out at night.   I believe we changed it the year I moved down to to Adult, which was 2011.    We began meeting once a week, changed the name, and included all kinds of crafts.   This came about because of research that indicated that older people needed real face time with other people--social media was not cutting it for their mental health.   People NEED people, and between retirement, death of spouse, downsizing, etc, our seniors were beginning to feel more and more boxed in.   If someone was unchurched, and especially if they just sat at home and listened to the crime reports, they had very limited social outlets, or were afraid to leave the house.

We have changed a little and grown a lot.   The main focus is on social time; the crafts are more of an ice breaker.   I do not require anyone to work on a craft, but for those who like to, the library provides materials, instructions, and tools.   A lot of people bring the projects that they are working on at home, just to have something to do while they visit.  We have about 25-30 people who show up most Mondays between 11:00-1:00.   On the last Monday of the month we have a pot-luck meal, and for the last two years they have celebrated a huge Thanksgiving meal on the Monday before Thanksgiving (because so many people don't have an opportunity to have a family meal).   In a real way, CCC has formed a community, and a family.

They have even put together a newsletter.  I'll attach a copy so you can see the kinds of things they include.  This is not really sponsored by the library, but I contribute an editorial and usually a blurb about some library service.  We also make copies for the group--but the girls who put it together make hundreds of copies and distribute them through doctors' offices, restaurants, churches and anywhere else they go.  They are truly an army of people who promote the library and several members of the group volunteer at the library, too.  They teach, work the desk, assemble projects, assist in shelving and paging lists, and do anything else we need done.

We also piggy-backed our Body Changers and Bend & Stretch programs off of this group.   If I had the energy, time, and resources, I could program every single day of the week for this demographic and we'd have a ton of participants.   

The grant opportunity was through the Awesome Foundation.  Unfortunately, we didn't win, but it was an honor to be invited to present and did get us a little more exposure.

Other resources: Several resources can be overwhelming like Pinterest.  The rabbit hole is very deep but can yield wonderful ideas.  Holley from EOM has a group devoted to wine crafts – speaking of that: I have an entire huge storage box of wine corks if anyone needs any!  Just send me a message!  If you think of a craft that would be good for your group but you cannot afford materials, send out a JCLC-wide message – someone may have just what you need, especially if your group is small and you need just a few of something.  We are a cooperative for a reason!  Also, Trussville has had success charging a nominal fee ($5-$20) to cover material costs and patrons still participate.  This may be something to try. 

Virtual Programming:  Hoover has done a few virtual handicraft programs but not a lot.  There wasn’t an indication of any other libraries doing virtual craft sessions but there are plenty of examples on the Facebook group “Quarantined Librarian”.  Again, always use materials that can be found around the house.  I have included some below using coffee filters and yarn.    Terri, from VH, mentioned Darla Williamson of Tangled Stones Studio who does live zentangle/art tutorials using Facebook live every Wednesday at lunchtime. She's a certified instructor and does some programming for VH (https://tangledstones.com/).  Holley mentioned that Birmingham Museum of Art has a YouTube channel with art lessons that might be worth checking out.  Mountain Brook hired Virginia Brasher (our regular craft instructor for the children’s, teen, and adult department) to do video craft tutorials for our website. The live on the adult Virtual Programming page.

On another note, I’ve seen several libraries around the country doing “Maker Mondays” where they throw out a craft (some give instructions, some don’t) and ask people to post pictures of what they come up with using a hashtag the library comes up with.

Facebook Groups to join:

Purl on the Plaza (selfish reasons, join up!) 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/PurlonthePlaza/ and

Quarantined Librarian https://www.facebook.com/groups/711556366048270/

Crafty Librarians https://www.facebook.com/groups/1873215119559417/

Adults & Crafts https://www.facebook.com/adultsandcrafts/

Dollar Tree Crafts & Décor (will be overwhelming, suggest checking this group when looking for ideas) https://www.facebook.com/groups/174933047206448/

Dollar Tree and Dollar General Crafts! (will be overwhelming, suggest checking this group when looking for ideas) https://www.facebook.com/groups/596326410903316/

Oriental Trading – lots of videos (will be overwhelming, suggest checking this group when looking for ideas) https://www.facebook.com/orientaltrading/

Programming Librarian Interest Group (also have a great, searchable website) https://www.facebook.com/groups/ProgrammingLibrarianInterestGroup/?ref=bookmarks

Birmingham ArtCycle – free stuff for artists/crafters, exchanges of stuff are done at the Free Store downtown (however, they have changed locations and aren’t working right now.  They are preparing to open in a new location soon.  Hopefully things will move forward because this is an incredible resource!) https://www.facebook.com/groups/622393984443231/

Websites to check out:

Adult Arts and Crafts at the Library (and 5 Cool Projects to Get You Started)

https://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/adults-arts-and-crafts.html

Adult Craft Programs @ Your Library

https://www.pinterest.com/pinlibraryofmz/adult-craft-programs-your-library/

Program Model: Adult Crafternoons, August 3, 2016

https://programminglibrarian.org/programs/adult-crafternoons

Crafting at the Library, August 9, 2016

http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2016/08/crafting-at-the-library/

The Hipster Librarian's Guide to Teen Craft Projects

http://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/publishing/editions/webextras/coleman09713/coleman09713

Adult Crafts, Oriental Trading Co.

https://bit.ly/2VVVt4R

Living in a Material World: Crafting Programs for Adults, An Infopeople Webinar (WEBINAR IS ARCHIVED)

https://infopeople.org/civicrm/event/info?id=852

Coffee Filter Crafts:

Flower patterns:  https://feltmagnet.com/crafts/coffee-filter-flowers

Coffee Filter garlands (Pintrest)

DIY Coffee Filter backgrounds/hangings http://plushemisphere.ru/blog?plush=cz1hcmlhaGNyYWZ0YmxvZy5mYXNoaW9uZWFsLnJ1JnA9OTQ1ODg3LXRyZW5keS1jcmFmdC1wYXBlci1kaXktY29mZmVlLWZpbHRlcnMtaWRlYXMuaHRtbA==

Lots of good ideas!  https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/11-uses-for-coffee-filters/

Yarn:

Tassels  https://www.pinterest.com/pin/302444931221431009/

DIY Macrame Earrings  https://www.pinterest.com/pin/131308145373903045/

DIY Macrame Feather  https://lindaloves.de/boho-makramee-feder-knuepfen-faerben-mit-naturmaterialien/

Other websites of interest:

Samantha Hamilton’s Instagram (crafted for her wedding)  https://www.instagram.com/sammiltonartsandcrafts

Thursday, January 16, 2020
Topic:  Sierra Decision Center
Speaker:  Elizabeth Swift, JCPLA

Attendees:
Shannon, HV
Terri, VH
Hope, BBG
Judith, HW
Darnita, AV
Sally, Ctr Pt
Joi, VH
Morgan, EOM
Stephanie, HV
Nisha, HV
Melanie, HV
Jaclyn, SS
Tina, TV
Gloria, EOM
Melanie, LE
Jenni, PG
Anthony, EOM
Christine, HV
Michelle, IR

First and foremost, if you are unable to get group training on Decision Center (DC), Elizabeth is more than willing to come to your location for individual or small group training.  This tool, in some cases, takes the place of Create Lists (CL) and in other ways, it supplements the reports you get from CL.  The trick is that there is no way to "break" the system -- it is very easy to use and try and play with.

Login address:  https://dc-jeffa.iii.com/iii/dc-jeffa/
Use the username and password you use to sign into Sierra -- refrain from using a bookmark or quick keys.

Four Components:
The Decision Center Reference provides descriptions of data and configuration tools and reports, including how tool components relate to your library services platform database. Decision Center includes the following categories of tools and reports:

• Evaluation
  The Evaluation module contains descriptive reports about what has happened in your library or library system. Evaluation reports provide specific information regarding various aspects of library operations and analyze operational trends over time. Reports appear in four subcategories:
  • Acquisitions
  • Circulation
  • Collection
  • Encore
• Development
  The Development module contains tools that assist you with budgeting and selection for your library's collections.
• Balancing
  The Balancing module contains tools that make recommendations for expansion, weeding, or item relocation to achieve an optimal balance within specific library collections (system-wide and by location).
• Maintenance
  The Maintenance module contains tools that make recommendations regarding item deselection and catalog clean-up, based on library-determined criteria.

For more detailed information, please refer to Elizabeth's PowerPoint Slideshow.  Also, there is a helpful "HELP" button at the top right that explains most everything clearly, including creating and exporting reports.

Please plan ahead to join us on Thursday, March 19th at the Clay Library beginning at 10 am.  We will be discussing "Strengthening Community Bonds".

Year's end review of GOING BEYOND for our patrons...

November 21, 2019
Topic:  Going Beyond the Expected

Attendees:
Shannon, Hoover
Terri, Vestavia Hills
Deidre, Bessemer
Maura, Trussville
Joan, Avondale
Jeff, Hueytown

NEW:  I'm trying to get you, the reader, more involved in case you miss the meetings.  I've added **comments ** throughout with hopes that you will supplement these meeting minutes with your own experiences and comments!  I know everyone wants to hear your voice!

Bessemer started us off by telling about their "Cut the Cord" programs for adults in January 2020 - meant to help patrons cut the cable and use streaming to get their entertainment.  Good opportunity to have one-on-one digital help for patrons, too.  Deidre also talked about the ongoing success of their Makerspace which has a 3D printer, video and green screen for taping, etc. and Xbox, Nintendo and PS4 for the teenagers.

Shannon brought up that she is acquainted with a Birmingham City policeman, Micah Blair, that has a podcast called BLERD Over which focuses on people of color in the gaming and comics arena.  BLERD=Black Nerd.  Might be an interesting program to reach an untapped audience!  Look up their podcast on Facebook!

Joan from Avondale has brought some innovative programming there.  They had a Game of Thrones party for adults and used eventbrite to promote it.  They are also doing monthly pop-up Trivia nights at ROJO, a local restaurant.  There is lots of community support for this type of programming.  This increases the creativity (using community input) and increases outside funding.  Avondale also holds tech appointments to teach patrons about various technologies and services.  Leslie has had success with her Podcast club - folks listen to a podcast together and discuss it.  Lots are centered around BBC broadcasts.

Here's an idea:  give $5 waived fine gift certificates as prizes!  Here's a great slideshow on Adult Reading Incentive Programs On a shoestring budget:  https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.cla-net.org/resource/resmgr/imported/ReadingIncentivePrograms.pdf

Several of the libraries in attendance have started outreach to neighboring nursing/assisted living facilities.  From doing programs to providing materials for in-house book groups, these are wonderful ways to serve the community.

Jeff has been researching memory care kits through a vendor called "Reading2Connect" (website: reading2connect.org)  From their correspondance with Jeff: 

Here are four examples of how librarians are bringing highly readable books to seniors with dementia.

1. Books to Borrow

Having the books accessible for care partners of elderly seniors (eg, spouses, hired companions, sons/daughters) to use in the library or to take out.  Care partners love having materials that are ability-appropriate and age-appropriate for the older adults in their care.

2. Reading2Connect Time

Providing an in-library space and designated time for care partners and older adults to gather and casually enjoy the books in a kind of "Memory Cafe" fashion.  The books provide appealing, engaging conversational support.  Elderly seniors socialize with their peers, while care partners connect with other care partners in a relaxed, social atmosphere.

3. Reading2Connect Circle

Facilitating a Book Club-like activity for seniors with memory challenges.  Older adults sit in a circle or at a table, each with a copy of the same book.  They take turns reading allowed, commenting, sharing memories, etc, with minimal care partner intervention.

4. Community Outreach to Long-Term Care Sites

Bringing our books to older adults in senior living communities.  The library staff works with the facility's activity staff providing reading and social opportunities for residents.

I was told that in the past Hoover had some type of Memory Care Kits but they rarely circulated.  These might need some targeted marketing to get them wide circulation.  Another source mentioned:  https://meternally.com/

For those on a budget, join the Facebook group:  Birmingham Artcycle  https://www.facebook.com/groups/622393984443231/  It is a trading site for "potential art/craft supplies."  People have some weird but sometimes useful materials that are free to be picked up.  Anything from glass yogurt containers for crafts to donated material, coffee containers, yarn, etc.  Keep an eye out and your next project might be done for free!

We talked about the success of inter-generational programming with volunteer seniors teaching handicrafts while youth and teens teach seniors tech.  Something for everyone!  Avondale has "Teens with Tech."  Charity craft projects are very popular.  **If any libraries out there do similar programs, please post or comment!**  (Here's a great slideshow on the importance of inter-generational programming:  https://www.webjunction.org/content/dam/WebJunction/Documents/webJunction/2018-03/slides-intergenerational-programming.pdf

Hueytown has received $25,000 LSTA grant to update their YA Nonfiction and videogame collection.  They are also doing what they can to enhance their services for the growing Hispanic population in the community by building a small Spanish circulating collection and possibly conversation classes to help enhance English proficiency.  (Not only does downtown BPL have a Spanish collection but so does Pinson and Hoover, and now Hueytown. **Anyone else?**)

Hoover has a small but growing "Rapid Readers" collection which is intended to serve English language learners with short, easy English novels, short stores, etc. that can be more easily tackled.  In Ingram, there is a "high interest category" called Adult High/Low Titles that serve this purpose.

Several libraries are encompassing physical activity on a regular basis.  Vestavia Hills has offered yoga in the past but has started Zumba and Tai Chi - even HOT yoga on their patio in the summer!

Avondale offers low-impact yoga once a week.  **What else are libraries offering in the way of physical activity classes?**

Here's a fabulous idea:  the Trussville Photography Club is planning Holiday Family portraits at the library!  The library bought a couple of festive backgrounds and are offering specific times for families to gather for photos  that are then emailed to the family!  This could be a yearly tradition or held throughout the year.  Trussville uses Google Forms to have family reserve their spot.

Lastly, at Hoover, I put together a list/notes on what we do that is " extra" that you might not have thought of before: 

1. We now offer basic office supplies at our Fiction and Nonfiction patron computer stations including stapler, tape, hole punch, paper clips, even envelopes! (We might as well provide them because we know they are going to ask!!!)
2. We revamped our Large Print collection to all books exhibiting a LARGE PRINT call number - in other words, the actual spine label is printed in 18 point font for ease on the eyes.
3. We now have about nine staff people as official Notaries.  We are still trying to work out a scheduling system, but we are trying to cover all of the times we are officially open so that someone in the building can provide notary services. 
4. Hoover offers several "parenting" focused programs, such as a book group aimed at parents for Children's books.  Katie Jane is also holding, in 2020, outreach in local Hoover businesses for parents and kids called "Katie Jane's Rec Reads".
5. We partnered with a local comic book store to hold a monthly RPG event - Role Playing Games such as Dungeons and Dragons are a growing trend.  Here's an article on the surprising benefits:  https://lifehacker.com/the-surprising-benefits-of-role-playing-games-and-how-1684582789
6. We have installed recycling bins in several stations around the library.  Patrons seem to appreciate them.

What do YOU do that is BEYOND the expected??

Please keep tabs on the upcoming 2020 ASRT meetings!  We'd love to have you join in!

September 19, Leeds Jane Culbreth Library, Adult Program Swap

Adult Services Roundtable, Thursday, September 19, 2019

TOPIC:  Adult Program Swap

Attendees:
Shannon, Hoover
Melanie, Leeds
Ramona, Leeds
Leslie, Avondale
Holley, EOM
Michelle, Irondale
Lynn, BPL Central
Maura, Trussville
Sunni, Gardendale
Deidre, Bessemer

Programming for cognitively impaired or "on the spectrum":

• Trussville, along with many other branches, have a successful sensory storytime.
• Pelham & Homewood are partnering with Kulture City to certify the library - Pelham also offers noise cancelling headphones that can be used in the library or can be checked out.
• Trussville has brought drum circles and worked with Independence Place.
• Other places to consider partnering with:  Exceptional Foundation, Glenwood (at Liberty Park), Kulture City and Independence Place.  Irondale's Studio By The Tracks works with adults needing special attention.

Programminglibrarian.org and Programming Librarian Interest Group (Facebook) are must-sees for those interested in adult programming.  Lots of ideas, tips, slideshows, etc.  Recently they highlighted Dollar Tree crafts for Halloween!  By the way, you can buy from Dollar Tree in BULK online - get a much cheaper rate!  Along those lines, Oriental Trading Company's parent company Fun Express - if you are ordering over $200 (total) you can get a much cheaper rate if you go directly through Fun Express.  Along the same lines, Michelle bought pop sockets (for the back of your cell phone) cheap at $.04/piece from DHGate - adult craft decorating them!

Maura pointed out that if your community is involved with any type of festival or city-wide celebration, you must make your library's presence known.  In Leeds, the John Henry Festival was brought back and the library had games and a booth.  Sometimes there are accompanying grants to go along with these events.  Check with your city's Redevelopment Committee to see if there are any community grants open to you.  Maura also mentioned the Trussville Historical Board did a historical program with the museum that garnered record attendance.  Timing is sometimes the KEY to making community events a success at the library.

Leslie told us about Avondale's Downton Abbey programs, preceding the release of the movie.  They also have a monthly British TV discussion group that is successful.  They also have a monthly adult craft group that is very popular.  Sand art was especially fun - Leslie bought sticky mandalas from Oriental Trading - the mandalas have removable patches that leave the page sticky for your sand.

We started discussing libraries that have alcohol at their programming.  Emmet O'Neal regularly has alcohol with no trouble.  Homewood has a very successful after hours alcohol program and Hoover has begun their own "Top Shelf" after hours program.  Melanie talked about the beginning of "Tales and Ales" which was initially off-site at Rails & Ales on Sunday but has moved to the library during off hours. These programs reach a different audience and seem very popular.  Tales and Ales now has a steady 10-15 in attendance with BYOB after starting with as many as 50+.  Central has functions, fundraisers and the like, that have alcohol such as their "Read Between the Wines".  Some libraries are prohibited from having any type of alcohol on the premises.  If this is something a library wants to consider, it might be beneficial to adopt some kind of policy.

Talking about Crafting:  Hoover has very popular "Glue Gun Gang" which Deni schedules for at least three times a month (same craft, different times/days - daytime, nighttime and weekend).  Leeds has a Harry Potter focused craft group called "Dumbledore's Army".  Other libraries are going strong with crafting groups for adults!  Some libraries are finding it necessary to charge a minimal fee in order to pay for materials.  Standard is to charge $5 per participant.  This also aids in guaranteeing attendance.

Leeds was lucky enough to receive grant money to do several themed nonfiction programs.  One that will happen in 2020 will be called "Current Events Cafe" and will tackle tough topics such as Fake News, Online Security, Mental Health Issues, etc.  Another series called "Let's Get To Work" will be a formal certification process for those wanting to improve their chances at receiving a job -- Resume Writing, Professionalism in the Interview, Mock Interviews, etc. with an end result being having Melanie be a professional reference (requires attendance at all sessions).  The last nonfiction series will be a cookbook group called "Read Them and Eat."  After exploring cookbooks, potluck dishes will be shared within the group.  Let's all wish her luck on these exciting programs!!

Pinson had the archivist at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Jason Kirby, come do a program about the Gardens - very popular.

Many libraries have had success doing Mystery Plays at the library.  Some have scripts that make the patrons a part of the play while others just have the action onstage with players.  Emmet O'Neal last year bought "Murder at the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party" that went along with everyone wearing ugly sweaters.  I have available upon request "The Ravenwood Masquerade Murder" and "A Magical Murder at Toadwart Inn" scripts.  Hoover, in October, will be doing an Oriental Express-type murder mystery called "Last Stop Murder" - there are additional audio files and instructions available, if needed.

Gardendale has had success with their adult storytime called the Social Cafe. People just want some reason to connect and be involved in something.  Each meeting is informal and just social such as trivia, potluck, etc.  Each month, a group donates breakfast to the group.

Michelle at Irondale has made contact with a great GED prep person -- he is a college professor and really does a great prep program, Chris Rice.  He can also do SAT prep.  Michelle also works with the Habitat for Humanity's REstore to obtain materials  They provided the materials for the very popular String Art program.  Also worth noting, Home Depot gives out material grants too.  They are called Community Impact Grants.

Michele also mentioned that her program with Astronaut Larry DeLucas was extremely popular and would make a great speaker for others.  She also had a percussionist Walker Wright - he brings plenty of drums for everyone and has such a positive presence!

Deidre has recommended in the past, but here it fits, Laura N. Hill Communications Editor for the Encyclopedia of Alabama -- they have a wealth of information to share for a program.  Phone 334.844.4008.

Holley talked about a successful program bringing Verna Gates, author,journalist, founder of Fresh Air Family and champion liar, to talk about her newest book 100 Things to do in Birmingham Before You Die.  She is very entertaining and personable and library-friendly!

Here are two purportedly free sites for murder mystery games recommended by Programming Librarian Interest Group:
Murder Mystery Games
Murder Mystery Break Out Rooms

If you are interested in furthering the theme of ALABAMA in your library, try the PBS Film, The Bankheads of Alabama.  "For nearly a century, three generations of the Bankhead family from north Alabama distinguished themselves in American government and culture. They were politicians that rose to prominence in Washington, and personalities that commanded the international stage."  Speaker:  Robert Briscoe, Executive Producer, Center for Public Television and Radio.

If you want to do a craft or have a botanical talk, try contacting Kelly Woods, owner of Grace Gardens.  Holley has used her successfully for programs before.  Holley has done several movie + craft events showing a cult favorite or a movie everyone is familiar with along with a fun craft to be done during the showing.  Fun for everyone!  (You might also consider contacting the folks at Sidewalk Film Festival for program ideas!)

Lastly, Kelly Laney from Springville Road was unable to attend the meeting but it should be said she is doing some fabulous work over there!  She went before the AWESOME Foundation of Birmingham at Carrigan's Public House to present her idea for BRAIN JAM.  

Here, she discusses the premise:  "The program I went to Carrigan's about was Brain Jam.  Basically the deal is that there are two areas of the brain where new neurons can be grown:  the dentate lygus and the hippocampus.  This is contrary to everything I learned in my bio/psych classes for my undergrad, but that was also a looooong time ago.  If older people eat nutritious meals and exercise, those two things together cause the formation of a protein called BDNF--brain derived neurotropic factor.  The BDNF is what causes the neurogenesis.  The problem is that if the brain is not stimulated by learning something really challenging, the new cells just die.  If the brain is stimulated, the new neurons integrate into the brain and actually cause it to grow.  There's a good deal of evidence to support that it delays cognitive decline, including dementia and Alzheimer's. 

I've attached the fact sheet from the Alzheimer's Association that is sobering in the extreme.  We're the 3rd highest state in the US in Alzheimer's diagnosis, and it's increased 187% since 2000.   This new research gives us a way to fight back.  Two of the best things to learn are how to play a musical instrument and how to speak a foreign language.  Brain Jam teaches basic music theory, as well as how to play simple instruments.  While I didn't get the Awesome Foundation grant, I did scrape up enough programming funds to get 8 ukuleles, and I caught a sale on some kazoos and harmonicas.   This month we've started beginning ukulele instruction with someone who actually knows how to play, as well as a musician's jam once a month.   I blatantly steal the information Tami Dalton teaches to repeat and augment Brain Jam info, then we get together and play at the Jam.  This dovetails nicely with the weekly nutrition class (Body Changers) and the twice-a-week Bend and Stretch sessions (based on the National Institute on Aging's Go4Life program).  I'm adding Cane-Fu once a month to teach martial arts, balance, and confidence--again taught by someone who knows what they're doing."

Great work, Kelly!  Thanks for sharing and giving all of us something to think about!  By the way, the group at Springville Road also utilize Mango Languages to enhance the elasticity of the brain.

In doing research for this meeting, I came across some programming ideas through Programming Librarian.

• Rethinking Craft Time
• Creating a Cat Cafe
• Coming to America Stories
• "Crafter Dark"
• Books & Bites
• Halloween for Adults
• Program Speed Dating
• Programming Jamboree!
• Click here for many more ideas!

ASRT Meeting Minutes

Thursday, July 18, 2019 / Health and Well Being

Present:

Terri Leslie, Vestavia Hills

Joi Mahand, Vestavia Hills

Deni Owens, Hoover

Leslie Deason, Avondale

Bridget Turner, Homewood

Deidre Sims, Bessemer

Michelle Hamrick, Irondale

Terri opened the meeting with stats from ALA’s website:

People use public library internet access to research resources to improve their diets, find doctors, research their own or others’ illnesses, locate health care insurance, and track down discount medications; 37 percent of users report having looked for health information, treatment options, care givers, or ways to improve their health; 56 percent of these users also reported seeking out these types of information for relatives, friends, colleagues, and others.

Libraries are becoming more and more like community centers and patrons expect/often suggest exercise classes.

We reviewed input sent in by members who couldn’t make it (Kelly and Maura) as well as the handout of resources provided by Shannon.

Group Discussion

Deidre/Bessemer: They’ve used the Alabama Cooperative Extension (other folks chimed in that they have to, with great success) for a “Successful Aging Initiative” programming series. Also, Tammy Young, RN does a program for them for a charge of $50 but she brings all supplies. We also discussed using the Extension or 4H for programs on food canning and preserving programs.

Several libraries are offering yoga, including Chair Yoga (Irondale). Someone mentioned (sorry, I can’t remember who mentioned this – Michelle?) that Kristen from UAB is a great yoga instructor.

This led into a discussion of working with and being aware of what our individual Rec and Senior Centers are offering – we don’t want to compete with them or duplicate programs. Deni and Michelle have partnered with their respective Rec Centers; Deni publicizes programs at the center and patrons come to the library on a bus to attend. Michelle has offered their library for movies – their Rec Center is bright and light and not conducive to movie watching so they use the Irondale library.

Leslie/Avondale: They offer yoga, coloring, Zentangle and are considering Tai Chi. This led us into a discussion of the value of art, crafting, and music as a source of well-being.

Crafting programs discussed:

Zentangle (it really works; is very peaceful and fun – discussed Darla Williams as a resource as well as is it worth the money to have someone come in and teach), string art (Michelle said her patrons liked the banging, that it was very therapeutic) and Deni said she found a way to do string art quietly using cork squares; Homewood has partnered with the Exceptional Foundation and Bessemer with United Ability to offer programs for special needs adults. Joi suggested the Easter Seal foundation as a possible partner as well. Discussed offering book groups for this group as well.

Deni mentioned that Hoover offers the Neuroscience Café programs which are popular.

Terri and Joi/Vestavia: they have offered Tai Chi with success for a couple of years as well as hot yoga, meditation, Trail Fit, ABCs of Medicare, and Zumba (coming in October).

Leslie asked what print resources everyone offers:

We discussed how Reference in general has declined so rapidly. Vestavia still offers the health series by Omnigraphics (the most requested topics); others noted that patrons frequently ask for information on diets (keto, Hashimoto), Crohn’s Disease, Alzheimer’s, Diabetes and health related cookbooks, and essential oils.

Michelle said they offered a program on the basics of essential oils and partnered with a local business, Retreat Day Spa. They did a good job.

Terri mentioned Noah Lenstra’s blog on programminglibrarian.org which is all about the “Movement” movement in public libraries.  

Also, Vestavia Hills has two stationary bikes in the library that get used quite a bit by patrons of all ages.  They grab patrons' attention (get lots of questions) and they are very popular!

Here are some resources gathered by Shannon for future research:

Page Links:

Health Literacy, Programming, and Consumer Health Information, PLA Initiative, 2019:

http://www.ala.org/pla/initiatives/healthliteracy

Healthy Community Tools

for Public Libraries, PLA, 2019:

https://publiclibrary.health/

13 Resources for Libraries That Are Serious About Promoting Health Literacy, DEMCO, 2018:

https://www.demcosoftware.com/articles/13-resources-for-libraries-that-are-serious-about-promoting-health-literacy/

Health Happens in Libraries, WebJunction, 2019:

https://www.webjunction.org/explore-topics/ehealth.html

Public libraries: A community-level resource to advance population health, Research Paper, 2019: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6329675/

Page Links:

Finding Health and Wellness @ the Library: A Consumer Health Toolkit for Library Staff, California State Library, 2013:

http://www.library.ca.gov/lds/docs/HealthToolkit.pdf

Beyond Books: Public Libraries As Partners For Population Health, Heath Affairs 35, No. 11 (2016): 2030–2036, 2016: 

https://roccitylibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/beyondbooks-article.pdf

BLOG Post: Health and Wellness Programming: Collaborating with Local Businesses, Programming Librarian, 2018:

http://programminglibrarian.org/blog/health-and-wellness-programming-collaborating-local-businesses

Exercise Your Resources: Public libraries partner with academic institutions for health and wellness programming

By Noah Lenstra, American Libraries, 2019:

https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2019/05/01/exercise-your-resources/

From Maura Davies / Trussville

One of our recent health-related programming successes has been a partnership with Birmingham Heart Clinic. The marketing person for their St Vincent's East (Trussville) location has arranged several lunch & learn programs for us. The doctors who have spoken here were very eager to share the latest information, and on a level that was understandable to a layperson. They have other locations in the area.

I have also been in contact with Dr. Robert Sorge of the UAB PAIN Collective (Dept of Psychology) - their website is: https://www.uab.edu/cas/psychology/pain-collective. He and his staff are very eager to share information on their research topics. He came to Trussville in May to do a talk on Medical Marijuana and Diet in pain management, but unfortunately no one came - I later found out that Hewitt-Trussville HS was having their graduation on that same night; not sure if that kept people away, but possibly.

From Kelly Laney / Springville Road

I've found a good resource for ideas, info, and handouts from the National Institute on Aging's website, specifically the Go4Life program. They will send nice booklets on exercises for seniors that increase endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility, and even have free PDF's you can download and print on all sorts of health issues.

Below are resources for those who are considering doing programming with Adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities:

Not a Kid Anymore:

How and Why to Serve Adults with Disabilities in the Adult Department

Development includes ‘Intellectual Disabilities Disorder” or IDD. (preferred over “Special Needs”)

Benefits: literacy increases as does vocational opportunities, conversational skills, education, sense of belonging

The Next Chapter Book Club

·        A national campaign; has guidelines but costs $350/year to participate.

·        Read the book at the meeting using trained facilitators

·        Members make all of the decisions, providing agency to participants

·        Has to be in a public space, out in the open

·        Can partner with community agency

Can use elements to customize a local book club.

General Ideas

·        Youth and Adult Librarians can partner together

·        Create an IDD collection (house in Juv or Adult Dept? Other?)

·        Appropriate developmental engagement

·        Age respectful – talk about book’s theme

·        Visual Schedule is important

·        Can do fiction or nonfiction

·        Use handouts, and/or project book pages on a screen

·        Create kits for IDD; can check out to use at library or take home.

·        Marketing: strictly to adults (“adult program for adults of all abilities”)

·        Plan for a range of abilities. Communicate with their caregivers.

·        Caregivers should be required to attend.