Adult Services Roundtable, 1/20/22
Topic:  Book Clubs, Old & New

Attendees:

Pam, Hoover

Shannon, Hoover
Sam, Springville Road
Holley, O’Neal
Leslie, Avondale
Tisha, Leeds
Daniel, Vestavia
Nicole, Tarrant
Sue, Hueytown
Terri, Vestavia
Cara, Center Point
Zach, North Birmingham
William, BPL
Michele, Irondale
Lea, Hoover
Melanie, Hoover
Reba, Titusville 

Deidre, Bessemer

Meeting Video:

 https://jclcorg-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/shannon_haddock_hooverlibrary_org/ES6ARBNqxGZLk2qp8PQuRHMBNbmAAePHNpF6EcvA3N27ew?e=RTUxe8

Links to remember:

APLS, Book Club Sets - https://apls.libguides.com/bookclub/sets

Hoover Library Book Club Kits - https://www.hooverlibrary.org/book-club-kits

Irondale’s Book Club listings via Vega Showcases: https://jeffa.na.iiivega.com/library-list/showcase/5e65cc91-0e2a-40b9-9ae5-8c13ec705cef

From Elizabeth Swift, Meeting Recording with discussion of setting up Vega curated showcases –

Vega Showcases-20210519_102756-Meeting Recording.mp4

(As per Elizabeth, she will be conducting Vega showcase training Feb. 1 at 11 am. An email will come out soon describing this training opportunity, along with sign up.)

Meeting Owl information (device used for in-person + virtual book clubs (used at Hoover): https://tinyurl.com/hx3nd432

PolyCom, Videoconferencing information (used at O’Neal): https://tinyurl.com/9a2uucxv

GoodReads page for Hoover’s new BYOBook Club, focus on diverse books: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/1176351-byobook-club-east-59-lee-branch

Hoover Library’s Book Discussion Group links https://www.hooverlibrary.org/goodbooks#book-discussion

Meeting Minutes:

Book club moderating does not really take any special skills except enthusiasm. Finding book recommendations for book groups is easy online, but can also come from the members of the book club. Many libraries are limited by how many copies are available at any given time in the catalog. Some libraries take advantage of book kits (through Hoover or APLS).

Michelle, Irondale – One adult book club (11 years old) with about 6 members.  Throughout the year, suggestions are taken and lists are kept of great books. They keep notepads with lists for staff and patrons to add titles. They also purchase one extra electronic copy that is available to Irondale patrons of each book club selection.  Details before voting include page numbers and reviews so patrons can decide. They vote in person once a year. They choose mostly fiction but some nonfiction. Michelle also created a Vega Showcase (mentioned above) to show titles – get permission from Elizabeth Swift (she will be posting classes to teach this skill very soon.) Even when patrons suggest titles, each needs to be vetted with professional reviews and appropriateness.

**Avoid falling into diatribes of politics, religion or controversial issues (don’t avoid these “hot topic” books but skill needs to be taken to keep the group discussion from devolving.)

Michelle also mentioned several podcasts that have helped her in discussing books.  The Experiment and Zora's Daughters. The audio on Zora's daughters is sometimes low. But I really get a lot out of their discussions.

Pam, Hoover – Pam run a Book Talk group for HPL and traditional book group at our Senior Center, an outreach effort. Pam is the moderator and they vote every six months.  The Senior Center group discusses both fiction & nonfiction. Each voting time, she selects about twelve titles.  There is great interest in all types of books – they don’t want any special treatment as seniors.  She does try to include one classic because there is interest. She utilizes email and USPS to get out the voting information.  During in-person voting, Pam brings the physical books so they can see them.

Shannon, Hoover – virtual vs in-person vs hybrid – Hoover is trying to do both when possible.  Some libraries are doing virtual but slowly moving back to in-person. There was a discussion of technology for creating a hybrid discussion. My selections are gleaned from online resources like GoodReads. There is a link to APLS “Book set” that can be borrowed for use in libraries above.

Interactive pages:  Lea, Hoover, NovelTea book group has a Facebook group that is very popular.

Deidre, Bessemer – Utilizes book kits from Hoover, along with scouring the catalog for titles that are of interest.  She also takes suggestions from their members.  Great to have all formats too for different people’s needs.  Bessemer utilizes conference call and it seems to work great for her members.

Bessemer's upcoming program (recommended book talk or speaker for your library)

Notice about an upcoming program at Bessemer:  I Woke Up with My Mind on Freedom by Janice Kelsey.  Program on her foot soldier experience available on Ingram.  She would be a great speaker for anyone needing a Black History speaker. She was a part of the Children’s Crusade.  This will be a Zoom program.

Holley, O’Neal – Total of four book groups that select traditionally.  20^th Century Classics is a book group that Greg leads – selections are librarian-chosen and can be found in the catalog. They also have a short story group – they choose a collection of stories and examine a selection each time (one collection can last for 2 years!) There is also a “genre” reading group that has evolved – each person brings in any type of media/format as long as it fits the topic including movies, podcasts, news article, no limits.

Also, Holley makes available a simple bookmark that is designed for those that haven’t discussed books before or need help throughout the reading to keep their thoughts together.  Email her at hwesley@oneallibrary.org if you’d like a copy.

Cara, Ct Pt – new library, new book group – all virtual for now but includes 2 out of state members. There is no physical place to have the book group in the library, and they close at 6 pm.  Book group for now is done from Cara’s home virtually at night.   Flexibility is key in this situation!

Terri, Vestavia – Three book groups overall.  Terri leads a more traditional group that votes 2 or 3 times a year.  Holly at VH also does one outside the library as outreach. She has had a people who have expressed a need for “happy” books or wondering why all the books are so complicated and sad – which led to a great discussion of what makes a good “discussable” book. VH uses social media and Vestavia Voice to promote. Changing to virtual led them to change the day of the week and time.  Some members can be a challenge to

Sue, Hueytown – Traditional book club using a lot of book kits but also they try to have local authors who have published their own books. Join by Skype, Zoom or in-person. She also lets some of her patrons go off on tangents because it can lead to fun, uplifting discussions – keep it fun!!!

From Sue via email:

We have had the Reverend Dr Judith Campbell three times on session per year in online sessions.  She's from Plymouth, Massachusetts.  She has two series of mystery books: The Olympia Brown "Mission" Mysteries and the Viridiene Green Mysteries.  She's a friend of a friend and self-publishes her books.  The club absolutely loves her! She's very personable and fun. We have book kits for Judith Campbell's three books (they're catalogued) which we'll gladly loan out and I do think she's willing to Zoom with book groups. On Friday we are having Dr Andrew Duxbury in person who is a gerontologist at UAB Highlands and the VA.  We will be discussing his book The Accidental Plague Diaries (also self-published).

How are people who are moving back to in-person approaching the subject of vaccinations and/or wearing of masks?  Michelle, Irondale uses several HEPA air purifiers in the room.  Irondale asks patrons to wear masks but don’t require it. Many responses came up that most librarians request but can’t require mask wearing.

Melanie, Hoover – Beginning a new remote location diversity book group at our East 59 Café location. It will start in March 2022 afterhours – hopefully including those that work during the day. It’s called BYOBook Club – it will be more of a “book talk” group with open discussion of a variety of diverse topics. Utilizing QR codes on their marketing to link people to the group. The first theme is “women around the world”.

Below is a bookmark made at Hoover to help patrons keep notes on a book. Feel free to share!

Advice on starting a new book club:

https://www.epl.ca/blogs/post/how-to-start-a-book-club/

https://bookriot.com/how-to-start-a-book-club/

https://bookish.netgalley.com/book-club/01/2020/how-to-start-a-book-club/

https://bookclubs.com/blog/how-to-start-a-book-club

https://www.npr.org/2020/01/10/795288689/how-to-start-a-book-club-that-actually-meets

http://www.ilovelibraries.org/booklovers/bookclub/structure-meeting

November 17, 2021

Topic:  Social Work in Public Libraries

Speaker:  Leah Esguerra, Social Worker, San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, San Francisco Public Library 

Next Meeting:  January 20, 2022 Topic: Book Clubs, Old & New (Virtual)

Attendees:

Nicole, Tarrant
Shannon, Hoover
Theresa, Hoover
Anicha, BPL
Michelle, Irondale
Brooke, Central BPL
Rachel, Five Points West
Pam, Hoover
Leslie, Avondale
Kristie, Hoover
Reba, Titusville
Sue, Hueytown
Lynn, West End
Pam, Southside
Josh, Central BPL
Melanie, Hoover
Maura, Trussville
Tamiko, Inglenook
TNixon, Inglenook
Tisha, Homewood
Bridget, Homewood
Sam, Springville Road
Elizabeth, Inglenook
Terri, Vestavia Hills

Our discussion began with Leah explaining her work at the San Francisco Public Library.  It is a very unique position and the group of social workers and aides are unmatched by any other library in the world.  San Francisco itself is extremely impacted by homelessness, which led to the hiring of Leah.  For more, please view the video of our discussion.  Although a lot of what Leah talked about cannot be replicated here, there are strategies that she recommends and resources that we can find locally to help our own patrons. (Personally, I felt a good deal of what she said validated some of the practices that we have here at Hoover but was impressed and quite a bit jealous of the support Leah receives from her surrounding community.)

Below, I have copied the follow-up email from Leah listing resources, continuing education opportunities and recommendations.  Below that, I have compiled local resources that we discussed in the meeting that may aid us in helping our patrons. 

View the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c85F-dJwXRQ

Recommendations and resources from Leah Esguerra, LMFT, San Francisco Public Library

 (Local Resources discussed in meeting are at the end)

First and foremost, I/Leah encourage you to continue to have the conversation with your library system even though they will be difficult conversations. As I had mentioned SFPL had these conversations with the Department of Public Health, and with the Mayor's office for 6 years based on what I have been told before I came onboard.

Please include voices, as well, that matter such as people experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance use challenges. Reach out to mental health clinics and local organizations for them to provide the library with guidance through consultations and trainings. Partner up with other organizations who serve the patrons you see at your library, as well as advocacy groups. 

And please vet trainers as well. As a former co-chair for PLA Social Work Task Force, my co-chairs and I, as well as members of the task force, had been consulted on many occasions about what our thoughts were regarding several trainers who present as experts on homelessness and libraries, and other issues that are associated with being unhoused.

Good questions to ask -- "Are they respectful when they talk about at-risk individuals?" The language of respect should be 100 percent, otherwise it will be patronizing or tokenizing. Do they use People First Language? Do they ridicule, make fun of or make blanket statements regarding unhoused people?  Do they “OTHER” unhoused patrons instead of fostering a sense of shared humanity and community of belongingness? Do they offer a blanket solution/easy fix? (As a social worker, there are none of these. The best approach is person-centered and trauma-informed.)

Here is some additional information as well. I am sorry that I cannot come up with more, as most of the resources I have are based in San Francisco and California. A great way to start is to create a database of free community resources (free places to eat, shelters, primary care clinics, legal, veteran, free clothing, etc) that you can provide to patrons who are needing these services.

 

1. This is a great movie about mental health challenges. I have shown this to the staff then facilitated a discussion.

 

KVIE Presents | A New State of Mind - Ending the Stigma of Mental Illness | PBS

KVIE Presents | A New State of Mind - Ending the Stigma of Mental Illness | PBS A New State of Mind exams the story of everyday people through their struggles, recovery, and resilience in the face of mental health challenges. www.pbs.org

 

2. Mental Health Association of San Francisco -- They are leaders in providing trainings on mental health as well. 

Home - Mental Health Association San Francisco (mentalhealthsf.org)

3. DOPE Project (National Harm Reduction Coalition) -- They have provided San Francisco with training on Narcan, which saved dozens of lives as we encounter overdoses at SFPL. It is a volunteer training for library staff who find the trainings very useful.

DOPE Project | National Harm Reduction Coalition

Media coverages which highlight SFPL's Social Service Program and its successes (if you have not seen these yet):

https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/more-libraries-hiring-social-workers-to-address-homelessness-employment-challenges-62023749614

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/library-social-worker-helps-homeless-seeking-quiet-refuge

Local Resources to utilize:

1.     Alabama Department of Human Resources, Children & Family Services Policies.  https://dhr.alabama.gov/family-services/children-and-family-services-policy/

2.     Family Voices of Alabama, Resources.  https://familyvoicesal.org/resources/?category=&text=&action=List

3.     Alabama Public Health Guide to Services (pdf)
https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/publications/assets/guidetoservices.pdf

4.     Whole Person Librarianship: The Hub for Library/Social Work Collaboration.
https://wholepersonlibrarianship.com/

5.     Webjunction past webinar available:
Whole Person Librarianship: Fostering Empathy in Challenging Times
https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/whole-person-librarianship.html

6.     Rekindling from Burnout: Lessons and Strategies for Public Library Workers, An Infopeople Webinar (Webinar is archived)
https://infopeople.org/civicrm/event/info?id=1009&reset=1

 

 

 

Annual Adult Programming Swap, ASRT, 9/16/21

Adult Services Roundtable 

September 16, 2021 

Topic:  Adult Programming Swap

Attendees: 

Shannon, Hoover
Reba, Titusville
Leslie, Avondale
Charlie, North Birmingham
Linda, Titusville
Noella, Titusville
Fontaine, Central BPL, 5 Pts W
Bridget, Homewood
Erika, Powderley
Alisha Johnson
Deidre, Bessemer
Lynn Hutchins
Nicole, Tarrant
S. Lewis
Romellia Pattillo
Ellen, Avondale
Terri, Vestavia Hills
Holly, Vestavia Hills
Saundra, Pratt City
Sequoria, Smithfield
Michelle, Irondale
Laura, Springville Road
Tywanna, North Birmingham
Monica, 5 Pts W
Cara, Center Point
Karen, 5 Pts W
Karen Moody
Maura, Trussville
Pam Gordon
Tisha, Homewood 

In an effort to keep everything together for future reference, the top tab labeled "Adult Programming IDEAS Spreadsheet" is where all new adult programming recommendations will be entered.  Because this spreadsheet has survived years, we all need to review and update any information we can so that it remains a useful document. It dates back to 2011 and has helpful information and ideas for programs.  Please take some time to enter new ideas with as much information as possible. Feel free to edit/add/delete as you deem necessary. IF you edit anything, change the row to Yellow so that we will know it has been updated!

Programming ideas discussed in the meeting:

S. Lewis: Suggests a Local Artists Expo to go along with Local Author Expo and Bards & Brews

Deidre: Alabama Cooperative Extension Services offers a variety of virtual and in person programs. Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, they provide the speaker and flyers for advertising.

Maura:  Jeff Co Master Gardeners Speakers bureau: https://jeffcomg.org/community-service/speakers-bureau/index.html.  Most organizations that have a "Speakers Bureau" don't charge for their speakers - speakers have to get a good number of volunteer hours, so we can take advantage of that.  Passive programs: Use Kahoot! to create passive programs like basic library trivia. AND Huntsville Library local music project https://blast.hmcpl.org/  Check it out for possible music acts to invite to your library.

Tips on developing an online following for programming:  Don't forget you can do an email blast through Elizabeth Swift, downtown.  Cara: We try to share our events to the "What's Happening In Center Point" Facebook page.  Have gotten a few followers that way.  Check for community-specific FB groups to join and post.  Shannon: Also, look for topic-specific FB groups to post through (for example, I'm having Jun Ebersole from McWane Science Center talk about paleontology, so I joined 2 groups on FB (SE Paleontology & Alabama Paleontology) so I can spread the word!

Use QR codes to direct people to a specific website. Laura: Have a QR code direct them to a cloud storage folder to store handouts.  Shannon:  For Take-N-Makes, I usually include a QR code that directs patrons to a specific how-to video. Here is a useful QR code generator site.  Leslie: Speaking of Take-N-Makes, Avondale has done several that are simply print-ables from the internet.  Leslie uses Cannon Creative Park.  Holiday items, stuff for the entire family.  Fun things for adults to sit still with and create are very popular right now.  AND Avondale is doing Take-N-Bakes, putting dry ingredients together so patrons can make something yummy. Don't forget to list allergy warnings for ingredients.  Bake-in-the-mug projects are great!

Michelle:  Don't forget our wonderful friends at Tigers for Tomorrow for a possible virtual program or have staff come to your library. They do have speakers that will come for a donation to the organization (like $50)

Fontaine & Monica: Their Senior/Active Living group has activities that change every Wednesday. They find a variety of activities each week. Movie, exercise, speakers, etc different every week. Holiday table settings was very, very popular.

Shannon: Task your active seniors with the question: If you were given 30 minutes to speak on ANY topic, what would it be?  And let them have the floor!  It might be a life-changing trip to South Africa or how to make a perfect meringue for a pie.  It would be fund to go around the room and share. You never know what skills or experiences your seniors have had!

Holly & Cara: They've had a lot of success with passive programs/activities such as guessing jars or small contests to hold within the library, i.e. guess the number of... or library trivia, etc. Holly also does "Holly's Highlights" weekly videos to focus on what's going on.  Olympic smack-down using books. Vestavia Hills also does "walking" programs that occur right on their library's walking path.  Might be a good way to discuss book "on the go"! Or just lead a walking group that takes pictures around the library.

Leslie:  Avondale had success with the posting of their little fairy library - a miniature of the library posted to social media which drew a lot of viewers. They also did "fairy doors" that they bought through Oriental Trading, patrons painted them however they wanted. Also, it doesn't cost much to plan and run a Quilling program. Here's a basic tutorial of quilling shapes. This technique might also be used to make paper beads for fun jewelry!

Lynn: Don't forget the 25th anniversary of Blues Clues!  Blues Clues trivia, dress up party, etc. Adults from early 20's up grew up on Blues Clues so it might be a fun retro way to bring in that demographic...

Karen:  Programming for 20's & 30's:  Hoover reaches out to geeks/"fandoms", trivia night, game nights, board games, after-hour programs with the possibility of beer or cocktails (depending on library policies), Geek Market, Sneaker fashion show, Family Feud game would be great!

Other random program ideas:

• Adult storytime
  
• Fair Trade, what is it?  how can it help?
• House Plant exchange
• History of Birmingham railroads
• Travel programs "virtual" tours
  
• Bob Ross painting workshop
• Murder Mystery scripts (I have a few to share) for patron participation
• Driving Tips for Over 55 (Extension Service?)
• Learn to play Mahjong, Bridge, Hearts, etc.
• Home Beer Brewing
• History of the SEC championship
• Community-centric charities/nonprofit - highlight them!!
• Bad Art Night
• Your own version of "Chopped"
• 100 crafts using swimming pool noodles!
• Adulting 101 (for young adults)
• Cookie Exchange 
• Don't forget to check ProgrammingLibrarian.org often!

Next Meeting:  Social Work in the Library.  Bring your concerns, ideas and war stories.
November 18th at 10 am VIRTUAL