While writing up the minutes from the meeting last week, it seemed ALA and PLA websites were down for maintenance.  I've searched and found a few resources, including ALA and PLA, for possible sourcing for grants/monies for small libraries and further resources for pandemic preparedness.

Here are some useful resources:

COVID-19 Related Funding from the Grants Station

IMLS Announces New Stimulus Funding for Communities Across America

PLA Emergency Preparedness

Virtual Platform Possibilities – Providing Digital Skilling Resources for Patrons

ASRT Meeting Minutes, May 21, 2020, via Zoom

Attendees:
Shannon - Hoover
Stratton - Hoover
Jason - Trussville
Tina - Titusville
Mary Anne - BPL
Martella - Center Point
Teresa - Southside
Paul - Southside
Lynn - BPL
Stephanie - Hoover
Madalyn - Hoover
Samantha - Hoover
Deni - Hoover
Bryce - Hoover
Joan - Avondale
Leslie - Avondale
Jon - Avondale
Heather - Homewood
Terri - Vestavia Hills
W. Darby - East Lake
Alisha - BPL
Holley - Mtn Brook
Jennifer - Five Pts West
Anicha Coach - BPL
Edward - Homewood
Sam - Springville Rd
Deidre - Bessemer
Maura - Trussville
Tara - Vestavia
Jiemin - BPL
Lee- N. Bham

We covered a lot of ground in discussing what is going on at various libraries and how people are coping with the changes from total quarantine to partial openings.  Some libraries have been closed to the public but open to employees (Tarrant as one example) while others have been closed but are now open to the public with restrictions (Bessemer).  

There are a variety of situations but one thing we all have in common is safety for our employees and for the public.  Whether opening curbside or just maintaining a virtual presence, we can all learn from one another.  Not only that, there are a great many online resources, webinars and classes about pandemic preparedness and precautions.

Status of Jefferson County Libraries (updated daily): https://www.jclc.org/Covid19update.aspx

Status of COVID-19 in our country & the     world: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/us/

Jefferson County Response to COVID-19  http://data-jeffco-al.opendata.arcgis.com/pages/covid-19-in-jefferson-county-alabama

Public Libraries Response to COVID-19, PLA webinars, including but not limited to:
  Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: The Current Landscape
  Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Successful Ways to Work Remotely
  Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Managing Stress and Anxiety
  Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Innovative Solutions in Times of Crisis
  Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Strategies for Advancing Digital Equity Now
    Accessible at:  http://www.ala.org/pla/education/onlinelearning/webinars/covid-19

IMLS: Mitigating COVID-19 When Managing Paper-Based, Circulating, and Other Types of Collections: https://www.imls.gov/webinars/mitigating-covid-19-when-managing-paper-based-circulating-and-other-types-collections

Libraries and Coronavirus:  Evolving Information and Resources (Webinars)
https://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/libraries-and-the-coronavirus.html

Possible Granting Opportunities for libraries:
IMLS COVID-19 Updates:  https://www.imls.gov/coronavirus-covid-19-updates
Personal grant opportunities for library workers:
https://www.libraryjournal.com/?detailStory=everylibrary-creates-fund-to-help-library-workers-in-need
Nonprofit Libraries and the CARES Act:
https://www.everylibrary.org/nonprofit_libraries_cares_act

Most libraries are utilizing Zoom.us for establishing Virtual meetings with the public.  Hoover luckily has a business subscription that allows more than one host to set up meetings with no 40 minute limit on the duration of a meeting (40m limit is for the free version).  And no limit as to how many attendees (100 is the limit for the free version).  Also, Zoom allows for chat among the host and every attendee.  Also, there is a "share screen" function that allows others to see things like a speadsheet or webpage.

Other libraries are using StarLeaf, for which JCLC has a subscription.  One limitation mentioned about StarLeaf is there is no chat feature.  The contact for StarLeaf is Ken Billits at BPL.

Because Bessemer has actually been open to the public (with limits) for four days, Deidre gave us an update on how that is going.  Everyone is required to wear masks, public and staff.  They are backed up with a policeman on duty.  And staff take the temperature of everyone entering the building with a handheld thermometer that is placed on the person's forehead.  Besides that, there are no more than 30 people in the building at any given time.  From 9 am to 1 pm, the public can use the building.  The computer lab is restricted to a limited number of users with a one-hour limit per use.  Computers are completely cleaned before and after use.  So far, there has been no push-back and patrons seem thankful for the access.  

In addition, Bessemer is selling masks to the public for $2/piece.  They take cash or credit for them.  After ordering 300 for the staff to use and not liking them, they decided to sell them to the public as needed.  Dee - I hope if I've gotten anything wrong, you will update me on the blog!  Also, can we get a source on where those masks were bought from?  Thanks! 

Speaking of masks:  Libraries are using a variety of types and sources for masks for employees.  Some employees are bringing their own and some libraries are able to provide simple masks.  We contemplated the encounters we might have with those patrons who either refuse or cannot purchase a mask (i.e. the homeless).  We also are wary of those patrons that do not keep their masks clean or change them regularly.  For those libraries without security, it is an anxious return to a new normal that might involve irate patrons and frustrated staff.  Que the meditation webinar...

Birmingham currently has a mask law that covers the libraries within the city limits but there is no knowing when that will expire.  Signs are a must, along with signs about hygeine.  We did speak briefly about grants that could help libraries ease the sting of cuts that either have taken place or will.  I'm curious if there are any grants out there to purchase masks for our patrons?  (I don't know the answer but perhaps someone could take that on and report back to the group?)

There is a FaceBook group that was created for those that are handmaking masks https://www.facebook.com/groups/BhamFaceMasks/learning_content/.  Also a website:  https://www.bhamfacemasks.com/  They are filling orders for healthcare workers but will take on anyone who needs a mask - including a library.  Personally, I know of several of my friends that are swamped with orders for masks and are doing their best to fill the need.  I have used Etsy.com to order cute masks for myself and my husband with a cost of between $8 - $15/mask.  There are dozens of great videos on YouTube on sewing masks and/or no-sew masks.  Here's an article about Birmingham mask makers:  https://wbhm.org/2020/volunteers-step-face-challenges-pandemic/

While we are at home:  discussion ranged from professional development to doing Zoom book groups from home.  There were great suggestions for everyone - including utilizing Universal Class and Learning Express on our websites.  Personally, I've taken Speed Reading, Time Management Tutorial, a Notary Public webinar, Email Etiquette Tutorial, Attitude and Teamwork Tutorial, Boost Your Critical Listening Skills, Communication with Diplomacy and Tact, and Constructive Feedback and Criticism.  They have all been fabulous and will be of use to me.  If you have used anything other than Universal Class and Learning Express, and want to share, please leave a note on the blog or post it to Facebook!

More webinar and/or professional resources found useful by participants:
SEFLIN Empowering Libraries to Transform Communities https://seflin.org/members/suggested-recorded-webinars/

OCLC's WebJunction:  https://www.webjunction.org/home.html

US National Archives has many great short videos (geneology to FOIA): https://www.youtube.com/USNationalArchives

Geneology Resources from Mary Anne:  FamilySearch, which is the Latter Day Saints genealogy website--here's their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/FamilySearch

Florida Library Webinars:  https://floridalibrarywebinars.org/ondemand/
In particular, Deni liked this one:  https://floridalibrarywebinars.org/getting-started-with-live-video-streaming/

Because they could not browse:  That will be the name of my webinar on Readers Advisory!  I mentioned that I've been having fun recording short videos recommending books that are available digitally.  
Examples:  The Red Lotus https://youtu.be/OnGGNMo29oo
My Favorite Fiction  https://youtu.be/2AdeEH-5qlU
I've done more than six with more in the queue to be posted.  I always try to include at least 2-3 read alikes for the book I am discussing so that if they are using Libby/Overdrive, they have options while waiting for their holds.

Mary Anne mentioned Neglected Books--it's kind of "best books you've never heard of" source.  https://neglectedbooks.com/

Also, libraries are recommending sources like Project Gutenburg and FadedPage for people that want books that are in the Public Domain.  The Internet Archive's National Emergency Library is unlimited simultaneous use through the end of June - so take advantage of that resource.  Holley said you can register for a free account and read ebooks.  (Holley "Requires use of Adobe Digital Editions and I haven't discovered a way to read on my phone, just my laptop.")

There's also HathiTrust Digital Library--lots of full-text items in public domain, and even those that aren't are sometimes searchable if you need to find a particular passage.

Book bundles/Free books on site:  For those libraries stymied that they can't hold booksales for the forseeable future, consider putting books outside the front of the library "free to a good home" -style.  Hoover is bundling "mysteries" or "self-help" into bags that patrons can take.  They are put into plastic bags and no staff need handle them after that.  We haven't had problems with patrons browsing but that is something to consider - patrons without gloves or masks going through the books.  

Update on Central/BPL construction:  evidently the stairs are finished but they are waiting on railings to arrive and be installed.  It will be nice when that project is completed!  No word yet on when the courier service will resume.

Book Drops:  Some libraries, like Mountain Brook, are unable to "lock" their book drops so they've been collecting books and quarantining them since the pandemic began.  Some libraries book drops recently opened, such as Hoover.  All libraries seem aware of the need to quarantine materials.  Demco has a handy-dandy guide to quarantining materials here:  https://ideas.demco.com/blog/how-to-quarantine-public-library-materials/   Also, ALA has put out a guide "Handling Library Materials and Collections during a Pandemic"  http://www.ala.org/alcts/preservationweek/resources/pandemic

Summer Reading:  Everyone is going virtual, utilizing Beanstack to track reading.  Each library is creating unique opportunities to engage patrons whether through specific reading challenges (example:  Hoover's Spring Library Bingo http://www.hooverlibrary.org/announcement/spring-library-bingo).  There is a lot to create given the theme for this year "Imagine Your Story".  Hopefully we can share on the ASRT FB page any unique and fun ways to get patrons involved!

An Upside to Quarantine Story:  Because Hoover cannot have live performance, Joel Gamble decided to take a portion of the programming budget to pay performers to do live video performances called "Live from My Living Room".  This helps the performer make some cash while quarantined and the series has become very, very popular.  Joel has said people from many other countries are finding the YouTube videos and are connecting with our library.  They can all be found at the Hoover Library's YouTube station.  For example:  Matt Bryan https://youtu.be/6jlhXBGEFDE ; Will Stewart  https://youtu.be/jNoMXgUDKcY ; 
and Nick Millievoi https://youtu.be/4WXrzsa3ofg

Other libraries might find there are community members willing to perform in this same manner.  Or, if staff members can play an instrument, get them to perform!  I've seen several libraries doing ukelele lessons, podcast discussions, movie discussions, meditation and yoga, coffee klatches, Facebook book groups and more - all virtually!  I know everyone is proud of what we've been able to accomplish during this hard time.  If I did not mention something you would like to share, please put them in the comments or post it on the Facebook group for ASRT.  If you are so inclined, I have found it very fun to create short readers advisory videos for the patrons.  Especially targeting digitally-available resources, I have made several "if you are on hold for this book, here are some alternatives."

Thanks to everyone who attended.  If I did not get your name down as an attendee or if I missed a key point of discussion, please either comment on the blog, email me or post on Facebook.













    

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!