Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Key Takeaways

  • The meeting was an Adult Program Swap session where library staff from multiple branches shared successful and upcoming program ideas.
  • Free programming partnerships (Alzheimer's Association, UAB Neuroscience Brain Chats, BPL Genealogy Programs) were highlighted as high-value, low-cost options.
  • Craft-based programs (junk journaling, book wreaths, yarn pumpkins, collage bookmarks) are proving popular and cost-effective across branches.
  • Mahjong meetups are experiencing explosive demand across multiple library branches, presenting both opportunity and resource challenges.
  • A shared database of craft and program ideas was proposed for the JCLC intranet to help all branches access resources efficiently.
  • The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 12th, via Zoom, on the topic of staff burnout and morale.

Attendees:

Shannon, Hoover
Tisha, Bessemer
Beverly, Gardendale
Brianna, Center Point
Jayla, Inglenook
Ellen, Avondale
Rebecca, Trussville
Rachel, Botanical Gardens
Holly, Trussville
Tara, Vestavia
Ashley, Gardendale
Allison, Pinson
Holley, O'Neal
Katie, Springville Road

Discussed Topics

2. Avondale Branch Program Highlights

Avondale shared several successful passive and active adult programs.

  • Details

    • Described a Pumpkin Fairy House program for adults using Dollar Tree Styrofoam pumpkins, with photos shared on Facebook.
    • Runs a weekly grab-and-go passive program and a monthly activity pack.
    • Also introduced a Tea and Tales program modeled after a Spice Club concept, featuring tea information folders, food pairings, book recommendations, recipes, and bookmarks.

  • Conclusion

    • Passive programs and themed take-home kits are effective, low-barrier engagement tools for adult patrons.

3. Alzheimer's Association Programming Partnership

A long-running partnership with the Alzheimer's Association was presented as a free, expandable resource for other branches.

  • Details

    • Hoover has partnered with the Alzheimer's Association for nearly a decade, offering monthly caregiver-focused presentations.

      • Topics include finances, emotional coping, resources, and periodic research updates with expert speakers.
      • Attendance ranges from 4 to 14 participants, making it feasible for any branch size.
      • Suggested advertising through senior centers, as many attendees are caregivers of partners.

  • Conclusion

    • Other branches, including larger ones like Springville Road, are encouraged to consider quarterly or more frequent Alzheimer's Association programming.

    • Contact information:

      • Jill Thompson, Director of Programs, AR/AL/LA
        501-239-8229, jithompson@alz.org

4. UAB Neuroscience Brain Chats

A free, growing program featuring UAB PhD researchers presenting accessible neuroscience topics was highlighted.

  • Details

    • Brain Chats are held monthly (every third Saturday) at Hoover, covering topics such as Alzheimer's, strokes, and other neurological subjects.
    • Attendance has grown from 8–9 people to 45 at the most recent session, requiring two rooms.
    • Contact is Audrey Coachman; the program is free and the UAB team is interested in expanding to other libraries. Contact information: Audrey Coachman, Program Director, Comprehensive Neuroscience Center, Center for Neuroengineering and Brain-Computer Interfaces, UAB | The University of Alabama at Birmingham, P: 205-975-1066 | E: audrey11@uab.edu

  • Conclusion

    • Brain Chats represent a high-quality, free program with demonstrated audience growth potential and are recommended for other branches to explore.

5. BPL Genealogy Programs

Free genealogy presentations from Birmingham Public Library's Archives and Southern History department were discussed.

  • Details

    • Programs feature Mary Ann Ellis and Mary Beth Newbil from Southern History; attendance has grown from 4–5 to a steady dozen or more.
    • Suggested pairing genealogy presentations with hands-on Ancestry.com demonstrations in the computer lab.
    • Link to their current program offerings.

  • Conclusion

    • Genealogy programs are free, build a loyal returning audience, and can be enhanced with practical database demonstrations.

6. Candle Making Program (Springville Road Branch)

A summer reading candle-making program was shared as a successful hands-on adult activity.

  • Details

    • Katie Vainrib: A candle-making instructor came to the library and provided all equipment, including hot wax setups. Costs for workshop was $150.
    • Katie Vainrib: Participants made candles from scratch and took them home.
    • Contact: Tiphanie Carter, lanaelounge@gmail.com, 205-914-8267

  • Conclusion

    • Candle making is a popular, self-contained program where the presenter supplies all materials, minimizing library investment.

7. Hope Financial / Financial Literacy Programming

A free financial literacy program through Hope Financial was presented.

  • Details

    • Katie Vainrib: Judy Woods of Hope Financial offers free programs covering money scams, saving strategies, and account types, particularly popular with seniors.
    • Contact information:

  • Conclusion

    • Judy Woods of Hope Financial is a free, well-received resource; contact information will be included in the minutes. You can contact Judy Woods, Financial Well-being Coach at Operation HOPE, by calling (205) 478-0557 or emailing judy.woods@operationhope.org.

8. AI Literacy Programming

A basics of AI program and broader discussion about AI programming approaches were shared.

  • Details

    • Katie Vainrib: Hosted a basic ChatGPT program covering practical uses and safety features, including how to disable data-sharing settings.
    • Noted interest in both "how to use AI wisely" and "how to avoid AI" programming angles, framing AI as a new literacy.
    • Katie Vainrib: Expressed openness to hosting a program on removing AI from devices for patrons who prefer to opt out.

  • Conclusion

    • AI programming should address both adoption and avoidance perspectives to serve diverse patron needs. Contact is Leila Lewis of Solid Ground Strategies, leila@sgroundstrat.com

9. Beekeeping / Homesteading Programming

A youth beekeeping program that spilled into the adult department was discussed, along with ideas for a broader homesteading series.

  • Details

    • Katie Vainrib: A beekeeping program was held in the adult department due to broken windows in the youth department; parents attended alongside children.
    • Suggested reaching out to amateur beekeeping associations, local family farms, and the Extension Service for future programming.
    • Proposed a homesteading series concept incorporating beekeeping, gardening (e.g., tomatoes), and Extension Service offerings.
    • One resource: Foxhound Bee Company in Irondale, +1 205 670 1337, hi@foxhoundbeecompany.com
    • JeffCo Extension Service has an ongoing At Home Beekeeping series. Link with contact information might yield a speaker to contact.
    • JeffCo Beekeeper's Assn might yield a speaker too: https://www.jeffcobees.org/about

  • Conclusion

    • Local agricultural organizations and the Extension Service are underutilized free resources for library programming.

10. Homewood Branch DIY Adult Programs

Holly P from Homewood shared low-cost, self-facilitated adult programs.

  • Details

    • Holly P- Homewood: Hosted a Gilmore Girls Galentines event in February featuring the show's first episode (via Swank), a photo booth, cookie decorating, valentine-making stations, and a photo booth with vintage photos.
    • Holly P- Homewood: Ran a "judge a book by its cover" activity where groups read back covers, invented their own plot summaries, and competed to convince others theirs was real — described as highly engaging and community-building.

  • Conclusion

    • DIY programs using streaming licenses and simple craft supplies can be highly successful without external presenters or large budgets.

11. Furoshiki Japanese Gift Wrapping Program

A planned December program on Japanese fabric gift wrapping was discussed.

  • Details

    • Planning to revive a Furoshiki wrapping program by self-teaching via YouTube and sourcing scarves from thrift stores.
    • Suggested creating a handout on the history and sustainability angle of Furoshiki.
    • Katie Vainrib: Suggested a gift wrapping party concept with donated supplies.
    • Holley: Mentioned a previously planned "Wrap and Yap" program that was cancelled and encouraged others to run with the idea.

  • Conclusion

    • Self-taught programming using YouTube is a viable approach; a gift wrapping or Furoshiki event is recommended for December.

12. Jólabókaflóð (Icelandic Book Flood) / Silent Book Club Partnership

A cozy Icelandic book-exchange tradition and a partnership with Silent Book Club were presented.

  • Details

    • Described the Jólabókaflóð tradition (book flood) event featuring couches, a large-screen fireplace video, hot cocoa, cookies, and passive ornament decorating.
    • This year's event on December 5th will be co-hosted with the Hoover Silent Book Club, which has created a Facebook event for the program.
    • Noted that Silent Book Clubs meet throughout Birmingham and could be partnered with at other branches.

  • Conclusion

    • Partnering with existing community groups like Silent Book Club amplifies reach through their established social media followings.

13. Book Page Crafts (Wreaths, Cones, Flowers)

A discussion of crafts made from repurposed book pages was shared.

  • Details

    • Recently hosted a book page cone/wreath program; patrons made their own cones using hot glue and cardboard circles.
    • Raised the idea of investing in rechargeable glue guns to allow more participants to work away from outlets.
    • Working on book page flower designs accessible to all ages.
    • Running a monthly all-ages craft series including collage bookmarks (laminated on-site), yarn pumpkins, ornaments, and magazine/book trees for December.

  • Conclusion

    • Rechargeable glue guns are recommended as a worthwhile investment; book page crafts are versatile, low-cost, and popular across age groups.

14. Sweater Sleeve Pumpkins and Yarn Crafts

A highly successful passive and active yarn pumpkin program was described.

  • Details

    • Holley: Received a large yarn donation and used big plastic needles to make yarn pumpkins; the program was so popular that leftover supplies became a two-week passive program.
    • Referenced sweater sleeve pumpkin tutorials seen on Instagram as another variation.

  • Conclusion

    • Yarn pumpkin programs are easy, inexpensive (especially with donations), and can transition seamlessly into passive programming.

15. Free Puzzle Donation from Ravensburger

A tip about obtaining free puzzles from Ravensburger for puzzle competitions was shared.

  • Details

    • Holley: Shared a link (noted as looking spammy but confirmed legitimate) to request free puzzles from Ravensburger; received 15 copies of the same puzzle. Note: link looks spammy but is legit if not a lengthy process!
    • Holley: Hosting a puzzle competition Thursday with spots remaining for four teams; selected a 750-piece puzzle.
    • Runs puzzle competitions with up to 25 teams; recommends 500-piece puzzles as the sweet spot; previously received a donation of 25 matching puzzles from True South Puzzles.

  • Conclusion

16. Free Wellness and Community Resource Programs

Several free community partner programs were highlighted.

  • Details

    • United Way will present on Medicaid programs and Area Agency on Aging services without a sales agenda.
    • Operation Hope's Jerica Parchman offers free money management workshops and one-on-one financial counseling (also works with Truist). You can contact Jerrica Parchman, Financial Well-Being Coach and Credit Specialist at Operation HOPE, at 404-795-6247 or by email at erica.parchman@operationhope.org.
    • Alabama Humanities Alliance (AHA) mini grants support historical programming; Molly is presenting on Alabama cemeteries in early October, with book giveaways from the Alabama Historical Association.

  • Conclusion

    • United Way, Operation Hope, and AHA are free, community-oriented partners that provide ready-made, well-received programming.

17. Crow Party (Intergenerational Event)

An upcoming creative intergenerational event was described.

  • Details

    • A "Crow Party" is planned for October — attendees dress in black and bring a shiny trinket; described as intergenerational and developed in collaboration with Jenny from downstairs.
    • Plans also include a quilt-making component.

  • Conclusion

    • The Crow Party concept was enthusiastically received; written details will be requested for inclusion in the minutes.

18. Broadway in Birmingham / Sing-Along Partnership

A partnership with Broadway in Birmingham for movie sing-alongs was shared.

  • Details

    • When a Broadway musical comes to BJCC, the library hosts a free sing-along screening in its theater.
    • Broadway in Birmingham has gifted tickets for raffle giveaways; a Hamilton sing-along with ticket giveaways was cited as a successful example.

  • Conclusion

    • Partnering with Broadway in Birmingham for sing-along events is a creative, low-cost way to tie library programming to major cultural events in the city.

19. Junk Journaling and Make & Mingle Programs (Pinson Library)

Allison S. from Abbott Pinson shared two highly successful open-ended craft programs.

  • Details

    • Allison S.: Monthly junk journaling program (essentially modern scrapbooking using craft scraps, lace, stamps, and found materials) draws 12–25 participants; patrons bring their own journals and sometimes their own supplies.
    • Allison S.: Summer reading finale "Make and Mingle" invited patrons to bring any craft project; participants included crocheters, junk journalers, and resin crafters; leftover craft supplies were available for those without projects.
    • Allison S.: Both programs help clear out storage of accumulated craft materials.
    • Noted the value of accepting magazine donations from patrons for vision board programs and collage crafts; old home decorating magazines have been in use for three years.

  • Conclusion

    • Open-ended craft socials are easy to facilitate, require minimal preparation, and effectively use surplus library materials.

20. Anime and Unwind / Korean Culture Programming (Pinson Library)

Allison S. shared two culturally themed adult programs with strong attendance from younger adult demographics.

  • Details

    • Allison S.: Anime and Unwind has run for over two years, drawing 10–20 attendees aged roughly 20–40; features ramen, name-draw episode selection, and casual discussion.
    • Allison S.: A new Korean Culture program is launching in October, informed by a patron survey; planned activities include photo card trading, drama recommendations, dance practice, and potentially Korean language instruction.
    • Confirmed that Tisha at another branch also runs an anime program featuring manga reading, anime viewing, trivia, Japanese snacks, and Shrinky Dinks crafts.

  • Conclusion

    • Anime and Korean culture programming effectively attracts younger adult patrons (20s–40s) who are otherwise difficult to engage; community surveys help shape relevant content.

21. America 250 / DAR Programming (Pinson Library)

Year-long programming tied to the America 250 commemoration was described.

  • Details

    • Allison S.: Partnered with author and docent-in-training Irene Latham for talks on Revolutionary War-era topics; the food and dining habits presentation was particularly popular.
    • Allison S.: Connected with two local DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) chapters who participate in Constitution Week and community outreach.

  • Conclusion

    • DAR chapters are active community partners willing to engage with libraries; reaching out to local chapters is recommended for other branches.

22. McWane Center Paleontology / Citizen Science Program

A citizen science fossil-sorting program from McWane Center was discussed.

  • Details

    • Allison S.: Jun Ebersole from McWane Center presented a citizen science program at Pinson; attendance was lower than hoped.
    • The same program at Hoover drew over 45 participants; the program involves sorting gravel and fossil material to help a graduate student identify Ice Age species from a specific excavation site.
    • Suggested the program would be ideal for homeschool groups.
    • Allison S.: Noted that Jun Ebersole has a sometimes unpredictable schedule but is easy to work with.

  • Conclusion

    • The McWane Center citizen science program is highly engaging for adults and families; promotion strategy significantly impacts attendance.

23. RiffTrax Movie Matinees (Trussville Library)

Rebecca shared a unique movie program using RiffTrax commentary.

  • Details

    • RiffTrax (rifftrax.com) is a service providing comedic commentary tracks for films, similar to Mystery Science Theater 3000; shown every other month.
    • Rebecca emailed RiffTrax for permission to screen without charging admission; they approved and sent free DVDs for the library collection.

  • Conclusion

    • RiffTrax is a free, permission-granted program option; contact information will be included in the minutes.

24. Sign Language 101 and Fantasy Writing Workshop (Trussville Library)

Rebecca shared two additional popular programs via chat.

  • Details

    • Sign Language 101 with Nancy Barbara is very popular at Trussville. Contact info: carmeleyes@gmail.com
    • A Fantasy Writing Workshop with Cassie Schuchart cassieschuchart@gmail.com has also been well received.

25. Mahjong Programming Demand and Logistics

A wide-ranging discussion about the surging demand for Mahjong across multiple branches was held.

  • Details

    • Allison S.: Pinson receives constant patron requests for Mahjong; hosted classes in June and July but found it difficult to find reliable instructors; cost was approximately $400 for a maximum of 10 participants.
    • Hoover has invested in four Mahjong sets (purchased cheaply on Amazon around Christmas); hosts a two weekly daytime groups (16–24 attendees) and a once-monthly evening group; is launching a library-sponsored monthly Mahjong meetup.
    • Holley: O'Neal library hosts weekly Monday meetups (10 a.m.–noon) averaging 50–70 participants; the first Monday of each month includes an introductory tile orientation for new players; the branch has approximately 10–15 sets acquired over time.
    • Noted that sets can be found on Amazon for around $50 and added to the Library of Things; Rebecca at Trussville has five sets purchased by the Friends group, some found for $30 each.
    • Allison S.: Expressed concern about investing in sets if patron interest wanes.
    • Shared that she is self-teaching via the free Mahjong for Friends app and plans to eventually teach patrons herself.

  • Conclusion

    • Mahjong meetup (rather than formal lessons) is the most scalable model; sets can be sourced affordably on Amazon, especially around Christmas; patron demand is consistently high across branches.

26. Proposed Shared Program/Craft Idea Database

A suggestion to create a centralized, searchable database of program and craft ideas on the JCLC intranet was raised.

  • Details

    • Proposed a shared platform where all branches contribute links to program ideas, categorized by cost (free, low-cost, expensive) and type.
    • Allison S.: Expressed support; noted the value for staff who need quick ideas and lack time or budget.
    • Acknowledged the need for ongoing link maintenance as URLs can expire. If anyone is interested in helping develop this, give Shannon H a heads-up!

  • Conclusion

    • The idea was well-received; further discussion needed on implementation platform and maintenance responsibilities.

27. Elysium House Programming (Jason Kirby)

A handout about Elysium House, a paid programming vendor, was referenced.

  • Details

    • Jason Kirby, a former librarian at the Botanical Gardens, now runs Elysium House, offering programs such as house healing, water witching, and cord cutting; has presented at Bessemer and Hoover.
    • Link to handout here.

  • Conclusion

    • Elysium House is a known vendor for unique, experiential adult programs; handout to be shared via email.

28. Fossil Treasures of Alabama Documentary (Brenda Ladun / APT)

An upcoming Alabama Public Television documentary and related library event were announced.

  • Details

    • Brenda Ladun has produced a 25-minute documentary on Alabama's unique fossils, featuring McWane Center paleontologists and amateur fossil hunters, streaming on APT in November.
    • Ladun will present the documentary at Hoover Library's theater and take questions; may be available to visit other area libraries depending on her schedule.

  • Conclusion

29. Next Meeting Announcement

The upcoming meeting date and topic were announced.

  • Details

    • The next meeting is Thursday, November 12th, via Zoom only.
    • Topic is staff burnout and morale, timed to coincide with end-of-year pressures.

  • Conclusion

    • All participants are encouraged to register for the upcoming JCPLA staff day and to attend the November 12th Zoom meeting.

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Wednesday, July 22, 2026

July 21, 2026: Passive Programming

Attendees:

Shannon, Hoover
Lora, VH
Tess, O'Neal
Erin, Homewood
Royce, BPL
Anjie, O'Neal
Tara, VH
Rachel, O'Neal
Mary, Homewood
Ashley, Gardendale
Holley, O'Neal
Rachel,
Merideth,
Ellen, Avondale
Tamara, Irondale
Katie, O'Neal
Rebecca, Trussville
Brianna, Ctr Pt
Shawn, Pinson
K, Springville Rd/BPL
Laura, Springville Rd/BPL

Meeting Details
Date: July 20, 2026
Time: 14:26 – 15:58


Please note: This is my first attempt to use AI summary for this meeting. Any fault in capturing content from the meeting is due to AI, not me! Just kidding. View the link here for the entire Zoom meeting: recording here. There was quite a few chats that included links, so watching the video is the best way to capture everything.


Overview

Hoover Library led a collaborative session on passive programming strategies for libraries, bringing together staff from across Jefferson County to share successful program ideas and practical implementation tips. The meeting featured both in-person and Zoom participants exchanging creative, low-maintenance programming options that engage patrons with minimal staff supervision.

 

Next steps

Hoover

Key Takeaways

  • Passive programming provides valuable patron engagement with minimal staff time investment
  • Successful programs combine creativity with practical resource management
  • County-wide collaboration strengthens programming quality through shared ideas and resources
  • Regular refreshing of program and staff involvement/investment are essential for passive program sustainability
  • Both simple (coloring pages) and complex (monthly themed kits) approaches can be effective

Upcoming Events

  • Adult Program Swap Meeting: September 20, 2026 – Bring program ideas to share - Meeting will be at the Bessemer Library 400 19th Street North, Bessemer, AL 35020 and via Zoom (link sent closer to time)
  • JCPLA Staff Day: Friday, October 01, 2026 at Homewood Library

Summary

Passive Programming Ideas Shared

Quick Engagement Activities

Take-and-Make Programs

  • Craft Kits: Pre-packaged materials for projects like dinosaur gliders, origami bookmarks, and friendship bracelets

    • Tara from Vestavia Hills shared various take-and-make examples she created
  • Adult Activity Kits: Avondale Library's monthly themed activity packs
  • Weaving Activities: Anjie demonstrated weaving projects using plastic fencing material
  • Pixel Painting Kits: Color-by-number style art projects

Themed Monthly Programs

  • Tea and Tails Program (Avondale): Monthly kits featuring tea pairings, book recommendations, and related activities, along with book recommendations!

    • Ellen described this comprehensive program combining beverages, reading, and hands-on elements
  • Spice of the Month Club (Center Point): Educational program introducing different spices with recipes and information
  • Key: Start small to see who might be interested. These might also work for your bookmobile and outreach activities if you attend senior centers or facilities. 

Community Exchange Programs

  • Plant Propagation Station: Patron-led exchanges of plants and gardening knowledge
  • Puzzle Swap: Passive display with little maintenance or staff time needed
  • Seed Exchange: There is a lot of information out there about starting one, plus grants you can use to start your own! 

Other Fabulous Random Things to Consider

  • Mosaic paintings (one brand is StickTogether now owned by Demco) 
  • Guesstimation stations
  • Guess the quotes/titles/first line/famous quote/famous song lyric/etc.
  • Music listening station or traveling exhibits count too!
  • Passive scavenger hunts are great
  • Interactive Polls (change the theme every month? give out cheap free prizes?)
  • Take & Make or Grab & Go, whatever you call them, people LOVE them! 

Implementation Resources and Tips

Design and Planning Tools

  • Canva: Primary tool for creating professional-looking materials and signage
  • Pinterest: Source for craft ideas and program inspiration
  • Programming Librarian Interest Group (Facebook): Professional community for sharing ideas
  • OneDrive Resource Repository: Shared county-wide resource collection maintained by Hoover
    • This includes webinar links, articles, downloadable patterns for take-and-makes, plus bookmarks for websites that make your work easy. 

Practical Considerations

  • Staff Involvement: Hoover emphasized the importance of staff engagement in maintaining and refreshing passive programs
  • Budget Management: Libraries discussed working within limited budgets by using existing materials and donations
  • Space Allocation: Creating dedicated areas (like puzzle tables) helps establish program consistency
  • Time Efficiency: Passive programming addresses time constraints by requiring minimal staff supervision once set up
  • Quality Control: Regular monitoring ensures programs remain attractive and functional. Watch out for bad actors wanting to spoil everyone's good time! (Don't let them get you down!)

Material Sourcing

  • Local craft rooms and supply closets
  • Community donations
  • Budget-friendly bulk purchases
  • Repurposed library materials (e.g., weeded books for puzzles)
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Tuesday, March 24, 2026

ASRT Meeting: Community Engagement

Zoom meeting, March 18, 2026 

Attendees:
Shannon, Hoover
Leslie, Avondale
Jeremy, Powderly
Lora, Vestavia Hills
Tisha, Bessemer
Holly, Homewood
Alison, Pinson 

Next Meeting: Monday, May 18, Disability Awareness (via Zoom) 

To view the entire zoom session, go to this link. 

What's Below:

  • Outreach options
  • Book talks & Podcast talks
  • Sharing stories over quilts
  • Partner with Parks & Rec or Police 
  • Addiction Prevention, Volunteer Lawyers, and more
  • Grocery Bus at Bessemer
  • Virtual yoga at Bessemer
  • Invite Volunteer Lawyers
  • Passive programming is in!
  • Crafting Kindness at Hoover 
  • What can you add???

At a glance, Hoover has a relatively new community services department that includes our bookmobile, and two staff members that visit facilities in our community. Pam Bainter has a book club at our senior center and does book talks at living facilities. These book talks are on a topic and she creates full fledged talks that go "on the road" and give suggested reading plus lots of information on various topics. She develops probably a dozen new talks a year, then tours them to over ten facilities. Everyone seems to enjoy them. We also have another team member, Traci Wood, that specializes in memory care and less active seniors - she also develops book talks but does crafts and games with her folks too. Our bookmobile takes reservations for pop ups but also tours facilities for those that want to visit. These are direct ways we reach out into the community but not our only ways. Whether passive or active, we are always seeking new opportunities to get the library joy out there.

Leslie at Avondale visits Fairhaven in Avondale and does talks, crafts, etc. and this year added working at First Light Women's Shelter too. She also does acrylic painting and a book group. She's looking into developing adult storytelling. At First Light, she started a podcast group - something uplifting and positive. Next they are trying a video podcasting session. Self help stuff goes over well with this crowd. Leslie also brought up the idea of having seniors bring in something important, a nostalgic item, and discuss their history with it. Something to engage and create storytelling. Treasures and heirlooms can be used to share stories and get to know each other. Actually, they wouldn't even really need a physical item! This led to a discussion about an outreach program Hoover did at the Riley Community Center - everyone brought handmade quilts and everyone told stories about them. It was very moving and emotional.

Holly at Homewood talked about the impact going out into the community! As a result of going out into the community, the group she spoke with has now started coming into the library together looking for her and their "library lady" - you just never know who you impact! 

Mahjong! Learn to play and learn to teach!! You will have the crowd show up. And, no, it's more than just matching tiles! I don't think it's going anywhere for a long while.

Reach out to your Parks and Rec department for program partnering. At HPL, we are doing two birding sessions with experts out at a park and also a rain barrel workshop with giveaway rain barrels. Our youth department already does an outdoor storytelling event every few months, plus a story walk at Aldridge Gardens.

Addiction Prevention (Randy Hall, Program Coordinator, randy@apcbham.org) can help talk to the community about using Narcan and possibly arrange to have kits delivered to your library. Perhaps looking into providing gun locks too - I did read about this out in the community.

Tisha at Bessemer does a lot of crafting at senior facilities - arts are so vital for engaging older patrons. She also works with Mercy Ministries to bring their food bus to the library to provide low cost, fresh food to the community. They bring a mobile grocery bus and prepare food boxes for folks - also accepting EBT in the community. Bessemer also works with the Foundry so their folks can be aware of what's happening within the library. Tisha has also started an oral history project that is going well. The overarching theme is the City of Bessemer, Tisha will pick a topic and spread the word, then community members will come in to record stories. They get a copy of their recordings too. I want to know more!! Eventually, all the stories will be uploaded to the cloud for everyone to listen to. There was lots of talk about the ongoing closure of Bessemer and Tisha's attempts to engage the community while closed. Hueytown hosts their book group and they have started virtual yoga - partnering with the YMCA. Bessemer also partnered with Regions Bank to come into the library and do programs on real estate and more. Perhaps that will start once the library starts back up! Tisha also brought up the fact that the Master Gardener's program at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens are required to secure volunteer hours for their certificate. It's possible they could do things for your library: programs, yes?? They are coming to Bessemer to do a seed buffet for the seed library and other small gardening projects with kids. Great idea!

We talked a bit about partnering with the police department for various things. Ours has a youth ambassador program where they are doing service projects here at the library. Your library could also invite Volunteer Lawyers to come do an Ask an Attorney program at your library. It's free and very helpful for the community.

Holly talked about Homewood's passive programming that engages community members - right now there is a book bracket vying for attention - it's down to To Kill a Mockingbird vs. Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy! Ask a weird question: what's your favorite condiment? Turkey or Ham for Thanksgiving? Things that take people a few seconds to engage. A lot of adults will also sit at my library and finish a puzzle while waiting for their AARP appointments for taxes!

Spice of the Month (Homewood, Center Point and Southside) or Tea of the Month (Avondale) are also ways of connecting. Also, when planning craft programs and you are left with unused supplies, bundle them up into giveaway take and makes for those that couldn't attend or just to give out at the desk. Sometimes that extra craft kit will make someone's day.

Chatted some about HPL's Crafting Kindness monthly program where we schedule five hours on a Monday each month devoted to volunteering. It has developed into something quite big now (upwards of 44 volunteers over the course (in and out) of five hours. I've gotten where I have at least four or five ongoing projects so that people don't get bored and I cover a variety of abilities. I always provide newspapers for rolling (humane society) and writing note cards (short blessings) for Bundles of Hope Diaper Bank along with having kids draw on and design craft bags that will be filled with items (sometimes hygiene kits or snack bags for the homeless). I work with nonprofits to come up with active things we can assemble, create or collect on site. It does take a lot of time and organizing and not all nonprofits have stuff we can do off site at our library. However, if you get creative you can sometimes hit on something fantastic. One of my favorites was making pony bead fidget toys for the Hoover Police to give out to anxious kids. I'll let you know when I'm totally sick of it!

Next Meeting: Monday, May 18, Disability Awareness (via Zoom) 


 

 

 

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