Adult Services Roundtable, July 21

Topic: Bringing in Older Teens, Young Adults, and Young Families

Attendees:

Kelly, Homewood

Brooke, BPL

Tywanna, E. Ensley

Joi, Homewood

Laura, SR

Weston, BPL

Fontaine, Books-By-Mail

Maura, Trussville

Holly, VH

Tamara, IR

Cara, CP

Tara Gearhart

Shannon, HV

 

Two of the most compelling reasons this demographic doesn't come to the library is lack of interest (no interesting programming maybe?) and competition from other things (hectic life of a young adult!) For this and many other reasons, our libraries need to carve out time, money and resources to young adults, whether they are older teens transitioning to adulthood, college students, or young families.  Homewood Library, historically, has had a wonderful Teens Department - with its very active Teen Advisory Board and many ongoing activities. JOI, their teen (the oldest which falls into our group) librarian, spoke to why they have such success: 

• Treat them with respect
• Service projects needed for school or elsewhere
• Anime Club, Graphic Novel Club
• Food programs like Boba Tea Making,etc.
• Skills in marketing to young adults (NOT Facebook!)

The point is to condition them to love the library and they will follow with attendance as new adults.  WESTON also echoed this and emphasized that Bards & Brews is successful because it is conducted for the most part outside the library environment. Any effort to reach the demographic where they are in the community is appreciated. That could be in a local bookstore, coffee shop, community center or bar. He also talked about "gamifying" events, like earning points or earning badges to qualify for prizes - these things are common to this age group and might be a good way to move events along. Bards & Brews was coordinated with Pride Month, as were many events to hit another demographic.

We talked briefly about libraries also having a "Junior Board" in order to plan and focus activities for 19-29 age group - getting them to plan events for their own age group may have more success. And Junior Boards look great on anyone's resume! It's all about building relationships!

MAURA talked about the unmitigated success of their Bob's Burger Trivia Night - another pop culture phenomenon. They've also had Birmingham Sushi come to do a program to great success. Our discussion drifted to getting people to show up for costly programs. Most all libraries, if having registration for a program, conduct due diligence by sending emails or calling those registered. There are still no-shows however. I like the idea of including, "if you don't confirm, we will cancel," especially if there is a lengthy wait list. We all agreed that ideally a small registration fee does encourage attendance but it also keeps so many people from being able to attend - so it's not recommended. (Several people admitted that they have a list of those that no-show often in order to keep those people in check.)

TAMARA mentioned good attendance to adult Dungeons & Dragons, Role Playing Games and Magic the Gathering events. At Hoover, we have someone from in the community run the RPG's and it has kind of a cult following. This doesn't have to cost anything but can also be done by someone who is more qualified than library staff.

 

We talked a little about the best times to schedule these kinds of programs.  For the younger ages, we agreed anytime after 3:30 pm is great, but with working adults, ideally 6 pm is a good time.

FONTAINE and others hit us with some great ideas for programming for this particular demographic -

• Buying a home or financing for a home
• What to do to become a homeowner
• Home decorating trends (Home Depot?)
• Wedding planning (finances & trends)
• Date Night! or try speed dating...
• "Flipping for a profit" - includes houses, furniture, anything!
• How to have a successful Side Hustle without an MLM
• Adulting 101
• Basics of Good Nutrition (any kind of cooking instruction is also good)
• Organizing photos
• Taking care of your car
• Renters: what you should know (insurance, leasing in B'ham, etc.)
• Bike Repair 101 (Redemptive Cycles will help!)
• UAB scholarships, dorm living, application process
• Knife skills
•  Mixology, anything with alcohol!
• Trick or Trunt events for young families
• Young Professionals events or mixers for networking

Bring these ideas and more to our next ASRT meeting - it is our annual ADULT PROGRAM SWAP!!!!  September 15th at 10 am via Zoom. Bring your ideas and an open mind!

 

 

 

For anyone not able to attend, here is a copy of the video. We started the video after we had already begun the meeting so I hope not much was missed!

 

 

  

Outreach: From Storytimes to Library Pop-ups

5/19/22

Attendees:

Pamela, North Birmingham
Shannon, Hoover
Noelle G
Laura, Homewood
Deidre, Bessemer
Olivia, Avondale
Bridget, Homewood
Terri, Vestavia Hills
Cara, Center Point
Weston, Five Pts West
Ellen, Avondale
Jacqueline W.
Erika, Powderly
Cristina C.
Fontaine, BPL Books By Mail
Maura, Trussville
Nicole, Tarrant

Reminders: Bessemer received a grant for a series on Women's Right to Vote. Please check out their website in order to join the remaining books. Let's Talk About It: Women's Suffrage.

Anyone going to ALLA in Montgomery? I will be doing a program on planning and executing a successful nonprofit volunteer fair on Monday, August 1st at 4 pm - come on by!

Several libraries, including Hoover, are gearing up for Adult Summer Reading. Bessemer has invited Jim Phillips (Trussville has had him talk too.) If you'd like to know more, he is "old-school" and only has a home phone (205-919-2925) he's known for doing "Antebellum Ghost Stories" and the like.

Video of our meeting:

https://jclcorg.sharepoint.com/:v:/s/FictionDepartment/ETnRsOdClvxBhO_dmAw3WKUBNLgenRYd--T2f4relwWX6g?e=nAOMIv

If you haven't the time to view the video, here are the highlights:

• Covid restrictions have made it difficult to make good on some of our promises for outreach. However, content is still being created and shared with senior centers, retirement facilities and the like. Pam Bainter from Hoover creates at least 5 "Books to You" programs a month to share with about 9 facilities - they range from "Fair World: A look at World's Fairs" and "It's All a Game: The History of Board Games." A lot of research and preparation go into these programs and whether they are done in person or sent to activity coordinators for showing - they are very popular.
• During the pandemic, Pam also started up 5 little free libraries within facilities with sheltered residents. These are composed of large print discards and are extremely popular. She is now adding between 10-15 books a month. She also prepared packets for her facilities that had magazine articles, puzzles and other items they might enjoy.
• In addition, Pam leads a wonderfully active book group at our senior center that has been going on for 14 years! These are now back to meeting in public, but Zoom became popular for a time.
• Fontaine is very eager to come to your library and your senior groups to talk about the Books-by-Mail program at BPL. At the very least, make sure your library has the updated forms for patrons in case the need arises to recommend someone for books by mail. This service is amazing and invaluable! Thank you Fontaine!
• Weston also mentioned that they contract with Elizabeth Vandercamp for doing literacy programs with their senior groups. She is doing a tour with the BPL Bookmobile - getting out into the neighborhoods. Her email is summerred63@yahoo.com.
• Maura mentioned that Susan Matlock now holds an outreach/special project coordinator position with Trussville. This is a dedicated person that can plan and execute outreach and special events. Congrats Susan!
• We discussed a variety of outreach "swag" - pens, selfie sticks, chip clips, magnets, can coozies, etc. Trussville has fun with a spin wheel where the patrons spins for a prize on the wheel - fun! Got any more ideas? Share them!!
  
• If you'd like to just view the slides from Shannon's Outreach presentation, here is the link: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFBAJFuudw/E_Jm4_SZSmEL1iWKxZ3pPg/view?utm_content=DAFBAJFuudw&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&fbclid=IwAR2DFEJ6l59kOQybljAMKb5WIxwhoWeTLoXlSg_VQQgCi-wtdh-UTXego9A
  

 

 

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