Ask a Librarian: How to engage a community with limited volunteer hours?

cover image from linked document saying "Principles of Community Engagement, second edition"

From the email box: One of my book followers is doing something very brave for her, volunteering at her branch library. It’s a little branch with a lady running it, who is something out of the 1950’s  —  and not in a good way. It’s quiet. It’s serious. And it’s falling apart without any new visitors at all. So, this lady is asking her new one-day-a-week volunteer to “do something” to get new people to come into the library.

I’ve been giving my friend lots of ideas, based on what I see at my own very vibrant branch library – including mothers’ clubs, reading hours and clubs, tech training, etc. But I wonder if you are aware of some source of inspiration to help library workers that are very low on the ladder, yet eager to invite new energy to a branch? Maybe you have a clever list of the easiest and most successful types of library programs? What seeds can they plant and how often should they be watered?

I think that is a good idea. First off: Five Minute Librarian is made for your friend

http://www.5minlib.com/ Continue reading “Ask a Librarian: How to engage a community with limited volunteer hours?”

Link roundup, things you might like

the Cita Dennis Hubbell Library in NOLA

The Cita Dennis Hubbell library is one of three public libraries to have reopened in the city of New Orleans since Katrina. A team of volunteers have set up a website for the library’s specific community, posting news and local information in an easy to use format. For a library system that has had to lay off 90% of their staff, this is no small accomplishment. [mefi projects]