We don't have a whole lot of special programs scheduled at the library for the next couple of months, so would like suggestions from you. Yes, we have our regular StoryTimes, Knitting Circle, Book Discussion, computer classes and Writers' Corner, and on June 19 John Root will be here to inform us about edible wild plants, but we'd like to do more.
What would you like to see offered?
A forum for discussing books and movies, library resources and programs, and anything else pertaining to the library. What do you like? How would you like YOUR library to grow and improve?
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12 comments:
What would be wonderful is if you would get Robert Campanile to do some talks. The man is brilliant and a NYC native. He's captivating and just delightful to work with. I'm sure he would draw crowds.
Robert Campanile (413) 664-9316
He's worked extensively at the Museum of Natural History in NYC and has done talks for the North Adams Historical Society, too.
Thanks for asking for our input.
Is that you, Robert? :-)
Every now and then, a book leaves an indelible mark on us and the need arises to discuss the concepts assimilated with like-minded people. While these people undoubtedly exist, it isn't always easy to come together. I view libraries as future community centers where people connect. Rather than reading circles where books are selected in advance, I envision books that are tagged by readers, so meetings may be formed after the fact. Is this too radical?
Hmmm -- an interesting idea. I totally agree that libraries can become community centers where people connect - actually and/or virtually - with each other and with resources for relaxation and information.
I'm a blog novice: When you say readers could "tag" books, how does that work?
Sorry, "anonymous" is out of town, so I've been otherwise entertained. Anyhow, my suggestion was conceptual, without much thought to how it might be executed.
Not knowing the flow and frequency with which books are borrowed, I'm at a disadvantage. To test the process, a bookshelf with "staff favorites" - using various genres - could be created. When the book is returned, a simple: "would you like to meet up with others who have read this book, given the opportunity?" might provide feedback as to the viability of such an endeavor.
Again, I like the concept. There is one glitch: We do not keep a record of who has read what book. Therefore, it would be hard to call together a group of folk who happened to read the same book.
Periodically we do put up a collection of "Staff Picks" to promote some of our favorite books. I don't think we've done one in awhile -- I will suggest it to the appropriate person.
Maybe this blog could be a vehicle for bringing people who wish to discuss a certain book together. For example, a person who wants to discuss a particular book could email me and I would post a topic asking for others who would like to discuss that book. If we get critical mass (like 3 or more people?), we could schedule a face to face discussion. What do you think?
kc
Another library where I used to live had a shelf near the door of books that hadn't been checked out in a while. Sometimes there were weird little unusual things there that were really fun reading. It was kind of a fun idea.
Great idea! I'll pass it along to our circ staff.
kc
Going back to the idea of books attracting discussion groups ... my thought is that anyone can "nominate" a book by placing it on a "special shelf" and completing a slip on the back. If a second person expresses interest within a period of 30/60 days, it progresses to a different shelf and so forth until the "critical mass" you suggested is established.
I don't know the traffic you get on this blog, nor what percentage of your patrons would miss out, if it were to be restricted to the internet.
Have you received any feedback (positive and/or negative) from others, which might suggest whether this is a worthwhile pursuit?
elm
elm,
I'd like to discuss this more with you. Email me at naplibrary at verizon.net or send me your email address, and we'll see if we can find a way to make this work!
kc
As requested, sent you an e-mail from zenitram. Since the address is a bit odd, thought I'd give you a heads up.
elm
That wasn't Robert, just a long time fan. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. But then again, I'm sure you've been to his talks for the North Adams Historical Society so you already know how great he is. :)
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