How Are Libraries Staying Connected This Fall?
Now that the scorching summer sun has disappeared for another year, the fall season is well underway. With the weather taking a turn and the leaves turning brown it’s time to reach for the pumpkin spiced and cinnamon.
However, the fall months can be cold, dark, and lonely for many members of our communities. For people living alone or those in challenging circumstances, the fall can present a series of obstacles to overcome.
At D-Tech US, we’ve pooled all our resources and found some ways our Public Libraries are staying connected during the colder season. From fall festivals to StoryWalks, our libraries are offering support and comfort to communities all over the country.
1. Community Projects in Memphis
The public library network in Memphis, Tennessee has partnered with its local Youth Council, Central Youth Council (CYC), to encourage its patrons and younger members of the community to get involved in the town projects. Aimed at teens and college students, the CYC hosts a weekly meeting that offers the opportunity to meet members of the Council and discover how they can get involved with community projects over the fall season, including an annual Hallowe’en ‘Fright Night’ project.
2. Festival Fun in the Fall
Whitehaven Public Library, also in Memphis, is hosting its annual ‘Fall Festival’ as part of its ‘Fall Fun at the Library’ program. Every year the festival attracts families and people of all ages and encourages attendees to celebrate the season by taking part in pumpkin carving, arts & crafts and baking. As a celebration of the season, the festival brings regular patrons and service users together with members of the community and residents.
3. StoryWalk
Ahead of StoryWalk Week (November 7th-11th), the public library network in Delaware is partnering with The Local Interagency Coordinating Council to bring the community a fall-themed StoryWalk. Aimed at families with infants and young children, libraries across the state are encouraging children to dress up in their Halloween best, ready to participate in fun activities and interactive giveaways. Introduced as a government initiative, StoryWalk promotes a healthy balance between reading, literacy, health, exercise and movement in communities.
4. Spooky Southwest Suburbs
To fully embrace the spooky fall season, New Lenox Library in Will County, Illinois is hosting a variety of Halloween and Mystery themed events for patrons of all ages over the fall months. Including an evening of supernatural history with local historian Mary Beth Gannon, a Live Action Murder Mystery Game, and a talk on the fascinations of True Crime with Dr. Amanda Vicary.
5. Meet an Author
North Central Washington (NCW) Libraries has been advertising its Virtual Reads’ program this fall, encouraging people to ‘Join Us in one of our fall virtual author talks’ which feature a series of inspiring talks from award-winning authors including essayist Diane Wilson. Libraries in Mattawa, Quincy, and Wenatchee will also be hosting in-person readings from author Rodrigo Ruiz as part of the (not-so) Virtual Talks this fall.
Library networks all over the country are offering patrons and service users events, support, and the opportunity to lessen isolation and loneliness this fall. During challenging times our libraries remain at the center of our communities, providing crucial support and social interaction to patrons of all ages.
Join the conversation over on LinkedIn, we’d love to hear views
As innovators of library technology for over 20 years, D-Tech International is always operating at the cutting-edge to develop the next generation of enhancements – speak to one of our experienced and friendly team to find out how new technologies could transform your patron experience.
