'we have our library up and running pretty well right now. Our goal is to open it to the public. Since October is Church Library Month, I was wondering what other church librarians are planning.
I thought an open house or something. Our congregation is on board with this, but I don't know what works and how we should expend our energy.
Any suggestions. SOON would be appreciated!
Thanks so much!
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Good to know about church Library month for the future I am not quite open yet I have 3 shelves left to sort and what feels like a 100 or more piles to organize and shelve. So I am making progress.
We are planning a 'Trunk of Treats' in our parking lot on the 31st. The library 'Trunk' will be handing out childrens books with a note attached to Mom and Dad, thanking them for bringing their children by. The note also says the children can bring the book back when finished reading and exchange it for a new book. Hopefully this will bring Mom and Dad back also!
I knew about the church library month, but we have our annual open house in November when the weather is milder (Tucson) and we don't have to worry so much about food spoilage. . It's advertised in the e-newsletter and on the church Facebook page. We spruce everything up, but really don't decorate for it, except for some Fall items outside on tables (tablecloths, napkings, etc.). Volunteers bring food items for a buffet we set up outside our door, things easily handled with tongs, or in bags (popcorn), to avoid any kind of contamination. We have 3 separate tables set up: one for the food, one that has our current newsletter, and a variety of free items (bookmarks, pamphlets, pencils/pens, small books, magnets, small toys, etc.) and one that has a drink dispenser on it with cups. We are not limited by space; our campus sprawls and our door is off of a covered space, ideal for our open house as well as our monthly book sales. We almost always sign up 2 or 3 new families.
Thank You, Ann!
I've been drawing a blank. Talked with our public librarians and they suggested we have a children's art show. Getting in contact with people about that now!
Loved the idea of a magnetic calendar.
Also, I'll take those other suggestions: book reading, etc. I'm a one-woman show at this point, but you have some great ideas for down the road.
We have been without a pastor for about a year now, but I'm hopeful we'll have one soon. Talked with one of the candidates today, as a matter of fact. He is very supportive of the Church Library Ministry and was very encouraging. (He's got MY vote, you can be sure)
Thanks for all your encouragement... sometimes I feel like a tiny little dingy in the middle of a vast ocean...
Well I must confess I have not heard of Church Library Month. I like the promotion. An open house sounds like a great idea. How would you advertise this to the public?
HI Paul,
Don't remember where I found it on line, but it was a few years ago. I'm thinking an open house, but I don't have any ideas of what to offer.
I plan on advertising in our local newspaper plus in our local "poop sheet", The Roundup. We're a small town (Under 1,000 people) and I suspect more folks read the Roundup than the local paper.
Linda
A small town gives you a great advantage in promotion. You can reach most everybody in your local newspaper and The Roundup.
For the open house in addition to refreshments I would display the most recent and popular titles and be ready with library card applications for everyone. Maybe host a showing of a popular Christian movie such as "A Case for Christ" and then have copies for people to check out and share with others.