Numbers alone are not good enough for libraries anymore. Now, we need to justify everything with context and show measurable outcomes of what we do. It's not always easy, but it's necessary in order for libraries to remain funded. These outcomes and context are the kinds of things that I look at when creating projects in the library and around the community. You can read more about one here (before & after), if you haven't already.
Last week, we experimented. We hosted a program that has never been done at the library before. It was called, "Read to Me: The Hobbit." In celebration of the movie being released, we organized an afternoon full of hobbits, elves, dwarves, wolves, etc.. Every 20 minutes or so, different staff members would read part of The Hobbit for all to hear.
Unfortunately, I was unable to see the beginning. However, I did watch the last couple of hours, and I happened to notice a girl sitting against the wall intent on the story. Her mother made the comment that she doesn't read, and so she was shocked to see her actually spend time listening to the story. Making a small impact like this shows that the library is reaching people, that's all the evidence I need.
It gets better, though. Today, this girl and her mother returned. They are regulars at the library, but this time was different. This time, the girl had a book, The Hobbit to be precise. She checked it out because she needed to know how the story ended! Making a deal with her dad to both read the story, she was excited for the book. Then she gave our teen librarian a hug which shows how much she impacts her teens. Actually, all of this was her doing. I just sat back and watched it happen. Librarians--changing lives.
Last week, we experimented. We hosted a program that has never been done at the library before. It was called, "Read to Me: The Hobbit." In celebration of the movie being released, we organized an afternoon full of hobbits, elves, dwarves, wolves, etc.. Every 20 minutes or so, different staff members would read part of The Hobbit for all to hear.
Unfortunately, I was unable to see the beginning. However, I did watch the last couple of hours, and I happened to notice a girl sitting against the wall intent on the story. Her mother made the comment that she doesn't read, and so she was shocked to see her actually spend time listening to the story. Making a small impact like this shows that the library is reaching people, that's all the evidence I need.
It gets better, though. Today, this girl and her mother returned. They are regulars at the library, but this time was different. This time, the girl had a book, The Hobbit to be precise. She checked it out because she needed to know how the story ended! Making a deal with her dad to both read the story, she was excited for the book. Then she gave our teen librarian a hug which shows how much she impacts her teens. Actually, all of this was her doing. I just sat back and watched it happen. Librarians--changing lives.
