Going Green

I've just learned of a new, 'green' blog managed by Kathryn at St. Andrews Branch. It's a wonderful resource and reminds us of ALL the ways the library is called to action. Once again, I am inspired by all the ways our staff and patrons strive to better our community.

http://howgreenismylibrary.blogspot.com/

"Good Times at the Library"

This weekend, CBS Evening News ran a segment on public library usage in a slow economy. The segment had more than 6.4 million viewers and an estimated publicity value of more than $290,000.

Good Times at the Library
In the face of rising gas and food prices, many financially strapped American families are turning to the library this summer for a fun and free alternative to heavy spending. Bill Whitaker reports.

http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=4335685n?source=search_video

Back to Basics

In their Spring 2008 edition, The Urban Library Journal includes an article by Lisa Forrest called " The Eye of the Brainstorm: Transforming the Library through Creative Idea-Building." Though much of what she says is common sense, it is still a great reminder of how to approach innovative library planning. Too often we stay stuck in the confines of tradition. Forrest reminds those in librarianship to think outside of the box--to instill our philosophies and planning with the creativity that drew many of us to this profession in the first place. What a refreshing and liberating idea. I look forward to using her brainstorming model at our next Outreach Team Meeting.

Outreach Team Is Hard At Work

The Outreach Team had our second meeting today, and I am constantly thrilled and inspired by this group of devoted co-workers. We have an organized action plan that will allow us to focus on planning and implementing outreach projects in a sustainable and proactive manner.

We welcome any ideas, comments, and concerns from others in the library system and the community.

Who's There?

Staff members of the Otranto Regional Branch library canvassed the community leaving behind door knob "Check Us Out" fliers to houses announcing their services. Now that's some grassroots outreach! Great idea.

Game Night

Before the Internet and Nintendo Wii, families gathered around the kitchen table to play Monopoly, Scrabble and Yahtzee. Those board games may be fond memories for a some, but Charleston native John Ellerbe has spent a lifetime collecting antique and rare games and puzzles - many of which will be on display in April. To pay homage to the exhibit and bring back some old memories for patrons, (or create new memories for those younger patrons!) the Main Library hosts Tuesday Board Game Night during April.

Welcome!

'Outreach Outloud' will serve as a log of (some of) the outreach activities the Charleston County Public Library is involved in. Because we are located on a small peninsula, we are a microcosm of the broad diversity that exists throughout our county. It is my belief that through Library Outreach, communities are instilled with a greater sense of cohesion and connection. When communities are strong, their members are strong. I think public libraries have a great responsibility and opportunity to support all of its citizens, and the Charleston County Public Library--by creating its new Outreach Team--will be poised to take on this ambitious endeavor. By posting some of my own outreach stories, I hope to chronicle the exciting process that is before us--hopefully giving myself more objectivity about these programs, and also to give other staff and community members ideas for how they might be able to reach out to those around them. Please check back to find stories, pictures, feedback and musings about this exciting project.