Library Programming

One of the most exciting events that I get to participate in this summer is library programming.  Having never gotten to organize or plan events for an institution before, I wanted to take full advantage of the opportunity.  Each week, the library puts on a themed event, which gets 10-20 of the 100-some campers to attend.  Not bad, considering the evenings are their "time off" and social time after rehearsals and classes.

This summer, one of my fellow interns came up with the idea to have the campers fold 1000 paper cranes.  There is a Japanese tradition that if one folds 1000 cranes, one will get their wish.  Our wish was for a fantastic summer, and we had the initial kick off event during week two.  We are slowly making our way up.  The intern in charge posts the number we have currently hanging over the library (455!) and we keep a basket of origami paper at the reference desk at all times.

Summer of 1000 Paper Cranes

Not only is it a fun way to decorate the library, but this project has really allowed us to connect with patrons.  Teaching them how to fold the cranes during slow moments allows us to get to KNOW the campers.  Have real conversations with them that don't involve call numbers.  Something as simple as folding paper has gained me new staff contacts and happy campers (haha). 

Programming and outreach (one of my favorite library topics) are near and dear to my heart after working in an archive, and it's so exciting to see such a simple idea really WORK for a library.  I'm going to definitely take the ideas and innovations I've learned here and apply it to my future job.