[Publib] Is it outreach?

[Lise Chlebanowski]

This is an interesting question. We are in the process of becoming a 501(c)3 in order to better raise monies for the library, parks, etc. In concordance with that, we are developing a "Wish Book" that citizens could page through and pick how they would like to donate money and a "mobile storytime" for birthdays and other parties would be a great addition to our book. I can't really see any drawbacks! Hey, before you know it, librarians will be doing storytimes at bachelor parties! 

Lisë Chlebanowski
Library Manager
Avondale Public Library
(623) 478-3105
lchlebanowski at avondale.org
"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read." 
Groucho Marx

 

-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Linda Dydo
Sent: Friday, January 06, 2006 3:20 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] Is it outreach?

I just received a request for library workers to do a storytime at a birthday party.

I love library work.  Over 30 years in the field, and something I have never encountered comes up.
And I love the idea that a parent thinks of storytelling on a par with magicians and puppet shows and bounce houses.

My initial reaction was a firm no, but then I thought about it.  Then I thought about it again, and I can find many reasons why NOT, and many reasons why YES.

NO - it's a private home.  Insurance issues.  we have never done it before

YES - it is outreach, so what if it is a private home.  We go to someone's house to collect personal histories for our history project, so is this any different?  If insurance covers one kind of visit, does it not cover all?

NO - would everybody want us (What a problem)
YES -  we handle all requests for outreach on an ability to schedule basis

Then the patron offered to pay the staff.  This I could get a handle around as outside work, and would be ok as long as we meet our local jurisdictions outside work rules.

I would love to hear the collective wisdom on this issue.



Linda Hardy Dydo
Assistant Library Director
Los Gatos Public Library
110 E. Main Street
Los Gatos, California     95030
408-354-6897



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