Library on the Go: School year 2017/2018

I'm continuing to work on defining this pop-up library/bookmobile program. I've sent some of the easy readers over to schools a few times, but that part of the program has never really taken off. What I've ended up doing is separating remote circulation, or pop-up libraries, from Library on the Go by whether or not adults are in attendance. If adults are there, I bring actual library materials that require cards to check out. If adults are not present, as in the case of classes, then it's a good venue for Library on the Go. I don't bring crafts to the classroom venues.

I've visited a couple classrooms, kindergarten through 2nd grade, and found that these work best when I line the kids up to pick their book, tell them to put it in their cubby or backpack, and make sure each gets a bookmark with the "rules" and schedule. In the spring I set up regular, twice-monthly when I can manage it, visits to OPtions, our local charter/homeschool co-op which is associated with the school district. Ideally, I'd go there on Tuesdays when they're busiest, but that simply doesn't work with my schedule so I've been going on Thursdays. So far the kids have been pretty faithful about returning the books to the library or to me when I come back. I expect some will end up in the school "library" though, and I'm ok with that.

I'm taking Library on the Go to one outreach venue that I would normally take remote circulation to in May. It's going to be a county-wide festival for health and wellness and I'm emphasizing our active programs and circulating kits as well as having a "healthy mind" by reading. I want to promote where Library on the Go will be during the summer, so I hope to have it planned out and on the bookmark instead of just "TBD" notes!