General Ideas (Virtual)
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Synchronous Online Book Clubs – (Host via Facebook Live or web-conference software)
- short stories
- free online books
- podcasts
- magazine articles (that patrons can access using the Gale resources)
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Asynchronous Online Book Clubs
- Discussion leader posts a question that people respond to online via Facebook posts, blog comments, etc.
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Online Art Gallery
- Patrons submit photos of their creative projects
- Library creates an online art gallery for the community
- Virtual Reference / Call Center
- Online Dungeons & Dragons
- Post craft instructions, crafting videos, or crafting ideas
- Online Craft Hang-out – Patrons knit, crochet, quilt, etc. while socializing online
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Online Trivia Nights
- Kahoot Trivia Games that you create and host live - https://kahoot.com/
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Record DIY programs from your kitchen
- Ex: Greener cleaners, natural deodorant, cooking, flower arranging, etc.
- Recruit local businesses or community members to create DIY videos for the library
- Ask local organizations to co-host a webinar/online event on important community topics
- New & Expectant Parent support group online
- Curate a list of official TED talks or Moth videos on different themes
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Celebrate Poetry Month Online
- Organize an online poetry reading, open mic, or poetry slam
- Watch a movie, lecture, or video featuring a poet
- Post about your state poet laureate
- Subscribe to the Poem-a-Day podcast
- Sign-up for Poem-a-Day and read a poem each morning
Non-Virtual Ideas
- Host a "Stay at Home and Read-a-thon" (consider making it a fundraiser, too!)
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Weekly phone call check-ins for volunteers, frequent patrons, and other patrons who don't have internet access
- Set up a free Google phone number to protect the privacy of library workers
- Update them on the library
- Ask what resources they might need
- Maintain a connection with the library
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Mail resources to patrons
- Craft ideas (with things they can find around the house)
- Adult Coloring Sheets
- Word Puzzles
- Postcard Campaign
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Other Phone-Based Ideas:
- Record a poem on the library’s voicemail that people can call to hear
- Phone reference service
- Dial in bookclub
- Read micro stories/flash fiction over the phone
- Phone tech support
- Library programming on the local radio station
- Library Parade: Staff and volunteers drive through neighborhoods with signs on their cars to cheer up residents
Links to Free Online Culture/Entertainment
- Berlin Philharmonic Digital Concert Hall
- Kennedy Center Digital Stage
- Ken Burns’ Baseball
- National Museum of Natural History
- Vienna State Opera Broadcasts
- Virtual Museum Resources
(Updated: 4/26/21)