Category: Communications

Social RX

The library has joined the organization SocialRx, formerly known as Art Pharmacy, to help medical providers connect patients with programs and events at a variety of institutions, including libraries.  We won’t know who is participating when they come into the library; this is all anonymous.  I’ve attached a reference sheet along with the information document that Amy shared with Town Department Heads.

All that staff need to know is that this organization does the following: 

WHAT IS SOCIALRX?

SocialRx (formerly Art Pharmacy) is a national social prescribing platform that connects healthcare providers with community organizations such as libraries, arts centers, and cultural institutions to support patients facing mental health challenges, social isolation, and loneliness.

The concept is called a “social prescription”: instead of (or alongside) clinical treatment, a doctor or care team refers a patient to community-based activities and programs. Research shows that participation in arts and culture programming can support mental health and reduce isolation.

Per Desiree: Non-pharmaceutical “prescriptions” are gaining attention, for example, the author of The Connection Cure was recently interviewed in the Friends Speaker Series

If patrons are interested in this service, they need to speak with their medical providers. 

Public Desk Talking and Politics

Hello all, there is a Town Election happening on April 7th. Here is the yearly reminder about what the public and staff can do regarding political campaigns.

Staff can answer factual questions about the candidates, but, per the Town of Reading personnel policy, should not engage in any political activity during working hours or on town property. Also, while on a service desk, keep discussions quick and quiet. Please read the full policy regarding town personnel political activity below, and the library policy on free speech and expressive conduct, specifically about candidates gathering signatures.

Social Media Posts-Logo

Hi all, The Town Social Media and Website working group met today and has requested that for any image/static social media posts we include the library logo. Also, if we want to something shared to the Town of Reading social media account, send Katie or Joshua the image and blurb and they will share directly to that account.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Staff Contacts on RPL website

Thanks to additional feedback on our website, we have updated and improved the Contact Us page to provide more detailed information.

We added an Administration section that lists me and Michelle (Director and Assistant Director) together with the rdgadmin@noblenet.email. Also, we added a “Full Staff List” button that takes visitors to the MBLC Directory, which now shows all regular employees and their job titles.

This setup makes things easier because we only need to update staff listings in one location (MBLC Directory). Just so you know, the MBLC directory also has staff emails and contact information private from the general public – only other librarians who sign in can see these details.

Thanks again for the feedback and for helping us improve the website.

RPL Swag

Just a reminder:  I have swag available in my office. These could be used for outreach, welcome bags,  programs, etc. 

Turtle stress balls

Calm strips

Notebooks

Colored Pencils

RPL mugs

Blue lanyards

If you want to come grab some for programs or events, please do!

Communications-Updates

The Communications Working Group held our bi-monthly meeting on Monday. Here are relevant updates for all staff:

  1. Continue to add new library users to the email newsletter.
  2. From March to September, we will be piloting a monthly newsletter format instead of a weekly newsletter. We will continue to send newsletters for larger events/services and when specifically requested or as needed.
  3. Museum Pass Highlights: If you visit a museum using the library passes, send pictures of your experience to Desiree/Michelle, and we will promote it via social media.

RPL Intranet: Making Work Better

RPL employees recognize communications are always a challenge. How can we help over 35 employees keep current on what’s happening and maintain a positive learning curve across three floors, four service desks, and 60-64 hours per week? There is no single answer, but centralized content is one way to help capture and coalesce all this knowledge and experience!

We want to hear your feedback so we can keep improving this content. Please fill out this quick survey and let us know your thoughts (your answers will be anonymous).