Category: Programs

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. 

Sign up for Spring Outreach Events

The RPL participates in a wide range of community events throughout the year.  They are a great way to get to know the citizens of Reading and the community.  Please consider signing up to staff an event; dates are listed in this form.  This is paid time.   Please do not sign up for an event during your scheduled desk shift hours.   If you have any questions, speak to Michelle or Cate.

Reminder-Outside Organization Events

We’ve had several calls today about a Reading Neighbors Event happening here at the library. We no longer have a separate calendar for outside events on the website.

To find information about an external organization’s event held at the library, check the Today at the Library schedule, which is located at each service desk. If they are looking for a future event, feel free to search Reserve on Communico.  Instructions for searching are here. For more detailed information, direct questions back to the organization running the program.

 

Adult Book Club Books

Adult Book Clubs will return in September. Studio 64 is an RPL book group, and Fact or Fiction is patron-facilitated but we help them with getting books and promotion.

At Andrea’s direction, these will be displayed for patrons on the pedestals in front of the Borrower Services desk, next to other reader advisory items and Friends Speaker Series titles.

Please point patrons to this area, or send them to Reference if they have questions.

Thank you!

What to do with your great program photos

If you take photos at your programs that can be used in future social media, newsletter, or for other promotion – you can upload them to a dedicated folder on our shared staff drive! The trail is: Reading Public Library Staff>Photos & Graphics for PR…

Folders are set up by year and month. When you upload your photos please label them with the program name. You can create a folder within the month to drop them in as well – that helps keep things organized. For example, in June’s folder Lucy set up a folder for Summer Sizzler photos (thank you!). It doesn’t matter if it’s a big program like Sizzlers, feel free to use this spot for just a few photos as well.

You’ll also see a folder called Staff & Museum Photos – if you’re out and about enjoying a museum pass and you’d like to share the experience – add the photos there (please label them). These can be used that’s for Librarians in the Wild posts or in the newsletter.

Any questions, suggestions? Let me know.

 

Thank you! – Animal Fest

THANK YOU, fellow colleagues, for all you did to help make our Animal Extravaganza event a success on Saturday, May 11!

From preparing materials to staffing the event, providing promotional prowess, fielding questions, coordinating organizations, managing patron traffic and more, it took a whole crew to pull it off, and I am grateful for your time and talents. Fun photos to come 🙂