The Librarian on the Loose has pedaled her three-wheeled bicycle all over the community of Hokah, Minnesota (pop. 567) this summer, promoting a broad array of library services and activities to individuals and families in the community.
Since taking over as Library Director in July 2015, Shari Carlson has worked to update the library and create a sense of fun and adventure. She applied for and received a Community Collaboration grant from SELCO, Southeastern Libraries Cooperating, which was funded with monies from the Legacy Amendment Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Community Collaboration grants require partnerships, and Shari reached out to the Hokah City Recreation Department, the local public and parochial schools, and the Farmer’s Market and tied her activities in with the exercise and wellness theme for 2016 summer reading.
The bike drew lots of attention, and Carlson says it was a huge success. “We had great attendance for our summer reading program and we issued many new library cards. People who encountered the Librarian on the Loose were entered into a drawing for a Kindle from the Hokah Friends of the Library, and I had a wonderful time getting out and interacting with my community.”
The grant covered the purchase of a three-wheeled bike and associated safety equipment with a storage compartment for an assortment of small activities to raise awareness of library services. The Hokah Library has changed in the last year and the concept was intended to let people know about some of those changes, but also to expand knowledge and use of the library. Items people could find on the bike included puppets and a puppet stage, felt boards, books, equipment and books about sports such as badminton, volleyball, soccer and yoga, coloring books, Lego building blocks, and more.
“Help Me Grow” early-intervention outreach kits from Hiawatha Valley Educational District were distributed to families with children aged 0-3 years old; these kits include a book, snack cup, developmental milestone materials and information on seeking assistance if warranted. All activities and materials that were available with the Librarian on the Loose are also available for use by patrons when they visit the library.
