Create Your Own Storybook!

Okay, so I was shuffling through the stack of catalogs in my mail tonight and came across a very intriguing gift idea. It's called "Send Away Storybook Publisher" from the Discovery Channel Store.

For $19.95, kids get a kit complete with a story guide, pages, markers and a postage paid envelope. Once received, kids can create their story on paper or online, and mail it in to receive one professionally bound and printed copy of the individual story (shipping back is apparently not included...ugh!, but the initial price is quite reasonable).

I love this! This could have application in libraries as well. You buy a couple of kits, could do story writing contests, and publish the winners to be added to your collection. Imagine how much kids would love it to have their own titles at their very own public library. It's all about personalization after all, right?

Content, Content, Content

Okay, so I'll admit it, I've always been wishy-washy on library blogs and whether or not they have real appeal to our customers. Yes, there are a lot of libraries that have them, and some very good uses of library blogs, but most seem to fall to the wayside because of uninteresting or dated content.

That said... in just over a year the Westerville Public Library's teen blog has over 900 on its way to 1000 comments from the teen readership. Becky the blog author does an amazing job of mixing interesting social commentary, community tie-ins and literacy plugs. It's really is all about the content... and keeping the content alive.

For those of you looking for a best practice in library blogs, check this one out. But remember, it's not the technology... but the content that makes it shine!