A look at some of the special collections popping up in public libraries in the United States. Gayle Roberts and Wendy Lukert will talk about their experience at Blair Public Library with their Toy Library.

1. CollectionsFor YourCommunity Thinking outside the box about collections for your library

2. COLLECTIVE THOUGHTS….. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Traditional vs. Non-traditional

3. CHECK IT OUT Seattle, WA Ann Arbor, MI Grosse Point, MI Dansville Public, NY Oakland, CA Berkley, CA TOOLS ELECTRONICS FISHING RODS

4. The Beginning Process IDENTIFY THE NEEDWho, What, When, Where, Why? BRAINSTORMTalk with staff, community, parents…..

5. CHECK THE FACTS Literature Review Personal Experiences Web Sites

6. FORM THE COMMITTEE Choose Well Build Your Case Approach The Library Board, The City (Or Governing Body) And The Community

8. OUR TOY TIMELINE The Beginning Process, Feb 08-July 08 Funding – Grant Writing; Community Commitments, July 08-Nov 08 Committee Assignments, Sept 08-Dec 08 Staff Meetings; work flow discussions Dec 08 – Jan 09 Toys arrive – Jan 09-Mar 09 First Toys Checked Out – April 09

9. SUCCESSFUL? We think so ……… April/May – 68 Checkouts May 25th – Aug 7th; 519 checkouts We now average 148 checkouts per month, with summer checkouts over 300 a month.

10. SO NOW… WHAT’S NEXT? Puzzle Swap Teacher Resources Cake Pans? Home Décor?

11. WEB SOURCES http://www.popgoesthelibrary.com/2008/07/fun-friday-reed-memorial-library-cake.html http://www.richmondgrows.org/create-a-library.html http://www.slideshare.net/nanettedonohue/cataloging-the-weird-stuff

12. QUESTIONS? Contact us! 426-3617 Gayle Roberts groberts@ci.blair.ne.us Wendy Lukert wlukert@ci.blair.ne.us