LYNNFIELD — At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the library decided to reinvent its blog ― and it would like the public to know about this great resource.
“When the pandemic started we were trying to figure out how to get more information out,” said Abigail Porter, acting director, assistant director and head of adult services at the Lynnfield Public Library.
The answer? A new and improved blog that allows the library to address library users’ questions on trending topics.
Porter said that social media works great, but they wanted people to be able to refer back to some detailed information they were putting out, such as useful in-person and online library services as well as book lists and recommendations.
First, the library started talking about Libby, Hoopla and OverDrive ― databases from which people can borrow ebooks, audio books, videos, and magazines on their phones and tablets. The library also forewent the proof-of-address requirement and decided to put out a post instructing residents on how to get a library card with one’s email address.
Next, the library added a couple of other databases: Creativebug, with videos of different crafts; and Mango, which helps people learn foreign languages.
Now, the library has a spreadsheet full of ideas for future posts. The library staff also holds monthly social-media meetings and analyzes statistics per platform.
The informal social-media team includes Porter, who writes about library services, future programming, and accessibility; Assistant Circulation Librarian Samantha Totman, who often puts together various book lists; and Lauren Fox, Alex Lambright, and Amanda Landry from the children’s department, who have recently written about dyslexia and book characters with dyslexia.
One can find spooky books for all ages in the upcoming Halloween post, some local historical facts in a post about the Center School building which is now part of the library, and about the literary merits of graphic novels.
“It is fun figuring out what to cover,” Porter said.
If they are getting a lot of questions about a certain topic, they usually try to put out a blog post covering that. They also feature any big local items of interest, like the recent Massachusetts bike survey or the Emergency Connectivity Program that can help anyone who is experiencing issues getting internet connectivity at home.
The library also stays on top of pop-culture trends. When the Netflix TV-show “Bridgerton” became popular, the library featured the Bridgerton book series and similar reads, as well as how readers can get them at home.
Each department is doing one post a month; the library also honors holidays and heritage months.
The staff says they use the Canva app to make eye-catching, colorful visuals for the blog posts.
Porter said it is always exciting when they get an email with questions sparked by a blog post.
“We want to figure out how to spread the word better because we have a lot of cool things that we can do that are free,” said Porter. “And also you don’t even need to leave your couch.”
