On the first Saturday in February, thousands of libraries across the world celebrate TakeYourChild to the Library Day (TYCLD) by offering free, fun, and fabulous activities for kids and their families. The library spaces you’ve created are ideal for play, discovery, learning, making friends, and having fun. From live music to nature talks and magic shows, from crafting to ice cream socials and the old standby - STORY TIMES! - we have seen you offer events that are entertaining, unique, creative beyond belief and truly meaningful for young people. TYCLD is the perfect way for you to put these programs into action and show off your library magic. We took some time to chat with the founders of this yearly event, looking for ways to support your participation in Take Your Child to the Library Day.
B&T: Can you tell us about the backstory behind the creation of Take Your Child to the Library Day?
In the fall of 2011, now retired librarian Nadine Lipman from the Waterford Public Library in CT was listening to the radio and she heard an advertisement for a local Take Your Child to the Bookstore Day. And the idea to expand it was born. She consulted her director, immediately invited other Connecticut libraries to join in, then started inviting libraries from around the country and Canada. It all happened so fast. Everyone immediately knew it was a fantastic idea. The first Take Your Child to the Library Day (TYCLD ) took place in February of 2012. Author/illustrator Nancy Elizabeth Wallace generously donated artwork for the logo and set the tone for a family-friendly, welcoming event. Since then, it’s grown every year. In 2012, the Connecticut Library Consortium agreed to take on the grassroots project as an official initiative. This year, the CLC presented at PLA and partnered with EveryLibrary to offer marketing webinars for participants. Every year brings new achievements, and it’s so thrilling to hear stories from libraries across North America as they welcome families to their libraries each February.
B&T: Can you share best practices in planning for TYCLD event?
Yes!
1. Decide to join in - it’s free and completely customizable. Traditionally, it’s the first Saturday in February, but you can celebrate
any day in February.
2. Plan your activity. Your activities are your choice. Many libraries…
o Hire a performer or have a community group offer a program.
o Run a program or story time.
o Offer passive programs like scavenger hunts and drop in crafts.
o Highlight existing services like library cards, maker spaces, or museum passes.
o Remember, any existing or regular program or service can be your TYCLD ACTIVITY!
3. Register on the TYCLD website so your library shows up on the map and in national publicity.
4. Promote your event. There are publicity tips available on the website.
5. Run your event! Remember to take photos! They are the proof of your success! Make a note for next year of what you did, what worked, and what you might do differently. Thank everyone involved and share outcomes with any community partners who participated.
6. Fill out the survey afterwards. Share photos using our hashtag #TakeYourChildToTheLibraryDay
B&T: Can you speak to any metrics that you keep on how programming like TYCLD can positively impact circulation and community engagement?
We asked participating libraries this question, and here are some of the responses:
o At the Rockville Public Library in Vernon, CT, they typically have 40 visitors on a Saturday, but with Take Your Child to the Library Day events, they have had between 78-112 attendees.
o At the Killingly Public Library in Connecticut, the director Claudette Stockwell told us that they saw one hundred more patrons visit than on a typical Saturday.
o The Salem Free Public Library reports the attendance at their Rescue Opossum Program was at their meeting room’s capacity.
o East Lyme and Bentley Memorial Libraries also reported good program attendance for the day
We also receive a lot of positive feedback from participating libraries about those magic moments where patrons experience everything their library has to offer. The Marion Carnegie Library in Illinois wrote that, "I was very pleased with our turnout and reaction." And the Whiting Public Library in Indiana commented that, "We saw lots of new faces and have had families since return to attend the programs they learned about that day. It was very successful, and we plan to do it again next year."
B&T: What is your favorite memory as a young person going to the public library?
I remember when I got my library card - you had to be able to write your own name. I’m a lefty with pretty bad handwriting, and I remember laboriously forming each letter. I still have my first Library card, although I’m very understanding when children tell me they have lost theirs and need a brand new one! I always encourage families to take a picture and memorialize the moment when their child first gets their library card - it’s a passport to everything and everywhere under the sun - and beyond.
To access resource, templates and more ideas - visit Take Your Child to the Library Day (TYCLD)!