A library's first contact with parents

This question was recently posted to LM_Net:

Do any of you send a letter home with students at the beginning of the year that explains library rules, routines, info, etc..?  If so, could you please share so I could generate some ideas. Thanks in advance.

Ah, the first thing our parents hear from us are our RULES! 

Why not hit them with our SERVICES in that first communication instead?

Rather than...

Dear Parents,

Please be aware of the library's rules:

• Your child is allowed to check out two books each week.
• Books must be checked out and returned on the specified library days.
• If a book is not returned, no additional books can be checked out.
• Fines will accrue for late books.
• Lost books must be paid for by parents before report cards are issued.

Your librarian

send

Dear Parents,

The library program has some exciting opportunities in store for your child this year:

• Our curriculum will be promoting the very best of children's literature to your child with activities designed to help student's enjoy the stories even more.
• We be doing our very best to get (or keep) your children "hooked on reading" by recommending specific reading materials to each individual.
• At each grade level, students will be learning research and computer skills specifically suited to their developmental needs. 
• The new iPads in the library will be available for reading e-book this year!
• We have a lot of special events being planned, including author visits, a book fair, and reading contests.
• If you would like to volunteer to help in the library, please let me know. We'd love to have you.

Your librarian

Parents can and should be our greatest advocates, but this will only happen if we communicate the positive. Sure, it's OK to communicate library "rules." But what priority should this communication be given? Think about it.

See also

• Signs of a welcoming library
• Top ten things baby teachers should know about school libraries
• Starting off on the right foot 

Image source

Comments

[Shelly]

Doug,
Thank you so much for this reminder. Such a simple thing but it's so easy to get caught up in how important the RULES are. I am off to change my intro letter right now, to better reflect our positive, friendly library.

[Annette]

You are so correct! Thanks for reminding all of us...

[Trish Kosik]

Doug,

May I use this letter in my first online newsletter? I will be making some changes, but would like your permission to use all but the part about iPads. With the rush to get ready for school I thought this would be an excellent way to get started.

Trish

[Gwyneth Jones]

We be loving this! ;-) I write a similar blog post every year! "YOU are our BEST Customer" was my latest on our MHMS Daring School Eudublogs! http://daringlibrary.edublogs.org/2011/08/26/you-are-our-best-customer/ But maybe I should mirror that on our school electronic newsletter, too! Or...maybe even spring for postage! Ooooh!...I could make a comic version! Whew...Doug Johnson inspires again! Whammy! Pow! Zap! You're awesome, hon!
~Gwyneth

[Jennifer]

As always, Doug - you hit the nail right on the head! Love it!

j

[Doug Johnson]

Hi Trish,

Please use the letter if you'd like. Keep the idea of promoting the positive things for kids in your program but modify it to your specific library. i wrote it only as a very fast example!

Doug

Hi Gwyneth,

I love the royal we. (Not letting this ISTE board stuff go to your head, I hope.)

When I provide YOU with inspiration, I am amazed! You are the one who inspires we mere mortals.

Enjoy the remaining days of summer,

Doug

Hi Jennifer,

Thanks for the comment.

Really liked your last post on using gaming in PD. I am absolutely stealing that idea for an upcoming workshop and I shared it with my staff dev gurus here. Fantastic idea!

Doug

[Sarah]

Hi Doug,
As a first year librarian, your suggestions are so helpful!! May I use your letter in my first communication to parents? And now to read more of your blogs:)
Sarah

[Jocelyn S.]

This is something we all need to remember. I've really tried to embrace this mentality lately, letting students check out even though they have late books (gasp!) and trying not to complain about various aspects of my job to my fellow educators. I think it's so important to shake the old hard core library mentality and let our customers (students and parents) know that above all else, we want kids to love books.

[alyssa]

Doug,
Would love to use your letter as a base and run with it - may I, please?
Alyssa

[Doug Johnson]

Hi Alyssa and Sarah,

Use it but make it better!

Have a great school year,

Doug

Hi Jocelyn,

We should always be asking: Which is more important - a book or a child? I hope we always come down on the side of the child.

Doug

[Mamie Anthoine Ney]

Thanks for making such a positive statement.

[Doug Johnson]

Hi Marnie,

You are welcome. It's vital that we parent advocates for our programs!

Doug

[Camille]

Doug,
Thank you for sharing. I have always posted or sent a letter home with the "rules". I am re-doing my letter now that reinforces the postives.

[Anna]

Thanks for a great letter idea. I see that you give permission to modify and use:) I will be doing so. Thanks for the great reminders!

Anna

[Doug Johnson]

Hi Anna,

I am happy to know it's been helpful.

Doug

[Zanele]

Hi Doug,
Thank you for sharing. Can I also use the letter as my first communication with parents?
Kind regards,
Zanele

[Doug Johnson]

Hi Zanele,

You are more than welcome to use the ideas from my sample letter, but I hope you adapt them to your specific library and its services.

All the very best,

Doug