Relationship+Building+aka+Collaboration

== = Relationship Building/ Collaboration = What do you do that makes people smile and want to come to the library? How do you open the library to welcome patrons? What have you done to go that "extra mile" that shows your patrons what your program has to offer?

Example:
This year has been particularly harsh on teachers between the budget cuts (more students in the class room and at least one more class prep per teacher) and the introduction of the new eSchool grading system - many of the teachers have been frazzled. With this in mind, I decided to discuss with my Principal a way that we could possibly brighten up everyone's day and spirits. My paraprofessional and I created a monthly cafe (The Husky Cafe)- where teachers could come and get a good, strong cup of coffee or tea and some sweets. I called my local Publix bakery and asked if they had breakfast items that were close to their expiration date and might they be able to donate them- they very nicely agreed! We use one of our small conference rooms, put a nice table cloth on a table or two and just maintain the cafe between 7:30 am and around 10:30. The teachers and staff have loved it and I've seen very large smiles coming out of the room :-) This has become a great marketing tool for the library, the LMS staff, and our program - teachers are happy to come to the media center for free food & drink and I get positive exposure as they pass through. They really appreciate that someone understands what they are going through and is willing to help them both as a fellow staff member and also on a collaborative basis. "Open doors can lead to open minds" :-)