Sharon Forks Lunch and Learn

Written by Cleo Joyce

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single librarian not in possession of a branch full of people must be in want of opportunities to socialize.

For many of us right now, we are missing our coworkers and seeking new ways to connect with others. From this desire, SF’s Lunch and Learn was born! For the past two weeks, Sharon Forks staff have met in a virtual breakroom (GoToMeeting) to share about different topics and enjoy a meal together.

Our first presentation was from Stephani Lindsey who shared techniques and tips for filming videos at home. Stephani’s tips were shared last week on the staff blog. They ranged from how to light your space to what to wear. The helpful and timely tips gave attendees more confidence in filming from home and I know several staff members put what they learned to use right away as they filmed storytimes and other virtual programs.

Our second presentation was from LeAnne Craig who shared her experience creating a virtual escape room. After being inspired by an article from American Libraries, LeAnne created her own Wizard of Oz themed escape room which will be featured in the April 30 Book Nook virtual program. She went through how she created the escape room using Google Forms and shared resources for planning puzzles and clues. Here’s a link if you’re interested in trying LeAnne’s Escape From Oz. LeAnne’s session helped to demystify virtual escape rooms and staff left inspired to play around with creating their own rooms.

Next week for our third session, Alicia Cavitt will be sharing on one of her personal passions, Phillip K. Dick and his role in science fiction literature.

We had a great attendance for both Lunch and Learn sessions and attendees included info staff, CSAs, and supervisors. Staff have found the topics relevant to what we’re working on from home and also enjoyed the opportunity for casual chat. I hope to be able to continue Lunch and Learn until the library reopens.

So we beat on, GoToMeeting on our screens, borne back ceaselessly into the breakroom!