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As I have been doing research for the Rural Library Sustainability Project, I have heard some amazing stories from small and rural librarians about small actions that make a big difference.

Please share any simple ideas/actions that have created big change in your library...

What a neat idea. That would be a great way to start our Summer Reading Program because we visit all our schools at that time. Thank you!

This is a report of a very successful program from the Clinton Public Library (Western Plains Library System), in Clinton, Oklahoma.

Madden Tournament Analysis

Participants: 23
Spectators: 18 (41 total)

Description:
For the tournament, we required that all participants have current library cards. We placed signs throughout the library, the schools, in the paper, and on the local cable channel. Most people who ended up playing heard through word of mouth. The participants signed up at the front desk before the tournament, when their card was scanned, and were then put on the tournament bracket. The webpage http://www.darters.com/ has several brackets that can be printed off for free, offering single and double elimination brackets for however many players a person wants. Using the X-box of an employee and his Madden ’06 game, we played the game two people at a time from 4:30 to 8:30. Not knowing how many people would show up, we limited the game to one-minute quarters, which could be done using the game console’s settings. We divided the participants into two groups, under fourteen and fourteen and over, alternating games between the younger division and the older. Most of the rules were based on those from other tournaments, found on the internet. We served Chex-mix and bottled water. For the most part, the participants and several spectators watched the other competitors play when they were not playing.

Reflection:
Project exceeded expectations, with several older teens/adults and children showing up. One girl participated. Even with one minute quarters and going to half a game after the second round we finished ten minutes after closing (8:10). Chex Mix and water seemed a perfect fit for people to snack on. A display of guy movies, football books, and graphic novels attracted attention, and several were checked out. Many more were browsed by people in the room.

Evaluation:
We know that at least twelve to fifteen new cards were issued because of interest in this program. Other cards were renewed while others were replaced (at least two replacements). Planning for the crowd was adequate, although games seemed to take a while. The losers’ bracket was never reached, and we had to cut the time of the later games in half. Winners seemed happy with the foam footballs as trophies. Adults thanked us for running the program, both for themselves and for the kids.

Recommendations:
We should focus on a single-elimination bracket next time and limit the number of contestants with a set number, probably sixteen, and pre-registration. People want this regularly, and some suggestions for the next games included March Madness and baseball. It seems people would prefer a PS2 format. We should also consider doing this on two nights, one for the older users and one for the younger. We also need to allow more time, probably at least four hours or as close to that as possible.

Betha, I agree that an event which attracts all ages is remarkable. I think the YA librarian was thinking about another event which would only attract YAs. Teens tend to like that a lot. Also, they held the event when the library was closed so there were no concerns about noise. And by the way, the only girl participating is the one who won!
Linda Gens

Another successful program from Oklahoma!

Michael Tautkus, Library Director, Kingfisher Library, tells about a recent program in his library:

Hello all, I wanted to give you this good news about a new program that the Kingfisher Library is organizing for Kingfisher County in the hopes that some of the other libraries would like to follow up on this themselves.

This last weekend we hosted the introduction to Escape School (http://www.EscapeSchool.com). We invited several people from around the county. In attendance were representatives from every school system in the county. Also in attendance were police chiefs from most nearby cities and the county sheriff. Additionally, we had reps from county health groups and others. We hosted representatives from the Escape School for OKC. Jo Eda Gregory and Dana Dodson were the speakers (more info later). The result was that every child and a good majority of parents will be attending the school around May 9th timeframe. The schools will hold the program in the school auditoriums and show videos in the classrooms.

Why so much interest? Because all of us have or know children that are dear to our hearts. And we would like them to be empowered with knowledge that may save their life someday. Knowledge replaces fear and empowers our children to have a fighting chance when it's only them against a potential kidnapper.

Way to go, Kingfisher Library!
Linda Gens