Hillside Public Library ‘Likes’ Facebook

is delving into social media to help the library better connect to its residents. Last month, the library launched its very first Facebook page and extended invites to Facebook users.

The site, which has gained nearly 1,000 hits already, provides detailed information about events happening at the library and even includes pictures from previous events. Social Media Coordinator Chris Parnell believes this website will be the first step of many in increasing the library’s online presence. 

“A majority of our patrons use Facebook,” Parnell said.  “I feel it’s a very good and innovative networking tool.” 

Particularly useful is the website’s “kid's page,” which can be easily accessed from the menu of the website.  It offers an easy to read schedule of children events at the library and offers other tools such as homework and reading lists.  Also available is one-click access to the library’s catalog, which allows its users to easily search for any item that might be located in the library.  The website also includes a map to the library, a schedule, and external links to similar pages.

Sharon John, a part-time employee and patron said of the website, “It’s so useful, because everything is on one website and it’s accessible without leaving the comfort of your home.”

The impressive website is even garnering attention from other libraries, including those located outside of New York.  A librarian from Montana, Michelle Fenger, praised the site with a post on the page, saying “[the] kid’s page and catalog page are really cool…I would love to do something like that for [my library’s] page." 

The library hopes to go even beyond Facebook, since there is a strong belief that the use of social media will help to increase even more awareness to residents. 

“We plan on creating a blog soon, which will be used to reach out to teenagers who attend young adult book discussions," Parnell said.

The library held over 800 programs last year, which drew in more than 20,000 people.  There is hope that social media will help these numbers increase to even larger numbers over the next few years.

You don't have to be a member of Facebook to see the page, although those who are can “like” the page to receive updates on his or her newsfeed and gain even easier access.  The website can be accessed through the following link: http://tinyurl.com/3cqorxp