Outreach for libraries can be a daunting challenge, it can be hard to compete with local businesses that have money for swag, like branded water bottles or sunglasses. To try and contend, I’ve seen library booths try to add an interactive element by adding a prize wheel that kiddos can spin. Things like this definitely draw people and make your booth more engaging. But if everyone has a prize wheel, you’re not really standing out, and you’re definitely not highlighting your services. There’s one huge workaround for all of that–The Library of Things.
Our Library of Things is probably a lot like yours, it has passes to the zoo and local museums, some tools like a power washer, and it also has big yard games. I’ve experimented with bringing different items at the last couple of outreach events; I brought our giant Connect 4 or our giant Jenga and it would get some attention, but I’ve found that nothing is more enticing than our Axe Throwing Board. Hurling a plastic axe will always be more fun than spinning a wheel.
So it’s definitely a draw; you’ve basically just brought a carnival game to an outreach event. But I’ve upped it even further by making it a talking point. Because not only is the axe board available for checkout, but basically everything I brought is available too. The table I use, the chair I sit in, even the tent we’re all under–it can ALL be checked out. My co-worker Kelly came up with that idea to really expand our Library of Things offerings to things that we own and need but don’t use all the time, why keep the pop-up tent to ourselves when we only use it about three times a year? So it’s a great talking point about the practical applications for Library of Things items. Because while kids are trying to hit the board, I’m plugging all the things that we have, and one of them is sure to hit. I’ve heard a lot of “the tent will be great for a birthday party” or “I didn’t know you had a zoo pass.” So it’s free advertising for a new collection. Here’s a picture of my setup, minus branding and handouts–again everything can be checked out.
So I’ll go over some general safety tips that I’ve learned. First off, just bring two axes. Our set came with eight, I just brought two. So everyone gets two hits and then can move on. You’ll probably have a line going anyway, since there’s nothing else like this at an outreach event, so this will not only keep the line moving, but also limit any wild pitches. And second, when handing off an axe, I steer kids where to go–about 2-3 feet in front of the board and don’t let go until they are right in front of the board. So that way, you basically can’t miss, and if a pitch does go wild no one will get hit. These are plastic axes so no one can get seriously hurt, but we’re throwing things so any precautions will help.
I also attached a sign to our board that has a QR code to our entire catalog of Library of Things, so people can look through it. If axe throwing feels too risky, think of other ways to gamify your collection and your outreach. We also circulate tools like a metal detector, so there’s some creative and easy ways you could gamify that! Find what works for you. Because this is a great way to spruce up outreach and promote a collection!
All photos courtesy of Guest Contributor Peter Blenski
Today’s guest contributor is Peter Blenski. Peter has been a children’s librarian in the Milwaukee and Waukesha area for over a decade. He runs the popular library blog, Lego Librarian (www.legolibrarian.com) where he talks about library programming and marketing. In 2021, he served on the 100th Newbery Award Selection Committee, which gave the award to Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera. He is currently serving on the 2026 Geisel Award Selection Committee.
Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.
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