Berkley Library Transforms Media Room to “BerkBuster” Space, Celebration Nov 14
Berkley, MI – The Berkley Public Library has embraced a new strategy to engage and serve its community. Funded by the Friends of the Berkley Library, staff have been hard at work reimagining their media room to not only refresh the space, but also to show patrons who are more interested in television and movies than books that the library is a place for them, too.
Drawing on results from a recent community survey, library staff have put together special collections based on “Saturday Morning Cartoons” and “Must-See TV” for a reimagined, retro movie rental store theme. These collections, along with new releases, a capsule vending machine full of movie suggestions, and more, will be displayed in the redesigned space.
All movie, television, and other media “rentals” continue to be included for free with the use of a library card from the Berkley Library and other surrounding libraries.
“We’re grateful for the support from the Friends of the Berkley Library, and the vision of our librarian, Lisabeth Conger, to be able to bring the “BerkBuster” space to life with a retro movie rental theme,” said Matt Church, Berkley Library Director, “Our hope is that BerkBuster gives library patrons an opportunity to share their favorite titles with their families and communities.”
“Television and movie watching were once seen as communal activities, but have increasingly become solitary acts. At the Library, we see an opportunity to help re-inspire the “family movie night” or the “TGIF” tradition with this transformed space!” said Lisabeth Conger, Berkley Librarian.
To introduce the new BerkBuster space to the community, the Berkley Library is hosting a launch party on Friday, November 14, from 6-8 PM. The event will feature a ribbon cutting, merch giveaways, photo opportunities, family activities and contests, and free popcorn and snacks.
Additionally, a variety of BerkBuster merchandise will be available at the Library as a gift to patrons who donate to the Friends of the Berkley Library. Funds raised by the Friends help to pay for library programs and projects like BerkBuster.
More information about the Berkley Library is available at berkleymi.gov/library
