Another successful appearance by the Library Reading Divas

Five Library Reading Divas (Laura, Linda, Kris, Jen and Sharon) arrived bright and early for the Macy's media event in downtown Minneapolis. They were on hand to help Macy's and MELSA announce the new Minnesota museum Adventure Pass presented by Macy's program.

Instead of their usual formalwear, the Divas were attired in the business suits complete with the white "Reading Diva" sash and, of course, their tiaras. They greeted the guests as they arrived and spent time mingling in the crowd. All of the Divas had their photos taken and had opportunities to explain what a Library Reading Diva is and what they do. Diva Laura and Diva Linda spend some time talking to Minnesota Monthly, so who knows? Maybe those two will have their photo in the magazine.

We even got to kick-off the event! After a half hour of coffee and morning appetizer, the Divas stepped on stage and "shhh-ed" the audience. After a few "shhhhhs", the crowd quieted down and Bill Sprattler, Macy's store manager, joked to the crowd that he hadn't been "shhh-ed by a librarian since I was eight!"

The Divas took the stage again when Sally Lederer, with MELSA, was introduced. After some vamping by the Divas when Sally explained why they were there, the Divas left the stage and stood nearby as Sally introduced the new, exciting program that will begin September 7. The program will allow library card holders to go to their library and "check out a museum!"

After the speakers were done, the Divas moved to the exit and handed out a notepad that looked like an old library checkout card and thanked everyone as they left.

Another crowd-pleasing appearance by the Library Reading Divas.

Macy's Media Event - changes and updates

More changes are underway for the Library Reading Diva's appearance at the August 17 media event. Remember, the media event is the announcement of the new Museum Adventure Pass program that will be available at all metro area libraries in early September and only the media will be invited to this one.

While the Library Reading Divas Book Cart Drill Team concept peeked Macy's interest, there was a concern raised that the our formalwear "costumes" will not be instantly recognizable as LIBRARIAN and LIBRARY.

Sally, with MELSA, is meeting with them again early next week and will pitch our new idea of being dressed in stereotypical librarian attire (skirt suit or blouse and skirt, reading glasses and hair pulled into bun) to see if this would work.

I've always thought that part of the message we want to convey with the formalwear and the Library Reading Divas is "look at libraries and librarians in a new way!" We all know that we offer so much more than books! It would have been fun to continue with the "diva" theme for the media event, but I think we can make this other look fun also.

Will keep you posted as I hear more information!