Wyoming Snapshot Day Will Turn Sweet Sixteen This October

Nearly sixteen years ago, the Wyoming State Library (WSL) held its inaugural Wyoming Snapshot Day with the purpose of sharing how Wyoming libraries impact their communities. Since its inception, Wyoming libraries have submitted photos of their libraries, patrons, and events, circulation and event statistics, and comments from their staff and patrons that the Wyoming State Library has proudly shared on their social media channels and the Wyoming Snapshot Day website. Content from Wyoming Snapshot Day has also been prominently displayed at the Wyoming Library Association’s Legislative Reception events.

This year, during the week of October 12-16, Wyoming libraries are once again invited to send content and statistics with the WSL to be shared with the public.  The WSL would love to have as many libraries participate in this year’s event as possible to help celebrate Wyoming Snapshot Day’s Sweet Sixteen!

If your library needs a little inspiration, here are 16 ideas for Wyoming Snapshot Day content. (Please note that all library photos and comments are welcome; these are just some ideas to get your creativity flowing!)

1. Take a photo of your library’s exterior. Invite staff and/or patrons to pose in front of your library’s entrance or another unique area outside your library (Story walk signs, statues, etc.)
2. Snap some candid shots of staff and patrons of varying ages. (Remember, it is the responsibility of the participating libraries to obtain consent from those photographed before sharing content with the WSL.)
3. Photograph some of your library’s unique interior features (artwork, furniture, architecture, etc.) or displays, as well as staff or patrons using them.
4. Ask patrons to explain why they love using your library. and submit their responses.
5. Ask staff why they love working at your library and submit their responses.
6. Photograph staff and/or patrons holding, reading, or using their favorite library media (books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, board games, puzzles, etc.)
7. Snap a few photos of a library program or event taking place on Wyoming Snapshot Day, including staff, participants, and resulting products (artwork, crafts, food, etc.)
8. Take a photo of your library’s stacks (bookcases, etc.) (Bonus: Include staff or patrons placing or removing media!)
9. Ask staff or patrons to show you their favorite spot in the library, snap a photo of them there, and submit a comment explaining why it’s important to them.
10. Ask staff or patrons to show you their favorite piece of technology in the library, take their photo using it, and submit a comment explaining why it’s such an important part of the library.
11. Ask staff or patrons to pose with artwork or a craft they created at the library, or snap a photo of artwork or crafts being created.
12. Take a photo of a staff member or a patron holding their sixteen favorite books (or sitting beside them at a table) or a photo of sixteen staff members or patrons each holding their favorite book.
13. Photograph a positive interaction between a member of library staff and a patron.
14. Snap a photo of a seating area or meeting space at your library being used by staff or patrons.
15. Take a photo of a piece of artwork or a historical artifact from your library’s community.
16. Ask a patron or staff member how important their library card is to them, and take a photo of them holding it or using it to check out media. (Be sure to cover numbers and other identifying information!)

No matter how big or small your Wyoming library may be, we invite your library to share your content with us during Wyoming Snapshot Day! We are excited to show off all the wonderful things happening at Wyoming libraries and convey the impact your library has on its unique Wyoming community every day.

Contact WSL Communications and Grants Specialist Christi Weinzierl at christi.weinzierl1@wyo.gov with questions or visit the Wyoming Snapshot Day website for more information or to sign up for this year’s event.