Spring brings all kinds of delights, and one of them is coming from the East Hampton Public Library. The library is spreading “pawsitivity” this month, with a new program called “May We See Your Dog.”
“We are forgiving the fee for one lost damaged item per patron, in exchange for a dog photo,” Christine Cachuela, East Hampton Public Library Director, said.
The dog-lovers initiative aims to get people back to the public library.
“It's a lot of fun, because everybody loves the dogs these days,” Susan Markham, a library patron from East Hampton, said.
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The concept is a spinoff of the Worcester, Massachusetts Public Library’s “March Meowness.”
“They shared the story on social media, and then within a few days, I just was hearing about it everywhere,” Cachuela said.
Although the East Hampton Public Library does not have late fees, there is a charge for damaged items. That will now be waived for anyone who emails or brings in a photo of a dog for display on a community pet board.
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“I just kept thinking it was such a wonderful way to bring patrons back to the library who might feel like they can't come and enjoy our services, because they owe us for a book or a DVD or something that got damaged,” Cachuela said.
She says about 300 patrons could benefit.
While you are invited to snap a photo of your fur-friend, you do not need a dog of your own to get in on the action.
“You could bring in a photo of a friend's dog and neighbor's dog, a cute dog you saw online, you could draw a picture of a dog,” Cachuela said. “We really want to make it something that everybody can take advantage of.”
Returning to the library means people can enjoy a variety of programs, and even rent out non-traditional items like paddle boards.
Markham knows the value of her public library well, and said she comes in quite often.
“Oh geez, almost five days a week!” she said.
She hopes the dog-loving idea will get legs.
“I think it's fantastic,” Markham said. “It also brings back the patrons who are kind of a little leery about coming back in, and I think it's a wonderful opportunity to resurge the library.”
You can learn more about the "May We See your Dog" forgiveness program on the East Hampton Public Library website.
