How have Maryland's public libraries and their customers benefitted from Learning Libraries projects?

So many projects!  They've involved:

• Teen Services
• Services for English Language Learners
• Outreach and Marketing
• Customer Service Philosophy
• Strategic Plan Communications
• Intranets
• Risk-Takers' Network
• Interdepartmental Teamwork
• and so much more!

How have your customers and staff benefitted from Learning Libraries?  Tell us about it here:

• In Carroll County we developed the Risk-Takers' Network.  Staff at all levels are encouraged to take risks that will result in great customer service!  Anyone can submit a brief video about their risk, and staff vote for their 'favorite risk' each year.  There's a $500 prize at stake!  The first winners were Circulation staff at the first CCPL branch to place holds out for self-serve pick up by customers.  This project has encouraged people to move outside their comfort zones and try new things.  We don't always succeed, but we learn a lot.--Gail Griffith, Carroll County Public Library
• In Calvert County the team worked on increasing services for teens.  Each branch developed a Teen Zone, showing great creativity in small spaces.  We began to hold Friday evening Teen nights and we would open the library for the teen programs only.  We now hold Teen NIghts every first Friday of the month, plus a "Fright Night" around Halloween.  A few months ago, we held a Teen Band event and had over 100 teens in the new library.  This summer we are holding two teen book discussions.  Teens can win an MP3 player for entering the teen summer reading program.  Our library staff developed a real enthusiasm for teens.  We have encouraged that by providing Asset Development training for all staff.  A few weeks ago, staff day featured Patrick Jones and Customer Service for Teens.