The gnomes are coming...

Once again, the gnomes will be set loose on our libraries during the summer months. They are being routed to the Children's Programmers/Event Coordinators this week. Although their official start date of Gnome Employment is June 1, feel free to use them for display and Gnomes on the Loose Promotion Purposes (GotLPP) until then. Starting June 1 they will hide in your libraries to the delight of children (and library staff) around the Metro. Every Tuesday, starting June 11, the gnomes will pack up and travel to other libraries, so you will get new gnomes at your library weekly until the end of Summer Reading.

Several gnomes did not survive last summer. Let us take a moment to remember Brunhilde, Eldon P. Trunkhat, Gnorm, and Squidge. We have five new gnomes who have taken up their pointy hats and are ready for replacement duty. A hearty welcome to Greeble, Keezheekoni, Ockonok, Samuel P. Snailsmith, and Whitwalt Scribblesmith. Be sure to remind them to stay our of trouble and not to dillydally during transport.

We know injuries will happen. We know gnomes will wander. Gnomes are unpredictable. Do your best to keep them in line, and patch them up the best you can before their next visit.

During Summer Reading, you can encourage customers to take pictures when they find the gnome and tag us @metrolibraryok on Twitter and Instagram or use the Official Gnomes on the Loose 2013 hashtag: #gnomesontheloose. Sightings can also be posted on our Facebook page.

The Gnomes on the Loose activity sheets and promo materials are on the Summer Reading page on MyMetrolibrary. We are updating the materials for the new gnomes, which will be ready for you to print by June 1. The gnomes also have a Pinterest board that is being updated as well: http://pinterest.com/metrolibrary/gnomes/