A library could do a survey or ask its patrons what they are reading, but if you’re the Boston Public Library (BPL) you would find a way to make your input-gathering much more fun. The library ran a BPL Bingo game where people completed Bingo squares by providing information on what they were reading.
Squares included: an Indigenous Author, Book with a Purple Cover, First in a Series, LGBTQ+ Author, Main Character Over 60, Banned or Challenged Book, and Read a Poem.
This simple technique encouraged people to read more, expand the range of their reading, and give insights to the library through their responses. It also helped people understand that the library offers music and art and prompted patrons to read in different locations. Even their center square was a clever way to remind people that BPL is “free to all.”
This program required more forethought than actual resources and yielded valuable input from participants. The next time you want to learn something from your audience, consider making it a game. It’s more fun to play than complete a survey.
