The Nahant Public Library's Children's and Young Adult Librarian, Jill Mattina, was the instigator for two excellent collaborations with the Swampscott Public Library. Nahant students attend Swampscott schools for the 7th through 12th grades. Jill approached me, the Swampscott Public Library Young Adult Librarian, about collaborating on 2 events: 1 for middle school students, and 1 for high school students. Jill even had the ideas all ready: a luau on a beach in Nahant for the middle schoolers, and a local band concert for the high school age teens. Jill, a born collaborator, approached the student councils at the two schools to get input and assistance from the kids themselves. Jill made it very easy to work with her on the events, with jobs easily divided up between the two of us.

And the payoff: both events were very successful! We had about 70 kids at the luau and the weather even cooperated. The concert featured 7 local bands, and about 270 kids attended. The costs were minimal--just some refreshments and decorations for the luau, and gift certificates for the bands and the emcees. We had donations for some of the refreshments and some gift certificates for the bands, and the Town of Nahant didn't charge for the use of the hall.

As Jill realized when she first approached me, our audience consists of kids from both towns so we are natural allies. But, up to now, before Jill made the suggestion, we hadn't worked together.

I look forward to working with her in the future. And, indeed, we already have a September joint program in the works.

Sandy Moltz, Young Adult Librarian
Swampscott Public Library