by Natasha Swiger
In the age of digitization of films and the increasing popularity of streaming platforms, libraries continue to see a decrease in DVD checkouts. It’s not surprising that the convenience of browsing titles, selecting, and watching a film from the comfort of your own home is now the preferred method of movie viewing. Still, we get a handful of patrons who visit the library and leave with an armful of DVDs. These patrons often visit 2-3 times a week and are ultimately saving a ton of money by utilizing the library’s extensive collection of available media!
When ordering DVDs that will appeal to our youthful patrons, I first look at the recent trends. What movies and shows are currently popular among toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged youth? The internet is full of lists with the hottest titles and most-watched films and television series. This is where I begin my search. Do your kids like Bluey? We’ve got the past seasons on DVD, of course! Have you heard about the newest film offered by Disney, Wish? We have that, too! For my future orders later this year, I have already scoped out release dates of DVDs that I know we “have to have”!
In addition to making sure we have popular fiction shows and movies in the Juvenile DVD collection across the Adams County Library System, I also try to select a handful of non-fiction titles that would appeal to a wide variety of interests. I’ve noticed that any title on the subject of sports, science and anything and everything featuring animals check out the most at the New Oxford branch. Those topics also seem to get transferred between branches to fulfill holds quite frequently too.
Recently, while I was selecting titles to add to our collection, I got the idea to search our catalog for films and shows that I used to enjoy when I was growing up. There were many titles that we didn’t have! I began seeking out the most nostalgic films for those parents of our current young patrons. Those Gen X, Millennial, and now even some Gen Z moms and dads are going to want to share what was “cool” when they were kids with their offspring, right? I know I will! Hook, Beethoven, and A Goofy Movie are just some of the titles that will be making their comeback onto the library shelves. Also, who’s to say that only kids are allowed to check out these titles? I foresee many adults checking out some of these films to be reminded of “the good ol’ days” when life was simple, and you had to leave the house to procure your next flick. Let’s bring that back!
Natasha Swiger is Branch Manager of the New Oxford Library, part of the Adams County Library System.