Richmond Public Library has three library locations in a city of 53 square miles and 114,000 residents. With our bookmobile out of commission and gatecount still recovering from COVID, the library sought new and creative ways to make our outreach count. The City of Richmond holds many community events, like a bustling Cinco De Mayo and Pride festivals. How could the library, on a small budget, attract attention and stand out from the crowd?

With $89 for materials and some sewing know-how, the RPL’s Library Services Manager crafted a wearable costume suitable for parades or just wandering interactions. Duey is a person-sized library due date card featuring the RPL name and slogan. He has kid-magnet, Mickey Mouse-style gloved hands and is machine washable. Created in spring 2024, he has already made the round of events like the Contra Costa County Block Party and the Civic Center Farmer’s Market. For Richmond’s Pride festival and the library’s drag storytime, Duey donned rainbow stripes.

Library workers at outreach events featuring Duey have seen a spike in interactions and library card creations. Although most young children have never encountered a real due date card, they know a friendly mascot when they see one and rush up for pictures and high fives. Duey has also helped with another RPL goal – increasing internal outreach and awareness. Duey has toured city offices and interacted with city leaders at events, raising awareness of the library as an important institution and fun place to be.

Perhaps Duey’s biggest impact has been with adults who do remember what a due date card is – but who may have forgotten to visit the library lately. “I grew up going to Richmond Public Library," says Irene L. "For me, Duey brings back those wonderful memories, but also those reminders... that the establishment is still here, it’s still available to folks.”