The Tour is an opportunity to encourage customers to visit new locations and see the different types and sizes of libraries in our system, opening their eyes to the resources available to them beyond their local branch. It is also an opportunity to add a new interactive element to Summer Reading and encourages learning about our solar system. It gives customers a new way to interact with the library and to post that positive interaction on social media.

Inspired by the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab’s “The Grand Tour” artwork, each branch was named after a planet or feature of the solar system and has a beautiful poster representing its planet. The design of these posters and the Tour Book add to the appeal of the activity. The whimsy used in the posters and the prizes add to the fun. The Galactic Tour positions the library as both a playful and educational institution.

Hundreds of customers were delighted to get stamps in their Tour Book and earn a Moon Pie. Just one month into Summer Reading, 534 customers had already earned their first set of prizes. Many customers are making the Tour a game for their whole family. Awareness is also being raised about our new PopUp Libraries and people are seeking out our booths at festivals to get the “Space Station” stamp!