March Meowness

UPDATE!

March Meowness: A Viral Campaign Redefining Library Engagement

In March 2024, Worcester Public Library unleashed a groundbreaking initiative called March Meowness, revolutionizing how libraries connect with their communities. Centered on equity, innovation, and inclusivity, this campaign went viral, captivating audiences far beyond Worcester.

The initiative tackled a persistent issue: lingering account restrictions due to lost or damaged items. Despite eliminating late fines in 2020, financial barriers still hindered access for many, disproportionately affecting families, students, and individuals experiencing homelessness. The library asked a bold question: Why hold onto outdated items—like a 1976 backyard tennis court manual—when they could instead focus on fostering equitable access to critical resources?

Enter March Meowness, an audacious idea born from the library's New Users Task Force along with the Community Relations and Communications Manager. Instead of paying fees, patrons could submit a photo of a cat to restore their accounts. This lighthearted, inclusive approach sparked immediate interest and turned into a viral sensation.

The Global Response

The results were extraordinary. Cat photos poured in from all over the world, creating an overwhelming wave of support for the library's mission. Social media channels lit up with millions of engagements, submissions, and shares, demonstrating the campaign’s universal appeal. Local, national, and international media covered the story, amplifying the library’s message of equity and community connection.

The Impact: The numbers speak for themselves:

Over 10,000 cat photos received.
Nearly 4,000 accounts reinstated, granting access to critical library resources.
A dramatic increase in foot traffic, circulation, and new library users.

But the campaign's impact went beyond numbers. It united patrons in a shared purpose, brought joy to a global audience, and reinforced the library as a hub of creativity and inclusivity. It created a viral sensation that swept the nation, then the world, promoting the joy and inclusivitiy of libraries, and resulting in milllions of engagements across multiple platforms.

A New Model for Libraries

March Meowness is a shining example of how libraries can embrace humor, innovation, and community spirit to achieve tangible change. It proved that experimental, viral campaigns could break down barriers, inspire action, and transform perceptions of public libraries.

As the Worcester Public Library looks to the future, it remains committed to harnessing creativity and collaboration to connect with its community—and the world. With March Meowness, they’ve set a new standard for what libraries can achieve when they think outside the box (or litterbox).

Click here to explore more stories on this global sensation!

Felines for Fee Forgiveness!

Got fees for lost or damaged Worcester Public Library items?

Show us a picture of a cat (any cat)* and we will forgive your fees.

We want you back at the library, so we are offering one month of fee forgiveness for lost or damaged items from the Worcester Public Library! Show us a picture of your cat, a famous cat, a picture you drew of a cat, a shelter cat - any cat, and we will forgive WPL fees on your library account.

We understand accidents can happen, and sometimes fees might hold you back from fully using your public library. We hope that you will join us as we celebrate March Meowness at all of our Worcester Public Library locations.

There are some rules, so here's the fine print: 

• Items must be WPL owned (we cannot waive fees from other libraries)
• Items waived must be lost for at least 2 months or longer
• All Library of Things items are excluded from this promotion
• Items are not guaranteed to be waived, and forgiveness will be given at the discretion of library staff
• Accounts with 5 or more items will need to be reviewed by a manager of Circulation, and patrons will receive a response as soon as possible
• You are not eligible for forgiveness if your lost or damaged items can be viewed as an attempt to restrict access to diverse content
• Account holders must be present

You can also leave your picture/drawing for display on a community bulletin board or email directly to comms@mywpl.org.

Join us for fun cat-themed programs all month long!

March Meowness Kick-Off
Saturday, March 2 from 11 AM - 1 PM at the Main Library – Join us as we kick off a month celebrating cats at the Worcester Public Library! Learn how you can get involved with the Worcester Animal Rescue League and Second Chance Animal Services, make cat toys (for your own cat or to donate to shelter cats), vote in our March Meowness bracket, check out some cat titles, and have your fees for any lost or damaged items forgiven.

DIY Cat Toys
Saturday, March 2 from 11 AM - 1 PM at the Main Library – Click for info

Cat Eye Makeup Tutorial
Saturday, March 2  from 1 - 2:30 PM at the Main Library – Click for info
Recommended for ages 18 and older.

DIY Cat Castles & Cat Toys
Saturday, March 2 from 2 - 3 PM at the Main Library – Click for info
Wednesday, March 13 from 6 - 7 PM at the Main Library – Click for info
For ages 12-17.

Hello Kitty Party
Tuesday, March 5 from 2 - 3 PM at the Main Library – Click for info
Recommended for ages 4-11.

De-Stress with Cats from the Worcester Animal Rescue League
Tuesday, March 5 from 4 - 5 PM at the Main Library – Click for info
This event is specifically for teens (ages 12-17) and their grownups. Participants must be at least 12 years old, anyone over the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by a teen to attend.

DIY Crafts for Adults
Wednesday, March 6 from 3 - 4:30 PM at the Main Library
For ages 18+.

Cats Movie Screening with Audio Description
Friday, March 8 from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. at the Main Library

After Dinner Craft: Stained Glass Cat
Tuesday, March 12 from 6 - 8 PM at the Main Library – Click for info
For ages 12-17.

Crafternoons
Wednesdays, March 13 & 20 from 4 - 5 PM at the Burncoat, Goddard, Roosevelt, and Tatnuck Magnet Branches – Click for info
For children ages 6 and up.

The Cat's Pajamas Storytime
Tuesday, March 19 from 5 - 6 PM at the Roosevelt Branch – Click for info
Friday, March 22 from 4 - 5 PM at the Burncoat Branch – Click for info
For children aged 3-7.

Understanding Your Cat with Dr. Rachel Gellar
Saturday, March 23 from 3 - 4 PM at the Main Library – Click for info

Leopard Canvas Painting with Pop Up Art School
Saturday, March 30 from 1 - 2:30 PM at the Main Library – Click for info
For ages 8-11.

Cat’s Meow Scavenger Hunt
All month long at Burncoat, Goddard, Roosevelt & Tatnuck Branches
Children ages 6 & up.

*We will accept honorary cats as well, so you may show us a picture or drawing of a dog, raccoon, orca, capybara, or any other animal.