Adult Programs Update

Rachel Smalter Hall || Adult Programs LibrarianLawrence Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting, August 15 2011

LPL World Coffee Tasting. July 19, 2011..

At the heart of public libraries is a belief that democracies benefit from having a place that celebrates the open exchange of ideas. How can we find new ways to do this that go beyond collections?

- COSLA: eBook Feasibility Study for Public Libraries, 2010

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What we’ve been up to:

READ ACROSS LAWRENCE: public lectures, book groups, film screenings, theatre performances, social media interactions. 2584 participants, 23 community partners, 10 venues.

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ADULT SUMMER READING: international lit, mixed media artwork, dessert & coffee tastings, travel writing, live music. 1567 registrants, 15 community partners, 60 attendees per event.

LPL Adult Summer Reading Pre-Party, May 26, 2011.

TAKE CHARGE CHALLENGE: competition for $100,000 energy efficiency grant. Science literacy: DIY classes, art exhibits, book talks, public lectures. 6-Event Series, 8 major community partners.

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MONTHLY AUTHOR EVENTS: 3 New York Times Bestsellers, 1 debut Random House author, 1 award-winning Frommer’s author. 53 attendees per event, and growing.

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FINAL FRIDAYS, BOOK CLUBS, FILM SCREENINGS: additional offerings to meet demand shown by community artists, book lovers & film buffs. Final Fridays has drawn 81 participants per event.

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What’s next? The future of Adult Programs:

-The new library building re-imagined and re-branded as a community learning and meeting space-Adult Programs strategic planning phase is underway; sharing ideas with KCPL, TSCPL, JoCo, NEKLS, and PLUMM libraries-Overwhelming trends are to: a) pay attention to return-on-investment, and b) really listen to your constituents

RE-BRANDING THE NEW LIBRARY

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-Identify key program areas based on community interests; “their” library, not “our” library-Include multiple literacies; the library as a place to explore multi-media interests and passions-Create promotional materials that engage and enchant; revamp Adult Programs’ image and tone

PATRON-DRIVEN PROGRAMS, “ENCHANTMENT”

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-Identify and develop major partnerships with local businesses, philanthropic agencies and colleges-Reach out to key staff at peer libraries including KU Libraries, KCPL, TSCPL, JoCo, NEKLS, and PLUMM libraries to build

relationships and generate ideas for community learning

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

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DEVELOPING FUNDING

-Seek and develop funding opportunities via local and national grants: KS Health Foundation, Douglas County Community Foundation, NEA, NEH, IMLS, etc.

-Be strategic about program costs and consider “cost per seat” – spend funds where they count the most

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DEVELOPING STAFFING

-Implement two-pronged staffing model that allows us to sustain increasing demand for community learning-1) A team of volunteers have been trained to assist with special events, and-2) All Adult Services staff will eventually assist with Adult Programs; rethinking what it means to be a “Librarian”.

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Thank you.

Questions / Comments?

LPL Sunflower Music Festival, June 13, 2011.