adult programs update: presentation to the lawrence public library board

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

cc image via http://www.flickr.com/photos/55267995@N04/5160106174/

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.

cc image via http://www.flickr.com/photos/brunaferrara/4743631721/

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.

cc image via http://www.flickr.com/photos/epsos/3384297473/

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.

cc image via http://www.flickr.com/photos/uwsalem/2607174575/

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.

cc image via http://www.flickr.com/photos/72425002@N00/224943930/

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

cc image via http://www.flickr.com/photos/c32/5684806590/

-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”

cc image via http://www.flickr.com/photos/ari/502329223/

-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

cc image via http://www.flickr.com/photos/fourdoxn/436012772/

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

cc image via http://www.flickr.com/photos/adwriter/516578887/

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”.

cc image via http://www.flickr.com/photos/ppl_ri_images/4019188259/

Thank you.

Questions / Comments?

LPL Sunflower Music Festival, June 13, 2011.