Presented at combined meeting of the marketing and programs group, and the reference and information services group at Blacktown 7 August 2019

1. LOCALS TALK Speaker series
be inspired ~ local talent ~ our community

2. Overview:
• In response to regular enquiries from people wanting to give talks about their
field, interest or business (we were cautious of showing preferential treatment)
• We invite 3 talented and inspiring locals to speak on a theme for just 10 minutes
each, followed by questions and general discussion, over a scrumptious morning
tea
• Launched March 2018 – offered monthly March to November
• Saturday morning 10:00 – 11:30am
• Hugely successful from first session – room at capacity (50); media coverage for
most events; positive feedback from speakers and audience
• Attendance numbers have maintained into this year with 30-50 each session
• Tie in with awareness months and display themes in library, both fiction and non-
fiction eg. Mental health month: large pyramid of non fiction; feel good fiction &
DVDs

3. Positive outcomes:
• Brings new people to the library via speakers and their contacts
• Offering events in addition to author and literary focussed talks,
attracting different and new members of the community
• Networking opportunities with speakers
• Educational, interesting and informative
• Dynamic, engaging and topical
• 3 speaker format effective and each time a little bit magical
• Flow on effect: creating new programs and partnerships
-Death and Dying book club and discussion groups (x 3)
-Mindfulness meditation twice weekly – new library program
-Displays & exhibition opportunities

4. Themes 2018: Celebrating….
• International Women’s Day
• Mindfulness in May
• Health & Nutrition
• Recycling
• Death & Dying
• Singing
• Mental Health Month
• Art & Creativity
Themes 2019: Celebrating….
• International Women’s Day
• Mindfulness in May
• Making a difference heroes
• Science

9. Challenges:
• Staff time intensive: identifying themes and speakers; contacting
speakers, chasing photos and biogs; posters and promotion; 2-3 staff
needed to set up and host event
• Staff organising the program both .5 part time, with an already full
work load – Leanne responsible also for book clubs and author
events, Kate responsible for programs, marketing and displays.
Solutions:
• From 2019 program offered alternate months (Mar, May, July, Sept,
Nov)
• Both positions increased to .7

11. Where to now:
• Topical Talks – for those topics that need longer than 10 minutes and
will cater for non local speakers.