Sharlene Edwards, Program Director, Bradley Public Library (NJ)
There is no avoiding it: the library landscape has been changing. We are dealing with slashed budgets and insufficient staffing while attempting to meet an increased need for innovative library programming. As librarians from small libraries, we may be reluctant to shake things up with new ideas because of the high price of failure. So how do we stay relevant in the 21st century? This presentation is a how-to guide for utilizing local resources, establishing valuable community partnerships, and decreasing costs while increasing participation in fresh, fearless, and affordable library programming.
http://youtu.be/2MMDrjXCiK8
http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/bigtalk/
5. The (Happy) Facts:
Public libraries served 96.4% of the total US
population in 2010
58% of Americans age 16 and older have a
library card
53% of Americans had visited a library or
bookmobile in person in the past 12 months
62% of public libraries report that they are the
only source of free public access to
computers and the Internet in their
communities
In 2010, public libraries circulated 2.46 billion
materials, the highest circulation in 10
years, representing a continued increasing
trend
6.
7. Why focus on library
programming?
In 2010, public libraries offered 3.75 million
programs to the public
Of the 53% of people who visited the physical
library in the past 12 months
41% attended or brought a youngster to a class,
program, or event designed for children or
teens
23% attended a meeting of a group to which
they belong
21% Attended a class, program, or lecture for
adults
In 2010, attendance at children’s programs
reached 60.5 million
8.
9. BBPL: Overview
Town pop.: 4,295
Program budget (2013): $3,833.00
Program costs (2013): $3,668.00
Speakers: $645.00
Supplies: $3,023.00
# of programs per year (2013): 581
Program attendance (2013): 4,104
10. Partnerships & Collaboration
How to Make Your Library Invaluable
The Benefits:
Increased visibility
Split costs
Proof of worth
Who to partner with?
The schools
Town departments (Chamber of
Commerce, Recreation, Tourism, etc.)
Local organizations (Historical Society, Senior
Citizen groups, Arts Council, etc.)
Local businesses
Other libraries!
11. Summer Reading…and so
much more!
The Collaborative Summer
Library Program
Ann Arbor District Library:
The Summer Game
Bradley Beach & Beyond
12. Historical Walk
Historical Walk Brochure 3rd Edition
Creating Your Own Unique Digital
Content
South Orange Public Library: Local History
Wiki
Neenah Public Library: Local History Digital
Collection
Future projects: Self-guided walking tour
with accompanying audio track
13. Thank You, Neighbor!
Good Neighbor Day Sept. 28th
Foster a sense of community pride
Promote volunteer work and
contributions to the community
Foster good will towards the library
and one another
Nomination forms
14. Honorable Mentions
Art show – cultural enrichment
Quidditch – sports at the
library!
Town-wide Scavenger Hunt –
town exploration
Life-size Candy Land –
good, clean, nostalgic fun
15. My Best Worst Ideas
The How-To Club for Kids
Encourage middle school kids to
learn new skills and explore new
hobbies
The Sunshine Project
Facilitate projects to benefit local
charities
Life-Size Battleship
Family Feud
16. The Takeaways
Just Do It!
Beg & Borrow
…& Steal (each other's ideas!)
Give back
Go big and then go bigger
17. Neat resources to know about
Programming Librarian
Library Journal- Programs that Pop
The State of America’s Libraries 2013
Report
Pew Research Center
ALA’s Libraries Matter Portal
ALA’s Transforming Libraries