When we started at the South Sioux City Public Library two years ago the library was having difficult times. Circulation and attendance numbers were down. The public’s opinion of the library was not positive. In two years’ time period we have seen an increase of circulation from 21000 items to over 40000 items. We have seen attendance numbers for youth climb from 2000 to 6000 and adult attendance has gone from 800 participants to over 3000 participants. This presentation will tell what we did to turn the program around. Presenters: David Mixdorf, Dan Nieman, Odessa Meyer, South Sioux City Public Library.
NCompass live - Februady 15, 2012.
2. Turning Your Program
Around
What the South Sioux City
Public Library did to change
the public’s perception of
the library.
3. June 1, 2009
New Library Director Hired
New Children’s Librarian Hired
New Library Board chosen to
replace dismissed board.
4. Perception of the library
It was boring.
Nothing to do.
The programs didn’t fit their needs.
The library lacked posters, pictures, books
on display.
Not kid friendly.
Didn’t know we had one.
5. In the last 2 years
we have seen
these increases.
20. Keep an open mind.
Even if an idea doesn’t
catch on right away,
keep trying.
21. Changes in Youth Programming
2009: Story Times were held consistently
twice a week & two programs that ran once
a month
2011: Story Times are held consistently five
times a week
22. Encouraged Partnerships with
Community
Move & Music Classes
for youth Story Telling with
local teachers
We also utilize our local
Chamberetts, Optimist Club and
4-H Extension Office for
programming
23. Look at the Community You Serve
In our community
we saw a need
and reached out to
fill it.
We have a mother
who volunteers to
read bilingual
books and we
make crafts with
the children
Bilingual Story Time
24. Consistency
Keeping programming consistent is a
major help for your families to remember
to stop in
Being consistent in special programs
(monthly or yearly) is a benefit.
LEGO classes
& contest
32. Programming with Adults
2000- Present
2000-2004 Library Building Project
2004-2007 Countywide Service
2007-Present Making Library Services
work for People.
37. Resources Available to Libraries
Nebraska Book Club Wiki
http://nebookclub.pbworks.com/w/page/765638
9/FrontPage
NLC Book Club Kits
http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/ref/bookclub/
The Big Read http://neabigread.org/
Nebraska Humanities Council
http://www.nebraskahumanities.org/speakers/b
ooks.html
38. Resources Available to Book Clubs
Reading Group Guides
http://www.readinggroupguides.com/cont
ent/index.asp
Library Thing
http://www.librarything.com/
Shelfari http://www.shelfari.com/
Good Reads http://www.goodreads.com/
41. Humanities Programming
Connecting with state arts and humanities
groups is a great way to do programming.
Connecting with local and area arts and
humanities presenters outside the state
can also reap benefits.
Connect programming to the natural
interests of the community
42. Programming with Adults
Book clubs- Cover to Cover
Humanities Programming
Local and Personal Interests
55. And There’s More
Technology classes (20-25 classes a month)
Classes on Medicare Part D sign-up
Digital Television switch over
Banned books week discussions
Stars of the Silent Films
Games day
Trivia Contest