Adult Programming Ideas

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Definitions may vary by library, but mine is:

To provide programming for library patrons over the age of 18.

• Lifelong learning is part of our mission
• Increase circulation and visibility of our collection
• Meets needs and interests of the community
• Meets popular demand, both existing and anticipated
• Provides opportunity to widen horizons

Does your library have space to offer programs?

• Meeting rooms or community space (see Sun Prairie Public Library's Meeting Room Information)
• Library grounds for outdoor programs

Are afternoon, evening or weekend programs more appropriate for your library?

Can you offer programs when the library is closed?

When will your patrons come to the programs?

Do you have the staff to offer programming?

Do you have the $ to hire performers or offer honorariums to presenters?

Can you use volunteers?

What is your target audience?

Seniors? Parents? Students? Baby Boomers? Ethnic group? ESL patrons?

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• Book discussions
• Computer classes
• Genealogy
• Gardening
• Musical activities
• Financial programs
• Travel programs
• Authors
• Crafts

Partnerships with other organizations (usually nonprofits)

• Wisconsin Humanities Council
• MALC
• WWBIC
• Financial Educator's Network (Money Smart Week in October)
• Madison Jazz Society
• Sustain Dane

• Volunteers
• Local authors and artists

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• Plan ahead - 3-6 months at least
  • Helps with promotion
  • Many speakers are booked well in advance
• Identify target audience
• Pick the programs
• Identify budget
• Choose location, date, time

• Contact speakers
  • Fee?
  • Registration?
  • Minimum number
  • Cancellation policy
  • Equipment needs

• Confirm speaker
• Refreshments
• Promotion - more on this later
• Inform staff

• Room set up
• Remind staff
• Meet and introduce speaker
• Related book display or other program information

In addition to the standard evaluation questions, always include room and ask for patron suggestions or ideas for future programs

Hand out at the end of every program

READ them afterwards

Create a database to keep track of suggestions

Ask program attendees what they thought of program

Talk with presenter about how program went

Ask staff for any feedback given from patrons

Thank you note

• Local paper
• Website
• Fliers, bookmarks, and handouts
• Online sources (Madison.com, Isthmus, local resources)
• Senior center
• Radio, tv, etc. if appropriate
• Library/city newsletter
  

What made the program successful?

• PR?
• Topic?
• Presenter?

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Reasons for a failure?

• Lack of PR?
• Topic?
• Presenter?
• Timing?

Adult Programs in the Library by Brett W. Lear. American Library Association, 2002

Creating Policies for Results: from chaos to clarity by Sandra Nelson and June Garcia. American Library Association, 2003

Cultural Programming for Libraries: linking libraries, communities, & culture by Deborah a. Robertson. American Library Association, 2005

5-Star Programming and Services for your 55+ Library Customers by Barbara T. Mates. American Library Association, 2003

Developing Community Programming presented by Jennifer Mahnken from the Johnson County (Kansas) Library on July 21, 2006
http://www.opal-online.org/archivelis.htm

Questions?

Jean Anderson
Adult Services Librarian
Sun Prairie Public Library

jfanders at scls.lib.wi.us
608-825-0902

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