[Publib] Adult program ideas for public libraries

[Conrad Rader]

We had terrible results from author visits (one even had 0 people show up,
might have been the author, the publicity or the weather, but it was a wee
bit depressing).  Our most successful programs are day-long, multi subject
seminars.  The Garden Party is held in may and we invite up to five
horticulturalists, master gardeners, landscapers, etc to give programs on
subjects.  This is done in conjunction with one of the local garden clubs
and is entering it's fifth year.  It has spawned a Junior Garden Club (in
conjunction with the Children's Department) and a Flower Show every two
years.   Our other successful one is Local History Day which follows the
same format but brings in local historians, genealogists and researchers to
share their work and findings.  We had less success with a  Winter movie
program (tried for two years but low attendance), but are getting better
results from one shot introduction to Craft sessions that covered knitting,
beading, crocheting (the least popular) and scrapbooking.  The knitting and
beading may continue in a craft meet due to popularity and request for
continuation.  Other programming for adults includes a writers program (two
years old and still going), a reader's theater troupe (almost three years
old and performing), and a book discussion group.  Also, we have just begun
a partnership with a local mahjong group that was looking for space to play
in.  We traded them space for their opening up their group and teaching the
game to anyone interested in playing.

 

 

Conrad Rader

Adult Services Librarian

Niles District Library

Niles, MI

 

 

 

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of Sheila Bissonnette
Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2008 9:56 AM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] Adult program ideas for public libraries

 

Good morning,

 

I'm looking for great suggestions for programs for adults.  I'm just curious
what other libraries out there are finding successful with adult patrons.
We have good results with author visits, but I'm looking for ideas to
promote our collections/services but yet be fun and a little bit different.
We are partnering with our local parks & recreation department in a winter
walking program (in our basement) We just completed a construction project
and I need to catch up on what libraries are doing for programs.  Any
suggestions/ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

Also, is there a listserv out there that focuses on programs for
adults/seniors in libraries?  

 

Thanks in advance

Sheila

 

Sheila Bissonnette, MLIS

Library Director

Pere Marquette District Library

185 E 4th Street

Clare, MI  48617

 

Phone:  989-386-7576

Fax:      989-386-3576

 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://lists.webjunction.org/wjlists/publib/attachments/20080123/15d05bce/attachment.htm