[Publib] Adult programming

[smoulder at nc.rr.com]

We do a variety of programming for adults here. I've not had much luck in my area with a book discussion group, but we've had success with the following:

-learning to play poker (a local card shark teaches this)
-hypnosis seminars (again, a local certified hypnotherapist)
-CSI (someone from our police department's forensic unit)
-a bimonthly writer's group (our department head conducts this program)
-basic auto repair (a staff member's husband will teach this outside, using the attendee's car)
-basic home repair (same as above, things like spackling a wall and repairing a leaky faucet or running toilet)
-movie screenings (we have an umbrella license...in February we're showing "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" and this summer we'll do all 5 Planet of the Apes)
-Sports programs, like Negro league baseball and discussions of NASCAR
-interior decorating (a local community college instructor did that one)
-computer classes (most popular are buying and selling on eBay and photo editing with Picasa 2)
-digital photography (an instructor from the local community college)

I get lots of ideas from reading the local newspaper (the hypnotist and a home organization specialist were featured in articles), the list of continuing education classes at our local community college (instructors for classes in photography and wedding planning), and local news magazines (columns by a fitness expert and an animal trainer). All of these people were pleased to be asked to come to the library and speak to a group. And no, we don't pay them. 

Many of the regulars at the poker program are older folks. One told me she was glad we offered it, since the only other way she could learn the game was to go to a bar with the 20-somethings and play,, which she was clearly uncomfortable with.

I also think you need catchy program titles and descriptions. We are lucky to have a first- rate community relations/publicity department which creates our calendars, posters and flyers.

Good luck with your foray into programming!

Sana Moulder, LA II
Fayetteville, NC