[Publib] Adult Library Programming

[Jesse Ephraim]

Greetings All,

>I have recently been put in charge of adult programming 
>at my public library. While trying to get events set up, I have 
>run across a question. I am trying to figure out what time of 
>day to offer these programs. 

This example is about children's programming, but it applies to adult
programming as well...

We do storytimes on two days each week, with three performances on each
day.  We were working on drawing bigger crowds, so we polled the patrons
(both informally and formally).  We were doing Tuesdays and Thursdays,
but after getting in the responses we realized that more people were
interested in Wednesdays than Thursdays.  We made the switch, and
attendance exploded - we're pushing 100 people at some of our toddler
storytimes now.  

I have found that getting as much early input from patrons as possible
(or customers, in my old profession) is one of the best ways to
structure public events.  The results are surprising sometimes - a
feeling that "everyone says they want X" may not be accurate.  It could
be that you are dealing with a vocal minority that wants things to be in
the evenings on the weekends, while 95% of the rest of the patrons want
events on weeknights, but have never mentioned that to a librarian.

When asked to do a book program at our Senior Center, we assumed those
patrons would like us to format it like a book club, since many of them
go to the Senior Center for chances to socialize with their peers.  We
found out that what they REALLY wanted was book talks with some
discussion afterwards, so we adjusted accordingly, and they became much
more enthusiastic and dedicated.

Different types of programs work for different demographics, too.  I
work in a library in a small town that is essentially a wealthy enclave,
where houses sit on a minimum of 2 acres.  If we did a gardening program
that focused on the how-to aspects of planting, we probably wouldn't get
a huge turnout.  If we ran one that focused on how to design a garden
and work with a landscaper, however, we would likely end up with a large
and very enthusiastic group.    

We used to do paper surveys, but found that our particular set of
patrons is far more likely to respond online (that will vary from
population to population).  Online surveys are simple to set up if you
use SurveyMonkey.com.

Good luck!

Jesse Ephraim

Youth Services Librarian
Southlake Public Library
1400 Main St., Ste. 130
Southlake, TX  76092

Email:   jephraim at ci.southlake.tx.us
Phone: (817) 748-8248
FAX:    (817) 748-8250
www.southlakelibrary.org
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