What community engagement strategies work? How are libraries making lasting connections with patrons? We know that you probably ask yourself these very questions on a daily basis (we certainly do) so we contacted librarians across the U.S. to find out how they’re tackling these challenges. And, boy did they deliver! They wholeheartedly talked about the exciting community engagement initiatives happening at their library and offered insider tips about how they’re making these programs work.
Here are some of our favorite stories:
Checked Out Podcast
Lexington Public Library, Lexington, KY
The library created a podcast titled “Checked Out.” It’s a “virtual book club” produced and hosted by library staff. According to Virtual Librarian Bobby Webb, “People who may not have the time or ability to attend a book club in one of our physical locations are able to participate remotely.”
HPL Mobile App
Houston Public Library, Houston, TX
HPL card holders in good standing can check out a mobile hotspot that will provide internet access in their home. How cool is that? The library launched six pilot areas chosen based on location and demographics. The library has plans to expand to additional locations based on data and customer feedback.
STEAM Learning in the Library session
Park County Public Library, Fairplay, CO
This rural library had the idea that it could better serve its communities and promote literacy and intellectual freedom by adopting and adapting fully-vetted advancements in neuroscience. As a result, it offers an online suite of neuroscience-based programs which reach across settings (school, home-school, organizations, and community members) and generations (from the very young to the very mature). They were even the first library in Colorado to implement BrainHQ™, a suite of online brain fitness exercises designed to help adults think faster, focus better, remember more and enjoy life.
With amazing stories like these, we knew other libraries would be inspired to hear about these initiatives too. That’s why we compiled all 10 stories, along with the librarians’ tips and suggestions for successful community engagement strategies. The result is a handy e-book for you to download.
Feel free to join the conversation and comment on the things you’re doing to spice up engagement at your library. The more sharing going on, the easier it will be for libraries everywhere to reach super busy people! Gotta love that!
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