Programming

As we are probably all aware - one of the big "trends" in libraries today is the library as a destination place or a third place. This means that people spend time at home and at work or school. Much of our socialization now is done through the Internet or via text messaging. Busy schedules and over-committed people have reduced much of the social visits considered necessary by the previous generations.

The library is, in many communities, emerging as the "third" place. A location where people can meet, talk face to face, enjoy entertaining and educational programs, have play-dates and, well, be social. In light of the current economy, this is even more so, as the library's many resources are usually free, or nearly free. Someone can come to the library, spend hours looking at books, browsing videos, going online to surf the net and attending a program, and they will not have to purchase a thing nor will they even be asked to purchase anything. There is no pressure to spend a dime. Try that in your local mall.

As we go through the coming weeks, I hope to be talking about one specific area of this third place philosophy, the library's function in the area of programming. Not only how to create and carry out programs, but networking to expand your programs, how to get free programs, which programs to have, considering your staff in programs, and promoting your programs so people come. I would love to have your thoughts on these posts.

- The Village Librarian

Fighting the Winter Blahs

Here we are again, in the midst of the winter blahs. We have windy, overcast and cold (winter's counterpart to summer's hazy, hot and humid). The days are beginning to be longer, but until we hit that magic "turn the clocks ahead" day, they are still dark too soon. It's somewhat of a challenge to get up and get going, even if you like what you are going to do that day. Schedule an appointment with the dentist and you may never get out of bed.

So what does this have to do with libraries? Well, while our part of the world clings to the hope of spring, libraries can offer a respite, an oasis, a short reprive from the isolation that is winter in the northeast. Keep the programming going, keep the signs brite and cheery and make sure your staff has loads of chocolate. Plan a summer storytime and have it on a blanket like a picnic. treat your staff to lemonade and watermelon, play the beach boys before you open. There are hundreds of ways to capture the spirit of summer in the midst of the gray days of winter.

Even with the winter blahs on the outside - it can be summer all year round in the library. Be sure to let me know what you did! I love to hear from you!

~The Village Librarian