“Connect Around Purpose, People, or Possibility.” -(Stephens, 2026)

This module’s materials were a reminder of the fact that community is the backbone of libraries. Programming is the perfect way to reach new patrons and to provide fun, interactive spaces for existing patrons, as “the library is for ALL users” (Stephens, 2025). This started making me think of ways we could implement more outreach programs at the library I work at. While thinking about this I kept in mind the three tips DuVernay provided to help foster joyful programming: “be inviting, be inquisitive, be interested” (2024). All of these elements also encourage patrons to participate and return for future programs. Additionally, getting to know patrons and asking for their opinions on events ensures that future programs will be relevant to the target community.

The first program I thought of involved community members who may not be able to come out to the physical library building, but should still be able to enjoy our services. My mom works at a local assisted living facility and she recently told me that the residents were talking about checking out books from the library and that they might start sending employees over to pick up books for them. I think this is a perfect opportunity to send some of our library staff over to have an event where we make cards for them, bring over some books, and just chat with patrons we haven’t been able to meet before. We don’t have a bookmobile as an extension at the library, but there is a county bookmobile; however,  the residents reported that there are not enough options. So, book services are sometimes limited for certain community members. This way, those patrons would have a wider variety to choose from and we could learn more about them to plan possible future programs for them.

I was also thinking of reaching younger audiences to increase future library engagement. Our director has started hiring one high school student to work on staff with us as a library page, which I think is one great way to reach younger patrons. However, when it’s time to find a replacement for this position when the student graduates and leaves for college, the community does not seem to know about the position or the high school students may not be interested due to misconceptions about the library. I think it would be great if we did a program at the high school once a year to show the students that the library is more than just a place for reading. At the event, we could give a presentation about the library and what we offer while actually showing the students some of the services. We could bring board games (that we have in-house), items from our library of things, and video games for the students, also providing the option for students to create their own cards that day.

References

DuVernay, J. (2024, June 12). There is Joy for All: Tips for Joyous Library Programming. Programming Librarian: American Library Association. https://programminglibrarian.org/articles/there-joy-all-tips-joyous-library-programming 

Stephens, M. (2025b). Beyond Buzzwords: Ten Invitations to Build Library Community and Connection.  https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/f05u6l0d50k8js28vgokz/Beyond-Buzzwords-Ten-Invitations-to-Build-Library-Connection-and-Community.pdf?rlkey=2i1b76g18h9t2qxmq3s1y7q90&st=of4tisuf&e=1&dl=0

Stephens, M. (2025a). Hyperlinked Communities: Hyperlinked Library Master Lectures 2025 [Lecture video]. San José State University. Panopto. https://sjsu-ischool.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=3eacdb23-84fd-49e5-9975-aef3014b3ed2