Great Idea!

I recently noticed that the Franklin Public Library is sponsoring a winter Adult Reading Club called "Resolve to Read!" More info can be found at: http://www.mcfls.org/franklin/Resolve%20to%20read.htm

Kudos for a GREAT idea! (Wish I'd thought of it.)

Event Promotion/Marketing

Maybe we're the only one with this problem, but when we invite a wonderful guest, do the posters, send the press releases and do all the other 'right' things, we still aren't assured of good attendance and I always wonder if there was something else we should have done.

Thinking of promoting our events in terms of "marketing" is a newish concept for me--it seems so "corporate," or something, but Laurie Boettcher 's (PR guru at Indianhead Federated Library System) blog says this about marketing events using social media: "Social media is not a craze, this really is a powerful new way of marketing. It is not, however, a one-size-fits-all guaranteed success. With each marketing campaign we do for an event, new program, new service, or whatever, we do our research, do our very best, and then hope our strategy was on track and works. Social media is no different. It's another tool in our belt that helps us reach our target audience. But, it only reaches that audience if we actually do it." Here is her blog address: http://laurieboettcher.blogspot.com/ .

Healthy Aging Program

Last Monday I hosted an adult program, Healthy Aging, presented by an Aurora nurse. I had a turnout of seven people which I thought was pretty good since it was my first try. I held it on a Monday morning because we have a set of patrons who are used to coming to the library at that time for programs. We have a Leisure Timers group that meets every other Monday. A few of our regular patrons came but most were new including some social work students. Everyone enjoyed the speaker, Marge Hendrickson, and some asked her to speak at other events. In March I will have a low vision or fall prevention program that I hope will go over well. I will probably go with the same time slot.

Not Another Survey . . .

I've been toying with the idea of designing an Adult Programming Survey to determine what types of programs our patrons might be interested in, what time of day works best, etc. Has anyone conducted a survey like this? If so, was it worthwhile? Thanks!

Wisconsin Humanities Council

I've had success with adult programming when I have booked performers through the Wisconsin Humanities Council. The WHC is no longer in the booking business but they do give contact information as well as the scope of programs available through their listing of speakers on their web site. I have an upcoming afternoon program on November 7th for 65 folks. Helen Bannan will be performing "Jessie Jack Hooper: The Power of Organized Womanhood". It's worth taking the time to look at the WHC's web site.

Program Idea

A big 'thank you' to Laurie for setting up this blog! What a wonderful resource for programming tips and ideas.

I have a great programming success story to share. Our Library (Greendale) recently had the pleasure of hosting a program by Wisconsin author Linda Godfrey. Linda wrote The Beast of Bray Road, and was a contributing author to Weird Wisconsin and Weird Michigan.

Linda's presentation for us was based on her most recent book Strange Wisconsin. She had the audience of 30 on the edge of their seats with creepy tales of paranormal activity right in our own backyard -- the Badger State! We unexpectedly had a few kids in the audience, but Linda toned-down her polished and professional presentation accordingly. She even stuck around to sign a few books and chat with fans!

A great fall program!

Author Name Recognition and Events

Now that I found the right place to post this (thank you, Laurie), here goes again.

Has anyone out there hosted an event featuring the work of an author who is primarily known as a short story writer and, therefore, perhaps unknown to most of your patrons? I would very much like to feature the work of Lorrie Moore whose current novel Gate at the Stairs is receiving great reviews, but she is known as a short story writer to many. For us, short story collections/authors have not been successful. Indeed, even though we have a substantial number of well-reviewed short story collections, they rarely circulate. My concern is that most people in our community would not recognize Lorrie Moore's name, and name recognition carries substantial weight here, whether related to short stories or novels. How would you generate interest in an author whose work your community may not be familiar with? Do we forget such an event or get to work 'spreading the Lorrie Moore message?' Your thoughts would be most gratefully received. Thanks very much.

Programming ideas from Sept meeting

At the adult programming meeting last month, several libraries talked about some successful library programs held at their libraries over the past year. Here's a sampling of some of the program topics mentioned: Coin show with a coin appraiser present, Jewelry identification, How to sell on eBay, Butterfly program, Organic lawn care, Solar & geothermo heating, Focus on Energy (with WE Energies http://www.we-energies.com/), Cookbook exchange with a cooking demonstration from a local eating establishment, Golf program (note: lots of fathers and sons attended), Rosemaling, De-cluttering, “Champagne Life on a Beer Budget”. There were other program ideas mentioned. Anyone want to chime in with other program ideas offered at the meeting? Add your comments (Note: Anyone can comment on postings. You don't have to be a "Contributor to do that.) :)

Thank You!

An enthusiastic Thank Y ou, Laurie, for creating this blog! I look forward to learning how to make our events extra special. Jane

Welcome!

At the September MCFLS/WCFLS Adult Programming Round Table meeting, a suggestion was made to create a blog where librarians from both library systems can share all things programming--from ideas to experiences to presenter suggestions. So, here it is! Come and join the discussion. Share your ideas and questions. Respond to postings you see.