Empowering Libraries: Practical Library Advocacy Ideas for Uncertain Times
In today’s landscape, many libraries face a growing challenge: doing more with the same or fewer resources. Funding uncertainty has become the new normal. While the services libraries provide are essential on their own, securing support often requires going a step further—demonstrating that impact in ways boards, grant providers, and the broader community can easily see and understand. Fortunately, with the right strategies and tools, libraries can streamline their operations and amplify their…
5 Winter Library Program Ideas for 2025
As the chill of winter sets in, libraries are the perfect haven for warm community gatherings and engaging programs. This season, why not inspire your patrons with creative and heartwarming activities? Below, we’ve curated some fresh and fun library program ideas to spark your library’s winter lineup. These programs not only bring communities together but also highlight the library as a central hub for connection and learning. Looking for new ways to make winter memorable? Check out these five…
5 Summer Reading Ideas for a Successful Season
Are you looking to create more successful and engaging summer programs for your patrons? It can be a challenge to keep returning patrons informed and attract new community members. And let's not forget managing resources and costs for big events. But don't worry, we're here to help! We've gathered proven summer reading ideas from libraries across the country to help make your summer programs a hit.
1. Get to Know Your Community's Interests: New Rochelle Public Library
What is Room Reservation Software for Libraries?
Due to growing demands for remote worker and community leaders, public libraries have become essential hubs offering co-working spaces and meeting rooms. However, managing these dynamic spaces efficiently has posted significant challenges. Some directors have found a solution in room reservation software for libraries.
The Challenges:
How Directors Find Library Tools and Resources
Staying up-to-date with new tools and services in the evolving library landscape poses a common challenge for directors. As centers of learning, libraries play a critical role in bringing new technology and ideas to their communities. In our quest to understand how new library directors could learn about tools and resources, we conducted a survey and analyzed the results, which we are excited to share! The survey revealed the top sources of information reported by library respondents when…
Small town libraries making a big impact
Doland Community Library
The Doland Community Library relies on its director Natasha Noethlich to carry out most of its services. In an effort to ensure all of the library’s upcoming events were available to the public, Natasha added the Community Calendar from WhoFi to the library website. Natasha can now share the library's upcoming events such as the Ceiling Tile Painting Project going on now. You can see some of the great designs the community has come up with below:
5 Reasons To Use Registration for Your Next Library Program
One key element of a successful library program is registration for patrons. While collection methods may vary, the best registration processes can result in more successful programs with more engaged guests. In fact in an article from Science & Technology Libraries researchers found that, "customized communication is at the root of successful library programming". Here are just a few points in the planning process that easy registration could improve programs & events at the library:…
Public Library Insights Q2 of 2022
The second quarter of the year saw the continued higher usage of WiFi among libraries of all population sizes. There was a steady, sustained increase for each of the months in the second quarter of the year. This resulted in a 31% increase when compared to the prior quarter of Q1 2022. This also resulted in a 93% increase when compared to the same quarter of the prior year, or Q2 of 2021. The same quarter prior year increase is particularly encouraging because it indicates that seasonality…
