Strategies to Engage a Small Community

[Amy Brawner]

I work at a cool little library in an artsy community in North Little Rock, Arkansas. I am looking for others that may be in a similar situation for advice on adult programming. I want to engage the community, but, like many others, find it hard to get participants no matter how cool the program. Any ideas out there?

[Sherry Tinerella]

i am in Arkansas.

how about a poetry slam or an open mike?

[Amy Brawner]

thanks for your response Sherry! Where are you located?

re: poetry slam/open mic. That tends to work excellently for our bigger branch and for younger adults. What I am aiming for is programming that engages the older demographic. It seems with the time change that people do not want to leave their houses to go to much of anything. I have thought about having a chocolate social, asking our local restaurants to donate desserts (which would get me out of the house for sure). Again, attendance may be too sketchy.
I have had the state Poet Laureate(2 people attended) and a Raw Food program (5 people, my friends). What seems to have worked the best are appearances by prominent political people in the area. I want to do something worthwhile for the community on a cultural level: artists, musicians, classes, etc., but am stuck with two obstacles: apathy and lack of funds. It can be frustrating!

[Michael Fisher]

Amy; We are currentley working on plans for a program on ghost towns from the lumbering era in northern michigan. We also are having problems interesting our adult members in library programs, so this may bring in some of our older members with family info on these area's of our history. were still in the planning stage so I will Let you know the results. Mike

[Amy Brawner]

Michael~That sounds really interesting! We had a program on Haunted Locations in the area and were able to attract a handful of people. Right now, we are having a hoilday photo contest with prizes and that has garnered some interest. Keep me abreast of your progress; Good Luck!