How To Make Public Libraries Effective Community Hubs
The traditional view of libraries is a place where people can look at books.It may seem that libraries are no longer relevant with the advent of the internet and online searches.Is there a place for the library in the twenty-first century?Find out how libraries can become part of the community.
Step 1: The needs of the community should be assessed.
What is the community's makeup?Is there a lot of families with small children?Do people in the community speak English as a second language?The library is located in a location that addresses the needs of the community.Informal surveys can be conducted.Asking patrons at checkout how the library could serve them better is one of the ways this can be done.Town Hall meetings can be hosted.When it is possible to meet in large groups, invite members of the community to discuss what they would like the library to do.The meeting can be held in a library or auditorium.There are local schools and cultural centers.People are likely to meet at churches and other faith-based centers.
Step 2: There are steps to be taken to address the needs of at-risk patrons.
All members of society are important to libraries.They have to address complex problems such as homelessness, illiteracy, and substance abuse because of this.Provide training to your staff.Complex issues and advocacy are some of the topics that the American Library Association offers elearning on.Local agencies include law enforcement and school districts.Get in touch with state and federal programs.Find out what programs address the needs of the at-risk population.The government website Youth.gov is a good place to start.Local people can be helped by literacy programs and food banks.
Step 3: Get in touch with the local schools.
There are limited space and resources in many classrooms.Public libraries can work with area public and private schools to offer programming and technology.Several examples of cooperation between schools and libraries are outlined in the American Library Association's Interdivisional Committee on School/Public Library Cooperation.You can create assignment alert.The public libraries are given the opportunity to make available material and programs related to upcoming assignments by the school districts.You can create book collections.Public libraries in Oregon and Illinois give book collections, teacher's guides, and pathfinders to the local school district.There are community reading projects.When school is not in session, many libraries host summer reading clubs.America's Battle of the Books is a reading incentive program that can be used by schools and libraries to encourage students to read.
Step 4: Promote voter participation.
Library are concerned with civic engagement.Fewer than two-thirds of eligible voters participate in elections, and libraries play an important part in getting the vote out.You should be aware of your state's voting laws.There are voting laws in all 50 states on the Nonprofit Vote website.You can work with your local election office.You can find election offices in your state at USA.gov.You can host voter registration at your library.Candidate debates or town halls can be hosted.
Step 5: Promote employment.
Information on job training programs in the area can be found at the local school district or community college.The library should be used for job training.Computer literacy and software training can be provided by libraries.A job fair can be hosted.Find job openings at local businesses.Volunteer opportunities can be found in the library.Volunteer work can provide valuable experience and job skills to potential employers.
Step 6: You can connect with senior citizens.
While serving senior citizens has always been a priority for libraries, expectations of the over 50 demographic have changed.Senior services used to deliver materials to the homebound.Seniors want to learn how to use the latest technology, keep in shape, and start a second career.Encourage lifelong learning.Retirees have the time to take classes online and in person.Issues of concern to older adults can be addressed.Seniors are targets of identity theft and fake contests.Pass it On is a page on the Federal Trade Commission's website that contains information useful for library programming.Introduce seniors to cutting-edge technology.Virtual reality and online gaming are being used by libraries to create virtual bowling leagues and music programs for seniors.
Step 7: Health information should be made available to patrons.
As part of its health literacy initiative, the CDC gives information on how to collaborate with libraries.
Step 8: A health fair is hosted.
Health screenings, healthy cooking instructions, and other valuable information can be promoted with the help of local medical organizations.
Step 9: It's important to support the community during unusual times.
Keep the public informed about health-related issues is one of the ways public libraries can provide support during a health emergency.During health crises, many libraries post the latest information on their website or Facebook page.Stay in touch with the community.It is possible to communicate with library patrons online even though story hours and programs can't be found at the library.Make online courses accessible to the community.Many libraries post links to instructional videos, such as how to make a no-sew mask or host a virtual birthday party.