Beyond the Books: 8 Innovative Public Library Programs
Public libraries are a community’s greatest resource, and it’s no secret that they offer abundant educational and entertainment value. In fact, according to the American Library Association, there are more public libraries than Starbucks in the U.S., and nearly 100% of public libraries provide free access to Wi-Fi and computers.
From seasonal programming, to printing and art resources, to a seemingly endless supply of books, magazines and even cookbooks for all ages, libraries provide some of the most valuable (and fun) resources for people of all ages, abilities and levels of need. Read on to learn about some of the most entertaining, unique and inspiring library programs around the country!
In This Article
1. PLAY! Cards: Empowering Georgia’s Students
Developed in the past few years by the Georgia Public Library Service, the Pines Library Access for Youth (PLAY) Card is a library access card that gives students of all ages and abilities access to their local libraries to build literacy skills. While this initiative is a state-level invention, individual school library systems in 53 counties (and counting!) across the state of Georgia have decided to implement PLAY as a part of their curricula. These cards enable children in participating schools to borrow books without incurring late fees, introduce them to additional learning resources beyond classroom materials and teach them skills like e-book downloading. An added benefit is that teachers can join in on the fun – they also receive PLAY cards and can use those library materials in their classrooms!
2. Stillwater Public Library: Nature Kits for Outdoor Exploration
Minnesota is known for having some pretty views and a rather robust outdoor scene, and its libraries are setting both kids and adults on a path to appreciating those outdoor spaces! The Stillwater Public Library has both nature backpacks and birding kits for explorers of all ages to check out. Complete with accessible visual guides, nature manuals, notepads and binoculars, these kits are sure to delight the birding expert or budding geologist in all of us and aim to give children hands-on field experience like a true scientist. Further literature about nature exploration and local hiking are also on display in the library, making it easy for any one to explore well beyond their backyards.
3. Expedition L.A. is Making Waves in California
While it is true that spending time outdoors is commonly associated with a number of positive benefits for people, such as improved mental and physical health, it’s also true that access to the outdoors is commonly limited for underserved populations or communities. Expedition L.A. is the initiative that has created a series of programs designed to demystify and remove barriers that keep people from experiencing the natural beauty surrounding Los Angeles. Expedition L.A. provides various themed hikes and other outdoor-oriented activities to help participants feel more comfortable in nature and empowered to take care of these public spaces. In addition to themed and guided hikes, the program offers a variety of other programming activities, like nature drawing classes taught by professionals and themed bingo cards for explorers to use on their nature walks. The Los Angeles Public Libraries are encouraging people not only to get involved with their local library branch, but also learn to love the natural world around them.
4. Public Libraries Love STEM: The PLIX Initiative
Though not confined to one specific region or city, the Public Library Innovation Exchange (PLIX) is a national initiative that’s been seeking to incorporate STEM education into the programming curricula of public libraries. The learning experiences being rolled out to libraries by PLIX are all based upon MIT Media Lab research who pride themselves on pushing the boundaries of creative learning by incorporating as much innovation into projects as possible. Learning the basics of circuitry routing through artwork, designing interactive inventions using recycled materials and learning about exploratory spacecraft through small workshops using everyday household goods are only a few of the ways in which kids can learn to love STEM, and it all could start at your local library!
5. Meet Someone New at Your Local Library
For anyone in the 40+ crowd who’s looking to expand their social circle and bond over a few books, ask your local library to take a page out of Fulton County’s book! Just this year, the Hapeville Public Library in Fulton County, GA, hosted its first-ever speed dating event!
Not looking for love? No problem! This event was open to any local adults looking to expand their social circles for any reason. New book club buddies, supper clubs and even gardening groups have come out of this event, and the Fulton County Library system has thoroughly enjoyed facilitating chances for their working-age professionals to “form meaningful and lasting connections within a short amount of time.”
6. Explore Art with Your Public Library
The Clinton Public Library in Dutchess County, NY, is no stranger to engaging programming for children of all ages, so when they saw a need for adults-only activities within their community, they came prepared to impress! One of the most popular art programs run by the Clinton Library for adults is their “Abstract Painting, Drawing and Mixed Media Arts” class. Using ink and acrylics, patrons are shown a variety of impressionist art and then guided on a journey of self-empowerment and discovery as they are given the tools to create their own masterpieces. At the end of the class, everyone is welcome to take home what they’ve painted and all are encouraged to keep coming back to build more skills.
7. Financial Education: Accessible Resources for Everyone
While much of the programming provided by libraries is both fun and educational, there are instances where resources provided by local branches meet specific needs within a population. Such is the case with a rising popularity in libraries hosting webinars, in-person lectures and small-format classes to teach financial literacy to adults of all ages. These classes can cover a range of topics, from information on completing taxes, to budgeting for life’s challenges. In Fayetteville, NC, the Cumberland County Public Library (CCPL) began offering financial education programs and resources for children ages 3 to 12 earlier this year. New York Public Libraries have an entire section of their website dedicated to financial literacy and readiness. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau even provides specific training materials for librarians so that they can have the most up-to-date information and tools when serving patrons.
8. Reviving the “Lost Arts” at Public Libraries
Throughout the country, a number of libraries are leading a revival in what many are calling “lost arts and crafts.” Many of these skills are trades that have traditionally been handed down from family to family, such as needlework, cross-stitching, sewing and lacework. Still, they are quickly fading away as generations fail to preserve tradition. In an effort to revive these dying arts, many libraries have asked their senior members to lead classes in such craftworks. Knox County Public Library, for example, has monthly cross-stitch programming. Or, in Nashville, the Nashville Public Library’s downtown location has a specific Library of Things for members to borrow, including sewing machines!
Teaching the younger generations about crocheting, knitting, sewing, lacemaking and many other “lost arts” has definitely sparked lasting interest in many young people, but has also had another positive (if completely unintended) effect. Several of the towns that have implemented such programs have seen a massive influx of seniors participating in library programs, including asking if they can continue to run the art classes on a regular basis! Many local branches have permanently installed their senior-led crafts classes because of this positive effect, and only expect participation to grow in the future.