Articles

Catch up on the latest in library programming news.

The Secret to Successful Program Promotion? Data.

Picture this: You work hard to plan an awesome program, but nobody shows up. You feel totally defeated, and you aren't sure what you could've done differently. The secret to success? Data.

Getting Started with Program Evaluation

Real, meaningful evaluation isn’t just a survey you tack on at the end of a program. It’s an integral piece of your planning process, right from the start. Once you learn to recognize the elements of evaluation and use them with intentionality, you’ll be able to continually grow the impact of your programs and your ability to tell their story.

Engagement and Advocacy Start with Community Mapping

Taking time to understand who you know — and who you don’t know — is a great way to begin your journey toward being a community-informed programming librarian.

New Landscape Report on the Current State of Library Programs for Older Adults

ALA has released a new landscape report to better understand the current state of library programming for older adults.

Apr 4, 2016

National Library Week: Libraries Transform

Every day, libraries of all types prove that they are powerful agents of community change. Show your pride during National Library Week.

Mar 31, 2016

Libraries Transforming Communities: Case Studies

In 2014, a group of public libraries embarked on a new kind of community engagement project. Read their stories in ALA's newly released case studies.

Sports Heroes Who Read

Bringing in professional athletes to connect with kids (and adults) helps promote many types of literacy.

Mar 28, 2016

Collaborating with Galleries: A Blessed Match

The Hannon Library at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles collaborated with a university art gallery on "From Clay to the Cloud."

Academic Libraries and Poetry Month

Cakes and choirs help to inspire at these academic library National Poetry Month programs.

'Street Cred' Librarianship

Sonya Durney shares her experiences in program inspiration, forging community partnerships and rebounding after an awkward start with a potential partner.

Springtime Crafts Are in Bloom

Blogger Kimberli Buckley shares a selection of low-cost, Easter-themed craft ideas for young people.

Adventure Club Travels to Cuba

Elementary-aged kids got a taste of Cuban culture, history, food, and traditions in this after-school program.

High School Chess Team Sparks Library Program

Blogger Sara Peterson-Davis describes how a high school chess team boosted teen programming at her library.

Turning Library Walls into Community Art Exhibits

A library partners with a local arts organization to transform a blank wall into a community art gallery.

Mar 3, 2016

Make Way for Makerspaces

After three years and 300 maker project ideas, a nationwide makerspace website has announced a new offering for libraries in Illinois.

Dancing with the Stacks

Blogger Jenn Carson woke her patrons out of their winter hibernation with a hugely popular ballroom dancing class.