Selling Your Library – Patron Presentations

As part of my job I get to read all of the publications put out by all of the systems.  I was reading through the Marigold Library System’s Newsletter this week, when I came across a brilliant idea.  At the Rockyford Municipal Library, a patron, Gary Billings, gave a presentation on astronomy.  This struck me as being remarkably clever on so many levels.

By calling on library patrons to provide programming – everyone wins!  Think of how flattered your library patrons would feel if asked to present on their favorite topic.  They would have a stronger sense of pride in their library as well.  The public would benefit, as you would be able to provide presentations on a wide range of topics, that you yourself would not have to research (bonus!).  You would be contributing to building a stronger sense of community, as patrons come to know their neighbors better through these presentations.  It also makes you look good to your board and town council.

So, how do you do it?  You may already know of people in the community who’d be happy to share their knowledge on their favorite topic or project.  However, you may have to search them out and coax them into presenting.  Ask at schools or local seniors’ centres, or post a sign in the library asking for volunteers, stating what you’d like to see in terms of length and give possible times for sessions.  You don’t have to go crazy and try to do a new session every week.  Maybe start with one patron presentation a month and see how it goes.  Keep an open mind about topics: while you may not be interested in fly fishing, you may discover that a large segment of your population is. 

Once you’ve made arrangements with your presenter, work with them on the promotions.  Print off flyers that they can post and share with friends.  Post the flyers in the library and on community bulletin boards.  Talk it up (the cheapest and most effective form of advertising!).  Talk it up with friends and family.  Mention it to people as they’re checking out their books.  Invite the media to the event.  While media attendance at the event will not increase the number of people who show up at that particular session, it will raise awareness for future sessions, highlight the library, and make you look good.

Hey, if it worked in Rockyford, it could work for you too.