Transcript Sacramento Harmer

High Strung, rooftop of
Kansas City Public Library


200 public libraries in 48 states
Featured on NPR’s This American Life
in August of 2005



Seniors vote at a high proportion than any other
demographic
We need them as allies
Bold prediction: Senior Services Librarians





According to a study by the Administration on Aging, about 1
out of 8 Americans is 65 or older. This is triple the figure
since 1900.
By 2030, the number of adults 65 or older will double again.
U.S. Census Bureau. “Older Population in the United States:
March 2002.” www.census.gov/prod/2003pubs/p20-546.pdf
In 2000, the 65 to 74 age group was 8 times larger than in
1900; but the 75 to 84 group was 16 times larger and the 85
and older group was 34 times larger
According to the Administration on Aging, the 85 and older
group is the fastest growing segment of the population




Boomers name 80 as starting point of old age; compared to
51 for their parents
Many boomers, unwilling to let life end at retirement, plan to
start 2nd careers or a business when retire
Between 1970 & 2000, Seniors who completed high school
rose from 28% to 70%, and in 2000 about 16% had bachelors
degree or more
USA Today reported that adult 65+ spend an 1 hour 15
minutes reading every day, more than any other age group
Outreach, Partnerships &
the Public Library
Why do we need to do this?
• More than ever, libraries need to prove they are
▫ innovative
▫ deeply connected to their communities, especially
stakeholders
▫ essential to the success of these communities
Why do we need to do this?
• Partnerships and outreach mean:
▫ You are spending resources wisely by joining
forces with other groups
▫ You are not sitting at the reference desk and
waiting for people to come to you
▫ With each new effort, you are creating new
advocates for the library
▫ Put a face on the library!
▫ Think like an entrepreneur, not a librarian
Why do we need to do this?
• Partnerships and outreach mean:
▫ You are taking advantage of the creativity,
networks, and expertise that exist in all
communities
▫ We face an ongoing struggle to redefine the role of
the library so no one considers it a frivolous or
unnecessary service
Why do we need to do this?
• It all comes down to money
• Ultimately, partnerships and outreach are key to
sustaining funding levels and support through
good times and bad
Identify Our Audience
• Find out who the movers and shakers are in your
community
• Remember, the people we need to reach are
many and varied
Pretty Persuasion
•
•
•
•
Direct Outreach
Grassroots
Word of Mouth
Talk-Action = Irrelevancy
Advocacy
‘You need to be advocates because you and those
who work in your library are the first line of
defense against claims of irrelevance,
displacement by technology, demotion on the
list of community priorities, declining literacy,
and ultimately, erosion of the memory of our
collective communities’
▫ - Libraries Prosper with Passion, Purpose and Persuasion (PLA
Toolkit)
Tips & Tricks
• Consider every interaction an opportunity to do
outreach and build partnerships
• Make everyone look good
• Don’t assume it’s someone else’s job
• Look for the snowball effect
You Can Do It!
• The first step is the hardest
• Ask yourself:
▫ What’s the worst that could happen?
▫ What’s the best that could happen?
• Think like an entrepreneur, your audience won’t
expect it.
• Destroy the stereotype that librarians do nothing
but sit around and read books all day
• Write down the first idea you got today and
follow the plan when you get back to work
Why Do We Need To Do This, Again?
• Partnerships and outreach are advocacy and a
core part of your job
• Be a leader, not a follower
• Don’t wait for somebody else to do it
Keys To Programming Success
• Don’t Ask for Permission
• Take It To The Streets
• Don’t be lazy!
• Make It Fun!
• Libraries are more than just dusty repositories f or
books!
Program Title: Senior Health Series
Program Description:
Chelsea Community Hospital and the Chelsea District Library Present A Free Health Education Seminar Series on Women's Health
Issues. Collaborations such as this will continue to be an important part of the future of libraries. Budgets at most academic and
public libraries are static or declining, thus limiting services.
Growing older successfully requires the maintenance of body and mind. This series of programs will offer tips on how to take care of
both the physical and psychological changes of aging.
Topics:
Food Fads and Facts
Nutrition
Sleep
Menopause
Osteoporosis
Memory
Speakers:
Staff members of the local hospital
Visiting nurse
Basics:
Length – four 1-hour sessions
Auditorium style seating
Extras:
Snacks and refreshments
Literature and handouts on topics
Marketing
Library & Hospital newsletters, distribute flyers at the hospital, doctors’ offices, clinics, senior centers, and residential homes
Feature article about collaboration in local paper.
Program Title: A Day in the Life of Chelsea
Program Description:
If your house is anything like our library, it has a shelf full of cookbooks – most of which are filled with dazzling photos of all kinds
of food dishes. Some of them are mouth-watering to look at. We are giving you 24 hours to document a delicious dining experience
through your eyes, from the way it’s prepared, to its presentation, to the way it is eaten. Pick up a disposable camera at the library.
Photos will be posted in a special exhibit on the library web site. Registration required.
Topics:
Photography
Community
Basics:
Registration is Required
Try to limit numbers to 15 or 20
Buy 15 disposable cameras from local camera shop and work out a deal (lean on them about promoting locally)
Notify seniors when the galleries are on the library’s web page
You can use multiple themes, or make it more generic
Extras:
Make double copies of prints so patrons can keep copy
Marketing
Newsletter, website, senior center and residential facilities, and don’t forget camera shop
The editor of the Ann Arbor News write an editorial pronouncing me a genius and wishing more libraries got in the business of
“preserving our local heritage, and a town’s character,” and encouraging libraries all over the country to follow my lead.
Program Title: Cemetery Ghost Hunt
Program Description:
Haunted houses? Cemeteries with ghosts? Explore the supernatural as the Ghost Hunters of Southern Michigan (GHOSM) reveal
evidence of paranormal phenomena captured during their investigations. Then, join the Ghost Hunters of Southern Michigan
(GHOSM) on a search for ghostly activities at Chelsea’s Oak Grove Cemetery. Registration is required.
Topics:
Paranormal investigations
True” Stories
How to go on a ghost hunt
Speakers:
Local ghost hunters group. They are everywhere. Just do a Google search, you’ll find one.
Basics:
Length – Two sessions (presentation – 1 ½ hours; ghost hunt – 2 hours)
For the ghost hunt, people will need to bring flashlights, warm clothes (if you do it after dark around Halloween), tape recorder,
video recorder, and cameras.
Be prepared to address the issue of the occult. You have to have guts to do a program like this, because staff and members of
community will give you grief about it. Don’t be afraid to take risks, even if you don’t buy into this stuff you have to remember that
we are here to serve all walks of life, plus a little controversy at the library is always a good thing. Helps keep us on the map!
Extras:
Invite member of historical society to lead a guided tour of cemetery before the extra ghost hunt. Not only will it remind people that
you aren’t introducing the occult, but its all about fun.
Marketing:
Library newsletter and website, which is all you need as people will literally come out of the woodwork to attend this program. I’ve
done in four or five times, not just with seniors, but with teens too. Patrons who didn’t know the library even existed will come as if
making a trek to Mecca. Be prepared to be overwhelmed.
Program Title: Meet the Beatles
Program Description:
An informal look at all aspects of The Beatles (their songs, films, album concepts, fiction, poetry, theater, essays, cartoons, and
more). We’ll look at the history, the myths, the legends, the secrets, the lies, and the reality of it all. M.L. Liebler, professor at Wayne
State University, will lead the discussion and supply rare essays and writings of The Beatles in addition to seldom seen Video/DVD
footage. Registration is required. Something that grandparents will want to bring their grand kids too.
Topics:
The Beatles
Pop Music
Speakers:
Local expert or professor
Record store owner
Musician
Radio DJ
The librarian
Basics:
Length – 5 part series at 1 hour each
Theater style seating
LCD projector w/laptop, audio equipment for playing CDs or DVDs
Extras:
Beatles book (of which there are no shortages) display for checkout
Decorate room with posters
Get the audience involved by asking them where they were when the Beatles appeared on Ed Sullivan
Encourage patrons to bring their own memorabilia and stories to share
Marketing:
In addition to marketing in library newsletter and website, hit the residential homes, and the senior center.
Program Title: Monopoly Tournament
Program Description:
Monopoly Tournament for Seniors. Prizes will be awarded to winners.
Topics:
Board Games
Speakers:
You, the librarian
Basics:
Set up tables or game tables for four players at each.
Go over the game rules, explain challenges will work. Each player will be responsible for managing their own properties and money,
and chose one player to be banker or assign a volunteer.
You will have to set up a time limit for each round as Monopoly can drag on forever, but generally keep it to 30 to 40 minute rounds.
Registration should be for 24 players. Follow the instructions for hosting a Monopoly Tournament provided by Hasbro.
Hasbro will mail for free enough brand-new copies of Monopoly for you to use for your tournament.
In addition, they will send a separate box with 4 other new board games that you can use to give out as prizes.
Do not wait to the last minute to submit the proper documentation. You want to make sure you have the games and prizes in hand
in advance.
This is a long day. The tournament will take a few hours to complete.
Extras:
Serve refreshments between rounds and provide pizza or a giant party sub at the half-way point.
If you can’t afford pizza, contact the local pizza establishment or chain and ask for a donation. You’ll be surprised at what you will
receive.
Marketing
Distribute flyers to churches, day care centers, senior centers, apartment complexes.
This program is great to take on the road to nursing homes or senior centers, and senior residential facilities.
Program Title: Nintendo Wii for Seniors – Not Your Grandkids’
Nintendo Anymore!
Program Description:
Put your virtual bowling skills to the test. If you are not familiar with the Wii, please join us for our kick off event. We will be setting
up bowling leagues, golf, tennis, and more. Wii approximates the motion of the games you enjoy because it requires players to
swing a motion-detector controller like a bowling ball, tennis racquet, or golf club. This is the hottest thing going! Everyone is
welcome to participate and become part of the fun. Don't let your grandkids have all the fun!
Topics:
Video Gaming
Speakers:
You
Basics:
Nintendo Wii (retails for $250 – If you can’t afford it, ask the Friends to purchase it)
At least four Wii game controllers
TV or a big screen projector if you have it
Ideal for partnering with senior center, nursing home, or residential home
Be patient, this is a very hands-on project. Many of them probably never played a video game in their life
Extras:
You need to offer cold drinks as people will work up a thirst
Cookies, light snack
Marketing:
Both the library and senior center newsletters, distribute fliers at nursing homes, senior residential homes
To hype it, do a demonstration for your staff and the Friends of the library so they understand why the library is investing in it.
Program Title: Senior Lock-In
Program Description:
Together with the Chelsea Senior Center, join us for the first ever Senior lock-in at the library. The library will close at 6pm and
reopen at 6:30pm. We will feature a host of activities including a Hawaiian rib dinner, massage therapist, flower arranging with
Gigi’s Flowers, Fortune Teller, Nintendo Wii, and more. Don’t miss out on this exciting event. Space is limited so register now!
Topics:
Video Games
Food
Massage Therapy
Flower Arranging
Tarot cards
Card games
Speakers:
Local Flower shop owner
Local massage therapist
Senior center activities director
Adult Services Librarian
Tarot Reader
Basics:
If your library isn’t big enough, you may have to host this offsite at a residential facility or senior center
Cater in dinner
Set up programming room cafeteria style to serve dinner
Separate staging areas or rooms for the massage therapist, tarot reader, card tables (Bridge), Nintendo Wii, flower arranging activity
Stage lock-in on a Friday or Saturday night from 6:30 to 10pm
Program Title: Senior Lock-In
Extras:
Cold beverages and cookies for people to snack on since this is a long night
Make sure you recruit volunteers to help set up, coordinate, and clean up after everyone leaves
Marketing:
Library newsletter and website, distribute fliers at senior centers, nursing homes, and senior residential facilities
Notes:
The best senior program I’ve ever done, and maybe the first of its kind at any library
It’s expensive, but you can find ways to do it cheaper
Local History Programming
 Local history matters
 Preserving the history of the community
 Same concept as partnering, don’t wait for the information to come to you
 Rebrand the library by creating your own content
 Tie programming into your local history
 Great PR for the library
Oral History Projects
Program Description:
We experimented first by inviting three local veterans of WWII to participate in a panel discussion about their experiences
during WWII. To create hype for the event, we worked with the Chelsea Senior Center and staged a special luncheon to
honor our veterans. The luncheon was provided by and held at the CSC. The following week we invited the community to
come to the library for the panel discussion, which we captured on film.
We asked each veteran a series of questions and gave them time to respond. After, we encouraged the audience to ask
questions as well.
Why does this work?
Remember what I said about not waiting for the information to come to you, be in the business of creating content.
Rebrand the library and you’ll help us all remain relevant
As you know, WWII veterans are dying off at a rate of over 1000 per day. We wanted to take action and capture some local
hero’s testimonies and preserve it for historical record.
With our video editing software, our plan is to convert their testimonies to tape and burn them on a DVD which we will
then place in our collection. My dream was that 50 years from now their great, great, grandchildren could come in and see
for themselves their relative on tape.
Again, we are creating the content instead of waiting for it to come to us
Wonderful way for you to network and partner with local historical groups and museums, who often struggle for funding
themselves. We work together to achieve common goals and then share our materials
Can you imagine the goodwill you create in the community when sons, daughters, and grandchildren come back to us and
bend over backwards to thank us for recognizing their parent in this way. You can’t buy that kind of feedback
One Room Schoolhouse Project






Due to the success of this World War II project, the Chelsea Senior Center and the library partnered again and
we were recently awarded with a $6000 grant to do another, more extensive oral history project about oneroom school houses.
At one time, there were 24 one-room school houses in the Chelsea area. Our idea is to interview the students
and teachers about their experiences at these institutions. Although this started as a partnership, you better
believe this is something that the entire community is going to rally around, from the schools to the historical
museum.
The concept is the same. We have been interviewing and capturing on film these people and preserving it for
the historical record. There are even plans in place to create a book.
There has been a tremendous buzz and we have had people contacting us from all over the country, who grew
up in Chelsea and want to be a part of this special project.
To date, we have logged over 35 hours of video tape. Our plan is to condense that down into an hour long film
and house it in our collection and possibly promote it as a model to inspire other libraries
We staged special events to set up an environment in which to film former students and capture their stories,
including:
- Special luncheons
- A picnic at a local farm
- A visit to a one-room school house that is still functional and standing
One Room Schoolhouse Project