A Year of Programs for Millennials and More

by Amy Alessio, Katie LaMantia, Emily Vinci

Overview

Needless to say, programming for teens can be a dubious fit for library users in their 20s; and what appeals to Baby Boomers isn't necessarily ideal for those in their 30s and 40s. Millennials deserve their own programs. This handy guide specifically targets those on the cusp of the born-digital generation and their peers, offering up a year's worth of programming suitable for both public and academic libraries. Organized by monthly clubs or monthly themed events, a format that makes planning and execution a snap, this resource Provides an overview of what those in their 20s, 30, and 40s want from libraries and how best to reach them Gives tips for extending popular teen programs to older teens and those in their 20s Presents start-to-finish programs sure to be a big draw, such as a "pub trivia" night, recipe scrapbooking meetup, retro craft club, old school gaming sessions, writer's workshops, and community college networking events Shows how to program on a tight budget by making the most of the library's existing collection and resources Offers tips on marketing, outreach, and followup The fun and popular programs contained in this guide will help libraries become social and cultural cornerstones for the millennials in their communities.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780838913321
Publisher:	American Library Association
Publication date:	05/27/2015
Pages:	216
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.46(d)

Editorial Reviews

11/01/2015
Librarians struggling to find original ideas for adult programs will welcome this volume by Alessio (teen librarian, Schaumburg Twp. Dist. Lib., IL; coauthor, Club Programs for Teens), Katie LaMantia, and Emily Vinci (both, Schaumburg Twp. Dist. Lib.). Millennials, broadly defined by the authors as patrons ranging in age from their late teens through their forties, can be a difficult audience to attract to libraries; programs that appeal to parents may not interest students, for example. This handbook contains 50 program ideas, arranged by month. Each plan outlines preparation time, length of program, number of patrons, and suggested age range. There is a shopping list included, along with detailed set-up instructions, variations for customizing the agenda for a particular age group, and ideas for promotion. Craft brewing, decluttering, shark week, and activities for underserved groups are among the themes. Ten program ideas that can be turned into ongoing clubs are also supplied—a 5K club, trivia nights, and a service club are but a few that could develop a regular following. VERDICT This gem of a resource for librarians at public libraries will appeal to those designing programs with budget and staff constraints.—Susan Belsky, Oshkosh P.L., WI

Library Journal