Fiction_L Archives Programs? Dates: 4/8/02,7:25 PM  through  4/10/02,11:02 AM  (17 postings) Search for: Select one or more indexes to search: 2011-current     2009-2010     2004-2008    1995-2003    (Matches from each index will be displayed separately in the results page.) Return to April 2002 thread menu   |   Fiction_L Archives Menu

FROM: Carol Elmore <[removed]@westga.edu>
REC'D: 4/8/02, 7:25 PM

My bookclub wanted to know if the poor attendance at library programs is
just a local problem or if it is a sign of the times?
In other words, are you finding fewer people attending library programs
and if some are more popular than others, which are the popular ones?
I realize this isn't a "fiction" question, but my bookclub was curious and
since this group represents a wide geographical area I told them I would
throw the question out to the group. Most of those at the book discussion
seemed to feel people just don't venture out as much as they once did.
Feel free to contack me off-list.
Thanks,
Carole Elmore
Newnan-Coweta Public Library
Newnan, GA

FROM: "Johnson, Micaela" <[removed]@ARLS.org>
REC'D: 4/9/02, 8:04 AM

Yes --we seem to be having the same problem at our library programs. Not
overall library attendance however. Not sure exactly what the cause is --
am hoping the SRP will help us out and get our programming numbers up (as
even adults sometimes attend these).
If anyone knows why --please post the answer -I would love to hear what
every one else thinks the problem is.
Micaela G. Johnson

Admit Nothing
Deny Everything
Make Counter Accusations

> ----------
> From: Carol Elmore[[removed]@westga.edu]
> Reply To: Fiction_L
> Sent: Monday, April 08, 2002 8:23 PM
> To: Fiction_L
> Subject: Programs?
>
> My bookclub wanted to know if the poor attendance at library programs is
> just a local problem or if it is a sign of the times?
> In other words, are you finding fewer people attending library programs
> and if some are more popular than others, which are the popular ones?
> I realize this isn't a "fiction" question, but my bookclub was curious and
> since this group represents a wide geographical area I told them I would
> throw the question out to the group. Most of those at the book discussion
> seemed to feel people just don't venture out as much as they once did.
> Feel free to contack me off-list.
> Thanks,
> Carole Elmore
> Newnan-Coweta Public Library
> Newnan, GA
>
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>

FROM: "Diane Giarrusso" <[removed]@mailserv.mvlc.lib.ma.us>
REC'D: 4/9/02, 8:15 AM

We have this issue in our urban library. Our situation has been complicated
for the past 2 years because we were in a temporary space while our historic
building was being renovated. We're hoping attendance will pick up once we
reopen (in early May) Parking is often cited as a problem for patrons, but I
also think some traditional library programs are not as interesting to our
patrons now as they were in the past. Programs need to really "speak" to
people in order for them to rearrange schedules and make our offerings a
priority. Our book group and story times are doing fine, but IMHO, we need
to rethink the other things we offer patrons.

Diane H.C. Giarrusso
Coordinator of Community Planning
Pollard Memorial Library
401 Merrimack Street
Lowell, MA 01852
978-970-4120 x4118
978-970-4117 fax
[removed]@mailserv.mvlc.lib.ma.us
----- Original Message -----
From: "Carol Elmore" <[removed]@westga.edu>
To: "Fiction_L" <[removed]@maillist.webrary.org>
Sent: Monday, April 08, 2002 8:23 PM
Subject: Programs?


> My bookclub wanted to know if the poor attendance at library programs is
> just a local problem or if it is a sign of the times?
> In other words, are you finding fewer people attending library programs
> and if some are more popular than others, which are the popular ones?
> I realize this isn't a "fiction" question, but my bookclub was curious and
> since this group represents a wide geographical area I told them I would
> throw the question out to the group. Most of those at the book discussion
> seemed to feel people just don't venture out as much as they once did.
> Feel free to contack me off-list.
> Thanks,
> Carole Elmore
> Newnan-Coweta Public Library
> Newnan, GA
>
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html

FROM: "Susan T. Byra" <[removed]@emrl.lib.ms.us>
REC'D: 4/9/02, 8:47 AM

I think it's not so much that people don't venture out, it's that they
venture out too much - jobs, driving kids to extracurricular stuff, etc.
- that they don't want to leave home once they finally get there to go
to some program that may or may not be interesting to them. also, a lot
of times because of scheduling, it is impossible for them to come. How
many bosses would let their employees go to the library during work
hours to hear a program on mystery books for example? I'll wager not
even a handful, and I'd bet they'd all be librarians!

Susan

--
Susan T. Byra, MLS
Director, East Miss. Regional Library

Now I believe that there are unicorns - William Shakespeare

FROM: Jo-Ann Roy <[removed]@yahoo.com>
REC'D: 4/9/02, 9:29 AM

We do a weekly speaker series Monday mornings,
September through May. We have speakers on a wide
range of topics. It has been going on for many years
and usually has high attendance. The audience
consists mostly of retired adults and senior citizens.
We have the regulars who come just about every week
regardless of topic, and then there are some who come
when interested in a particular topic. Many come
early to socialize and have tea, coffee, and Dunkin'
Donuts munchkins.

Jo-Ann Roy
Beverly Public Library
Beverly, MA


--- Carol Elmore <[removed]@westga.edu> wrote:
> My bookclub wanted to know if the poor attendance at
> library programs is
> just a local problem or if it is a sign of the
> times?
> In other words, are you finding fewer people
> attending library programs
> and if some are more popular than others, which are
> the popular ones?
> I realize this isn't a "fiction" question, but my
> bookclub was curious and
> since this group represents a wide geographical area
> I told them I would
> throw the question out to the group. Most of those
> at the book discussion
> seemed to feel people just don't venture out as much
> as they once did.
> Feel free to contack me off-list.
> Thanks,
> Carole Elmore
> Newnan-Coweta Public Library
> Newnan, GA
>
>
>
......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L:
http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Tax Center - online filing with TurboTax
http://taxes.yahoo.com/

FROM: "Judi Crowley" <[removed]@hampstead.lib.nh.us>
REC'D: 4/9/02, 9:51 AM

We have been plagued with poor attendance for the last 2 or 3 years. Also
declining circulation. This year however, there has been a 15-20% increase
in all numbers that we track, including program attendance, circulation and
reference. I think people had money and enjoyed spending it. They had the
idea that "If it doesn't cost anything, it isn't valuable, and I see no
reason to do it." Now that the economic situation is not so good, people
are back in the library, remembering the advantages of sharing resources.
Library usage statistics are traditionally counter cyclical. I don't like
the economics, but I have to admit, it seems to happen every time the
economy tanks!

Judi Crowley
Hampstead Public Library
Hampstead, NH 03841

----- Original Message -----
From: "Carol Elmore" <[removed]@westga.edu>
To: "Fiction_L" <[removed]@maillist.webrary.org>
Sent: Monday, April 08, 2002 8:23 PM
Subject: Programs?


> My bookclub wanted to know if the poor attendance at library programs is
> just a local problem or if it is a sign of the times?
> In other words, are you finding fewer people attending library programs
> and if some are more popular than others, which are the popular ones?
> I realize this isn't a "fiction" question, but my bookclub was curious and
> since this group represents a wide geographical area I told them I would
> throw the question out to the group. Most of those at the book discussion
> seemed to feel people just don't venture out as much as they once did.
> Feel free to contack me off-list.
> Thanks,
> Carole Elmore
> Newnan-Coweta Public Library
> Newnan, GA
>
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html

FROM: "Kay Mahoney" <[removed]@tolland.org>
REC'D: 4/9/02, 10:33 AM

We are in a young community so everything revolves around young children:
sports, young authors day, etc. People seem to be so tired from working
they do not want to go out at night. Many times people take the book
discussion choices and read the books but just want to discuss them one to
one with me with is exhausting. We get fewer people coming to all our
meetings.Kay Mahoney, Tolland Library, Tolland, CT

-----Original Message-----
From: [removed]@maillist.webrary.org
[[removed]@maillist.webrary.org]On Behalf Of Carol Elmore
Sent: Monday, April 08, 2002 8:24 PM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: Programs?


My bookclub wanted to know if the poor attendance at library programs is
just a local problem or if it is a sign of the times?
In other words, are you finding fewer people attending library programs
and if some are more popular than others, which are the popular ones?
I realize this isn't a "fiction" question, but my bookclub was curious and
since this group represents a wide geographical area I told them I would
throw the question out to the group. Most of those at the book discussion
seemed to feel people just don't venture out as much as they once did.
Feel free to contack me off-list.
Thanks,
Carole Elmore
Newnan-Coweta Public Library
Newnan, GA

FROM: Andrew Smith <[removed]@mail.wrl.org>
REC'D: 4/9/02, 11:37 AM

I know this doesn't get at all programming, but I found a real difference
in book group attendance when I did reminder calls/emails to group
members. One of our groups consists primarily of older retired women;
there is always a core of people for discussions, and some who have
unavoidable conflicts, so we never have 100% attendance. A second group,
with younger and working people, really benefits from reminders - the one
month I skipped them, we had the fewest by far of all sessions. Maybe
with all the potential conflicts, book group members just need to know
that their contribution is appreciated and their attendance missed.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

Andrew Smith [removed]@mail.wrl.org
Readers Services Librarian
Williamsburg Regional Library (757) 259-4050
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

On Mon, 8 Apr 2002, Carol Elmore wrote:

> My bookclub wanted to know if the poor attendance at library programs is
> just a local problem or if it is a sign of the times?
> In other words, are you finding fewer people attending library programs
> and if some are more popular than others, which are the popular ones?
> I realize this isn't a "fiction" question, but my bookclub was curious and
> since this group represents a wide geographical area I told them I would
> throw the question out to the group. Most of those at the book discussion
> seemed to feel people just don't venture out as much as they once did.
> Feel free to contack me off-list.
> Thanks,
> Carole Elmore
> Newnan-Coweta Public Library
> Newnan, GA
>
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>

FROM: "Joan Cales" <[removed]@wpl.org>
REC'D: 4/9/02, 11:37 AM

Our book group is pretty strong and steady. We have noticed an increase in
circ, which I think is both the economy and the desire for traditional
"entertainment" , if you will, after Sept. 11.

Overall, we have found that centering traditonal programming (book
discussions, lectures, etc.) around non-traditional programming like
exhibits or concerts gives us a theme to work with and the variety of
programming has a wider appeal to the public. We also do most of our
programming at non-traditional times, like evenings and weekends. While this
takes a different time committment from those of us that do the programming,
the return is worth it.


Joan Cales
Special Services Librarian
Winfield Public Library http://www.wpl.org
605 College 316-221-4470
Winfield, KS. 67156 Fax#316-221-6135

----- Original Message -----
From: "Carol Elmore" <[removed]@westga.edu>
To: "Fiction_L" <[removed]@maillist.webrary.org>
Sent: Monday, April 08, 2002 7:23 PM
Subject: Programs?


> My bookclub wanted to know if the poor attendance at library programs is
> just a local problem or if it is a sign of the times?
> In other words, are you finding fewer people attending library programs
> and if some are more popular than others, which are the popular ones?
> I realize this isn't a "fiction" question, but my bookclub was curious and
> since this group represents a wide geographical area I told them I would
> throw the question out to the group. Most of those at the book discussion
> seemed to feel people just don't venture out as much as they once did.
> Feel free to contack me off-list.
> Thanks,
> Carole Elmore
> Newnan-Coweta Public Library
> Newnan, GA
>
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>

FROM: "Jamie Anderson" <[removed]@ericandjamie.com>
REC'D: 4/9/02, 12:20 PM

We also do phone calls at my library to remind patrons of progams they have
registered for as well. However, this doesn't mean they'll show.

Our programming has been hit and miss lately. We have had several programs
recently that were maxed out with all people showing up and then some
programs that seemed like they would work, that haven't had much response at
all. Again, it's hit and miss, but for the most part we seem to have pretty
decent program attendance.

I worked in Children's Services prior to this job and our programs were
always full with waiting lists, though I can't speak for Children's Services
at my new library.

Jamie

On Mon, 8 Apr 2002, Carol Elmore wrote:

> My bookclub wanted to know if the poor attendance at library programs is
> just a local problem or if it is a sign of the times?
> In other words, are you finding fewer people attending library programs
> and if some are more popular than others, which are the popular ones?
> I realize this isn't a "fiction" question, but my bookclub was curious and
> since this group represents a wide geographical area I told them I would
> throw the question out to the group. Most of those at the book discussion
> seemed to feel people just don't venture out as much as they once did.
> Feel free to contack me off-list.
> Thanks,
> Carole Elmore
> Newnan-Coweta Public Library
> Newnan, GA
>
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>

FROM: Gay Anderson <[removed]@yahoo.com>
REC'D: 4/9/02, 12:42 PM

There is a book titled Bowling Alone that is
about this subject and says that this is a
national trend. It also affects service clubs
and other community groups. The title refers to
bowling leagues. The book is very dry reading,
but I felt better knowing it wasn't just our
library!

=====
Helena Township Public Library
8751 Helena Road
Alden, MI 49612

Phone: 231-331-4318
Fax: 231-331-4245
www.aldenlib.org

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Tax Center - online filing with TurboTax
http://taxes.yahoo.com/

FROM: "Carol Kubala" <[removed]@columbiapl.libct.org>
REC'D: 4/9/02, 1:14 PM

I also find that sending a reminder for our book discussions improves
attendance. Most of our participants like receiving an email message and there
are a few who prefer a postcard. This is quick and easy to do and makes everyone
in the group feel they are wanted at the discussion. Our group numbers about
10-16 attendees.

--
Carol Kubala
Adult Services Librarian
Columbia/Saxton B. Little Free
Voice 860-228-0350 Fax 860-228-1569

Andrew Smith wrote:

> I know this doesn't get at all programming, but I found a real difference
> in book group attendance when I did reminder calls/emails to group
> members. One of our groups consists primarily of older retired women;
> there is always a core of people for discussions, and some who have
> unavoidable conflicts, so we never have 100% attendance. A second group,
> with younger and working people, really benefits from reminders - the one
> month I skipped them, we had the fewest by far of all sessions. Maybe
> with all the potential conflicts, book group members just need to know
> that their contribution is appreciated and their attendance missed.
>
> *_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*
>
> Andrew Smith [removed]@mail.wrl.org
> Readers Services Librarian
> Williamsburg Regional Library (757) 259-4050
> _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
>
> On Mon, 8 Apr 2002, Carol Elmore wrote:
>
> > My bookclub wanted to know if the poor attendance at library programs is
> > just a local problem or if it is a sign of the times?
> > In other words, are you finding fewer people attending library programs
> > and if some are more popular than others, which are the popular ones?
> > I realize this isn't a "fiction" question, but my bookclub was curious and
> > since this group represents a wide geographical area I told them I would
> > throw the question out to the group. Most of those at the book discussion
> > seemed to feel people just don't venture out as much as they once did.
> > Feel free to contack me off-list.
> > Thanks,
> > Carole Elmore
> > Newnan-Coweta Public Library
> > Newnan, GA
> >
> >
> > ......................................................................
> > Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> > Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
> >
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html

FROM: "Cherry Young" <[removed]@amarillolibrary.org>
REC'D: 4/9/02, 1:14 PM

Attendance to our discussion groups has been pretty steady. Within the last
year, I started a new group that meets one Monday a month after storytime
that's called the mom's club. Mom's discuss the book selected for that month
for about an hour while the kids play. There is usually toys for the kids to
play with. I'm quite satisfied with the growth of this group.

As for other programming, it's pretty much hit or miss, with a few
exceptions. We recently enlisted the local Master Gardeners to do an 8 week
set of workshops on gardening with a focus on xeriscaping. We're in week 5
and I continue to be amazed at how well the turnout is. We run out of chairs
every week and there is usually 20 - 30 people standing in the back for the
entire program. They have a different speaker come every week from 12:15 -
12:45 Thursday and again with the same topic and speaker Saturday from
10:00 - 10:30. A large number of people attending are retired, but as we're
located downtown, many business people come on their lunch break.

Another program that does well is a monthly program one Tuesday evening from
7 - 9. It involves different speakers that come and speak on International
issues. Everything from one persons slide show and talk on a recent trip to
the orwellian Myanmar to a panel of local professors and clerics speaking on
the issues in Afghanistan.

Also, at one of our branches, there are two regular programs that are very
popular. One is based around quilting instruction and the other is cooking.
The quilting instruction is done by a librarian in the know and the cooking
programs are done by a county extension agent.

I hope this is helpful. I'm hoping to hear more responses about successful
programming. I'm always looking for new ideas and I've already gained a
couple from your replies. Thanks!

Cherry Young
Programming and Public Relations
Amarillo Public Library


-----Original Message-----
From: [removed]@maillist.webrary.org
[[removed]@maillist.webrary.org]On Behalf Of Carol Elmore
Sent: Monday, April 08, 2002 7:24 PM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: Programs?


My bookclub wanted to know if the poor attendance at library programs is
just a local problem or if it is a sign of the times?
In other words, are you finding fewer people attending library programs
and if some are more popular than others, which are the popular ones?
I realize this isn't a "fiction" question, but my bookclub was curious and
since this group represents a wide geographical area I told them I would
throw the question out to the group. Most of those at the book discussion
seemed to feel people just don't venture out as much as they once did.
Feel free to contack me off-list.
Thanks,
Carole Elmore
Newnan-Coweta Public Library
Newnan, GA

FROM: "Fiction_L Administrator" <[removed]@webrary.org>
REC'D: 4/9/02, 5:59 PM

I am the adult programming and a/v librarian here in Park Ridge. This past
fiscal year (May-April) had the highest statistics for program attendance
for the past 3 years. Even after September 11 the programs were well
attended. Some programs were SRO so I had to book the lecturer twice. Our
bookclub has had a higher attendance, too. So we have not seen a dropoff
in numbers. The two highest attended programs were a program on the
Chicago Art Institute's exhibit of Van Gogh & Gauguin and a visit by Harry
Truman's grandson called Remembering Grandpa. A film noir series I ran did
not do as well as I hoped but the numbers were respectable (in the 50's).
Our feature film series that runs every month has a very high attendance
(I've noticed a sad trend for library's to stop showing films at the library
- I think films and books go together like peanut butter & jelly), and a
program on the History of Amusement Parks, Improving Your Memory and music
recitals also did well. The programs are mostly attended by an older crowd
but the fact that our library is centrally located near restaurants and
shops may help.

I also have the support of a boss who will let me try different approaches
to programming, something I am grateful for as well as the patrons!

Gena K. Zelenka
A/V and Adult Programming Librarian
Reader Services
PARK RIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY
20 S. Prospect Ave.
Park Ridge, IL 60068
847-825-3123 x389
Fax: 847-825-0001
[removed]@park-ridge.lib.il.us <[removed]@park-ridge.lib.il.us>

FROM: Kaite Mediatore <[removed]@yahoo.com>
REC'D: 4/10/02, 9:06 AM

I am in a very urban setting, people prefer not to venture
to my neighborhood after dark so I tried a lunchtime book
group (Book Bites) reading mysteries. I heavily promoted it
to the business people in our area as well as the business
on the third floor of our building. I had three people come
to the first meeting, only one was not a staff member. For
subsequent meetings I had only one or none.

Right now I'm trying to promote a book group for "Cold
Sassy Tree" at three different locations, dates and times
in conjunction with our city's production of the opera of
the same name. I even have free opera tickets to give to
attendees. But it's not looking good for CST. I will not be
surprised if I don't get any people for at least one of the
discussions.

I have found that at my location, programs promoting books
and reading to adults are not popular at all. Minimal
attendance if any.

Programs that work well at my location are health, crafts,
young adult, children, finances, business, and anything
about African-Americans. The one on-going program we have
that's getting the best attendance is the African-American
book group. It's in its third year with at least 15 every
session. We have movie nights and chess nights that get
quite a few respondents and I produce a summer concert
series that gets a large turnout. But I'm at a loss to
program promoting our fiction collections.

It's good to read about programming at other libraries. I'm
getting lots of ideas for new things to try.

Kaite


-----Original Message-----
> From: [removed]@maillist.webrary.org
> [[removed]@maillist.webrary.org]On Behalf Of Carol
> Elmore
> Sent: Monday, April 08, 2002 8:24 PM
> To: Fiction_L
> Subject: Programs?
>
>
> My bookclub wanted to know if the poor attendance at
> library programs is
> just a local problem or if it is a sign of the times?
> In other words, are you finding fewer people attending
> library programs
> and if some are more popular than others, which are the
> popular ones?
> I realize this isn't a "fiction" question, but my
> bookclub was curious and
> since this group represents a wide geographical area I
> told them I would
> throw the question out to the group. Most of those at the
> book discussion
> seemed to feel people just don't venture out as much as
> they once did.
> Feel free to contack me off-list.
> Thanks,
> Carole Elmore
> Newnan-Coweta Public Library
> Newnan, GA
>
>
>
......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L:
> http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>
>
>
......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L:
http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html


=====
Kaite Mediatore, Reader's Services Librarian
KCKPL Main Branch
625 Minnesota Ave.
Kansas City, KS 66101
913.279.2067 fx 913.279.2032
[removed]@kckpl.lib.ks.us

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Tax Center - online filing with TurboTax
http://taxes.yahoo.com/

FROM: "Roberts, Julie" <[removed]@rolling-meadows.lib.il.us>
REC'D: 4/10/02, 9:38 AM

Hello Fiction_L'ers. At the Rolling Meadows Library, we have very good
attendance for our programs, and we are one of the Libraries that still do
show movies. We show pretty new ones, once a month, at 2pm and 6:30 pm.
They are mostly attended by older folks, especially at the earlier time.
Our Sunday music programs are very well attended. Julie A. Roberts
[removed]@rolling-meadows.lib.il.us

-----Original Message-----
From: Fiction_L Administrator [[removed]@webrary.org]
Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2002 3:18 PM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: Re: Programs?

I am the adult programming and a/v librarian here in Park Ridge. This past
fiscal year (May-April) had the highest statistics for program attendance
for the past 3 years. Even after September 11 the programs were well
attended. Some programs were SRO so I had to book the lecturer twice. Our
bookclub has had a higher attendance, too. So we have not seen a dropoff
in numbers. The two highest attended programs were a program on the
Chicago Art Institute's exhibit of Van Gogh & Gauguin and a visit by Harry
Truman's grandson called Remembering Grandpa. A film noir series I ran did
not do as well as I hoped but the numbers were respectable (in the 50's).
Our feature film series that runs every month has a very high attendance
(I've noticed a sad trend for library's to stop showing films at the
library
- I think films and books go together like peanut butter & jelly), and a
program on the History of Amusement Parks, Improving Your Memory and music
recitals also did well. The programs are mostly attended by an older crowd
but the fact that our library is centrally located near restaurants and
shops may help.

I also have the support of a boss who will let me try different approaches
to programming, something I am grateful for as well as the patrons!

Gena K. Zelenka
A/V and Adult Programming Librarian
Reader Services
PARK RIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY
20 S. Prospect Ave.
Park Ridge, IL 60068
847-825-3123 x389
Fax: 847-825-0001
[removed]@park-ridge.lib.il.us <[removed]@park-ridge.lib.il.us>

FROM: Ligonier Valley Library <[removed]@wpa.net>
REC'D: 4/10/02, 11:02 AM

Hi Gena:
Your programs sound great. I am interested in what you said about showing
feature films. We had a very active "Tuesday Afternoon at the Movies" program in
the 1980's and early 1990's. Attendance gradually dropped off after we added
our circulating video collection, and the Pennsylvania Film Center, where we
borrowed our 35mm films, closed in the mid 1990's. Do you rent films or use
films from your own collection? If you rent them, is the cost expensed to your
annual budget or do you receive grants to support this program? Do you show 35mm
films with a projector or do you use DVD's and an LCD projector? What types of
films are the most popular?
Thanks for your help
Janet Hudson
Ligonier Valley Library

Fiction_L Administrator wrote:

> I am the adult programming and a/v librarian here in Park Ridge. This past
> fiscal year (May-April) had the highest statistics for program attendance
> for the past 3 years. Even after September 11 the programs were well
> attended. Some programs were SRO so I had to book the lecturer twice. Our
> bookclub has had a higher attendance, too. So we have not seen a dropoff
> in numbers. The two highest attended programs were a program on the
> Chicago Art Institute's exhibit of Van Gogh & Gauguin and a visit by Harry
> Truman's grandson called Remembering Grandpa. A film noir series I ran did
> not do as well as I hoped but the numbers were respectable (in the 50's).
> Our feature film series that runs every month has a very high attendance
> (I've noticed a sad trend for library's to stop showing films at the library
> - I think films and books go together like peanut butter & jelly), and a
> program on the History of Amusement Parks, Improving Your Memory and music
> recitals also did well. The programs are mostly attended by an older crowd
> but the fact that our library is centrally located near restaurants and
> shops may help.
>
> I also have the support of a boss who will let me try different approaches
> to programming, something I am grateful for as well as the patrons!
>
> Gena K. Zelenka
> A/V and Adult Programming Librarian
> Reader Services
> PARK RIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY
> 20 S. Prospect Ave.
> Park Ridge, IL 60068
> 847-825-3123 x389
> Fax: 847-825-0001
> [removed]@park-ridge.lib.il.us <[removed]@park-ridge.lib.il.us>
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html

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