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SJCLC Programming on a shoe string budget

The East Brunswick Public Library (EBPL), serving a diverse population of 47,000, has transformed its adult programming since 2006 despite budget constraints. Focused on creating memorable experiences, EBPL aims to connect patrons with the library emotionally. With a rich history and a reputation as a community hub, the library has successfully implemented various events like outdoor concerts, themed weeks, and storytelling festivals, all while emphasizing collaboration, volunteer involvement, and effective promotion techniques. Learn how passion and creativity can lead to impactful programming!

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SJCLC Programming on a shoe string budget

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  1. SJCLCProgramming on a shoe string budget SJRLC Programming on a shoestring budget Carol Nersinger East Brunswick Public Library

  2. Background on EBPL • Suburban, professional • Population 47,000 • Excellent school district • Increased community diversity • Town is built out • No Main St. or center

  3. Background on EBPL • Well supported and funded • Well used & good reputation • Building 30 years old & run down • Considered community center • Didn’t start adult programming until January 2006!!

  4. Why did we decide to go gangbusters with adult programming?

  5. Library Director’s Reasons • It’s about the experience • It’s about the emotional memories • People do not remember actual facts • They remember emotionally and they connect that emotion to organization/event

  6. What most people say to me when they find out I’m a librarian: • I swear I returned my book! • I still owe money to the library from 1969! • I got yelled at by the librarian when I was a kid. • Heidi’s story

  7. What emotions/experiences I want patrons to connect with the library • Fun • Exciting • I feel like I belong here • Changed my life • I met my wife/husband at the library • Celebration (escape bad times)

  8. Your local public library: it’s a happening place

  9. Questions to ask: • Does your Mayor (or other funding officials) come to your events? • When your Mayor has to choice which event to attend, is the choice obviously the library? • Why or what is the purpose of your programming • Crisis • New building • Declining traffic

  10. People love it!

  11. You need to be passionate about programming: • Otherwise, there are so many excuses: • It might snow • It’s the holiday season • People will be on vacation • Our customers are “different” • Our customers go to NYC or Philly for programs • It’s the Rec departments job • We tried it and it doesn’t work

  12. How to get started or improve your lineup • Start with the easy stuff • Events vs. programs • How tough is your crowd? • Have a built in audience • Develop a reputation • Have staff do programming – meditation • Copy, copy, copy

  13. Details • Timing – you need to experiment • Content/subject – may be tied into timing • Involve other groups/associations • Involve all staff • To register or not to register, that is the question • Chairs

  14. Full disclosure • You can do it little money & staff • Start slow • Or • Big impact events • EBPL does not do it on a shoe string • Big impact events & many programs at the same time • We have sponsors, staff & Friends • I don’t actually do the work

  15. What has worked for us • Music – but not as successful for children • Outdoor summer concerts • Comedian • How to do it • Programs with partners • Films – foreign & fine (Middlesex & Union) • 12 foreign films per year • Events

  16. Events • First event was Friday night from 5 to 7 pm during February • Wasn’t in newsletter • Sponsor • Sort of “grand re-opening” • Food • Multiple activities/entertainment • 1000 people attended

  17. Other events • Harry Potter night • Library birthday party week • Healthy Halloween • India Week • Israeli month • Spring Health Fair • Ice cream Social

  18. Specialized events • Storytelling festival • Puppetry festival

  19. Details • Keep it short • Get sponsors and/or discounts • Volunteers – use teens! • Go with the flow • Plan B if it’s outside • Lot of work but cheaper per person than paid programs

  20. More details • Try to plan ahead • Sell tickets for food • Repeat successful programs, but be careful you don’t do the same thing for 20 years • Use holidays/school closings to your advantage • Consider doing events outside library hours

  21. Building a reputation • Repeat events - predictability • Calendar for the year • If you do a good job, it will happen faster than you think • People will look for things to attend • You need to become a machine if you want to do a lot of programs

  22. Promotions • Newsletter – mailed to every household • Cable TV • Library program • PSAs • Bulletin board • This Week in East Brunswick

  23. More promotions • Website • Emails • Facebook • Press releases • Handouts/posters • Paid ads • Word of mouth

  24. Questions? Have fun!

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