Friday, August 12, 2016

50+ Popular Programming for Adults



So, you're planning programming for the adults in your library and you're looking to change it up? From time to time, this question is posed on the awesome Programming Librarian Interest Group and librarians respond with lots of great possibilities. I thought I'd compile a list and share. Perhaps some of these ideas might work for your library?

Local

1. Local History Talks/Presentations
2. Local History Walk
3. Genealogy

DIY Crafts

1. Paper Making
2. Stab Binding Books
3. Christmas Ornaments
4. Shibori Scarves
5. Water Color Scarves
6. Soy Candles 
7. Glycerin Soap 
8. Beading
9. Altered Books

Technology

1. Digital Photography Classes
2. How to Use Facebook/Pinterest/Instagram/Snapchat, etc. 
3. iPhoneography (taking and editing pics with iPhone)
4. Intro to Windows 10

Food

1. Cookbook Club
2. Cooking Classes
3. Soup Night / Pie Night (patrons bring in food to share)
4. Rose Hip Jelly Making
5. Downton Abbey Tea
6. Wine Tasting
7. Edible Book Contest

Presenters

1. Paranormal/Haunted Presentations
2. Pet Psychic
3. Professional Headshots for Facebook Profiles
4. Discovering New England Stone Walls
5. Falconry
6. Beekeeping and Honey Tasting
7. Yoga
8. Meditation
9. Veteran Author Talks
10. Living History Performances and Re-enacting

Educational

1. Car Seat Safety Program
2. Business Networking/Speed Networking
3. Job Prep (Resume writing, Mock interviews)
4. DIY Home Repair
5. Pearl Harbor (75th anniversary in December)
6. Show Great Courses Lectures 
7. Interior Design
8. Travel on a Budget
9. Identity Theft
10. Etsy/eBay
11. DIY Bike Repair

Gardening

1. Gardening Presentations
2. Plant Swap
3. DIY Terrarium

Writing

1. Publishing Your Writing
2. Writing Memoirs
3. Open Mic Nights

Fun / Entertainment

1. Family Movie Nights
2. Star Trek Program (50th Anniversary is coming soon)
3. Introduction to Drones 
4. Bridge
5. Collectibles & Antiques
6. Plan the Perfect Staycation
7. Mah Jongg
8. Couponning
9. Coloring Books
10. Chinese New Year

Places for Partnerships

If you are looking to increase your attendance numbers, partnerships are a great way to do so:

  • America Red Cross (for blood drives hosted at libraries)
  • Local Senior Center
  • Local Historical Society
  • Local University (The outreach office may have someone willing to do social media programs)
  • Local Stores (Drones, DIY Home Repairs/Renovations)

Additional Reading

Want more ideas? Check out:


List Source

The list above was pulled from these discussions: Discussion #1 and Discussion #2. You need to be a member of the Programming Facebook Group to be able to read them. Thanks to all of the librarians who shared their wisdom!

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