How do you create successful library programs for children and teens?

1 Know your audience

Before you start planning your library programs, you need to know who you are serving and what they want. Conduct surveys, focus groups, or interviews with your target audience and their caregivers to find out their preferences, needs, and expectations. You can also use data from your library system, such as circulation statistics, attendance records, and feedback forms, to identify trends and gaps in your services. Knowing your audience will help you tailor your programs to their interests, abilities, and learning styles.

2 Set clear goals and outcomes

Every library program should have a clear purpose and a measurable impact. Define your goals and outcomes for each program, such as increasing reading skills, promoting diversity, or enhancing creativity. Use the SMART framework to make your goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For example, a goal for a summer reading program could be to increase the number of books read by children and teens by 10% by the end of August. Having clear goals and outcomes will help you plan your activities, budget, and resources, as well as evaluate your success.

3 Choose engaging formats and topics

The format and topic of your library program should match your audience's interests and needs, as well as your goals and outcomes. You can choose from a variety of formats, such as workshops, clubs, games, crafts, storytimes, or book talks. You can also select topics that are relevant, timely, or appealing to your audience, such as hobbies, hobbies, culture, history, or current events. You can also collaborate with other organizations, such as schools, museums, or local businesses, to offer programs that showcase their expertise or resources. The key is to choose formats and topics that are engaging, interactive, and fun for your audience.

4 Promote your programs effectively

You can have the best library programs in the world, but if no one knows about them, they won't be successful. You need to promote your programs effectively to reach your target audience and attract their attention. You can use various channels and methods to promote your programs, such as flyers, posters, newsletters, social media, website, or word-of-mouth. You can also partner with other organizations, such as schools, community centers, or media outlets, to spread the word about your programs. The key is to use clear, catchy, and consistent messages that highlight the benefits and features of your programs.

5 Evaluate your programs regularly

You need to evaluate your programs regularly to measure their impact and effectiveness. You can use various tools and methods to collect and analyze data, such as surveys, feedback forms, observation, or interviews. You can also use quantitative and qualitative indicators, such as attendance, satisfaction, learning outcomes, or behavior change. You should compare your data with your goals and outcomes, and identify what worked well and what needs improvement. You should also share your results and recommendations with your stakeholders, such as patrons, staff, or partners. Evaluating your programs will help you improve your services and demonstrate your value.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?