MHLS - Adult Programming

Library program ideas for adults are everywhere! Look around your library and your community for inspiration. Some people may do programs at no cost but the library should be prepared to at least offer a small honorarium or a contribution to their organization

MHLS Resources

Bi-Folkal Kits (Great for intergenerational programs)
EZ Library Program database (Choose Adult in Audience drop down menu)
MHLS Professional Collection resources
Programming site
Summer Reading for Adults (Can be adapted to programs throughout the year)

Community Resources

These community organizations may offer outreach speakers. (This is not a complete list, but a start to inspire further exploration.)

AARP
Arts Councils (Under Program Ideas)
Authors (local)
Bar Associations (Elder Law, Estate Planning)
Central Hudson Gas and Electric (Energy choices)
Cornell Cooperative Extension (Nutrition, Finances, Gardening, Child Care and more)
Financial Planning
- Robin Vaccai-Yess - Certified Financial Planner: offers seminars on financial liberty and independence. View list of seminars & speaking engagements.
Genealogy
Government agencies (Office for Aging, Health Departments, Law Enforcement [ Sheriffs | State Police], Soil and Water Conservation)
Historical Societies
Hobby Associations/Clubs (or local residents with willingness to share their favorite pastime)
- Astronomy (Mid-Hudson Club-New Paltz)
- Bird Watchers-Hudson Valley | Capital Region
- Chess
- Collectors [stamps, coins, cards, dolls, miniatures, models, rocks-MH Society]
- Computers
- Genealogy
- Geocaching
- Ham Radio
- Historical Re-enactors
- Homebrewing
- Letterboxing (Local person to do program)
- Magicians
- Needle workers
- Paranormal phenomenon (Hudson Valley group)
- Quilters
- Society for Creative Anachronism (Area group)
- Sportsmen (hunting, fishing, fly tying, etc,)
- Weavers
- Woodworking
- Writing
League of Women Voters
Local colleges (Professors may be willing to talk about subjects of interest,)
Nursing homes (Some have speakers)
Panel discussions - Invite area residents who have expertise in different aspects of local issues--zoning,
Red Cross (First Aid, Babysitting, Disaster Planning and more)
Social Security Administration presentations on all issues covered by this agency (SS, retirement, Medicare, disability comp.)
- Columbia & Greene counties, Thomas Catchpole @ 518-828-5411
- Dutchess & Putnam counties, June Gillespie @ 452-3646 x250
- Ulster, Edward Sarkies

Other idea sources

ALA Public Programs Office (w/grant opportunities)
Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki
Movie nights | Public Performance license info
Not Just for Kids: Cultivating Adult Programs by Jennifer Johnston
WebJunction-Serving Immigrants
WebJunction-Serving Older Patrons

Tips

Article about dealing with "free" library programs offered by local business people. Written by Debra Shon (PPL staff) in Public Libraries, Nov./Dec. 2006 How Will This Serve the Community (Find article in HomeAccess)
Cultivating Adult Programs (Jennifer Johnston)
Local issues forums
- Be sure to include panel members who represent all sides of local issues.
Local media resources
- Read local papers and listen to radio/TV to identify people who do programs for other organizations. Ask same person or find another person to duplicate same type of program.
New residents
- Offer programs that acquaint new residents with community resources, including library.
- See EZ Library Program database for samples. (Search New Resident)
Patrons and staff as potential program presenters
- Observe patrons who ask questions or borrow materials on specific subjects, determine their level of expertise and ask them to present programs on those topics.
- Tap staff with specific skills/hobbies. (Be sure to offer them an honorarium or comp time for their service, so they don't feel obligated to do this.)
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