PROGRAMMNG, OUTREACH, & MEDIA
Outreach
Community Engagement
Interacting with the community, and figuring how to best meet their needs with the library's resources is my favorite part of my job! I act as a liaison between the library and community groups - both in the library or wherever they meet. This allows me to advocate for the library and educate people on our services and facilities, and also create opportunities for programming and partnerships that we can share with everyone.
Seen on left: My Friday Night (after hours!) Social Club for Teens and Adults with Special Needs program singing karaoke in front of the green screen and painting. This is a Makerspace crossover program, and so much fun!
At the Library
Entertaining and Educational
Programming
I love library programming! I still attend programs at other libraries - both to learn something new and to get ideas of what to offer the community that I serve. I like to offer a variety of programs to draw all kinds of library users. The pandemic brought on a new challenge: engaging and meaningful virtual programming. There was a learning curve, but I was ultimately sucessful in maintainng our level of programs when people needed it most.
Makerspace
MakerSpace Team
One of the most exciting features of modern libraries is the MakerSpace! As part of the MakerSpace team, I planned collaborative programs that taught people about library resources and encouraged them to interact with emerging technologies.
Seniors
Engaging Seniors
Seniors are one of my favorite age groups to work with. They are enthusiastic users of the library's services. I really enjoyed working with East Hartford's senior center and partnering to offer targeted programs. I hosted a monthly book discussion at the senior center as well as Drop-In tech help sessions, where patrons could bring in devices or get help on the computer. The tech help program was such a great outreach for our services (and ebooks) that usually resulted in the person coming to the library for more help with our Book A Librarian program. It was a win-win!
Technology
Cutting Edge Programming
I love that as a librarian, I get to share the most up-to-date information with my patrons. For several years, there was a popular "cord cutting" program that many libraries in the state were hosting. When I found out that it would no longer be offered, I decided to develop a program on my own. It started as a way to inform people about devices and streaming services in the time surrounding the Christmas gifting season, but has turned into a popular program that I offer regularly. My Cut the Cord program often leads to a relationship with the patron, and they come back to me for continued tech help, or other library programs.
Newsletter
Informing the Community about Library Services
I created the library's newsletter from scratch, as a way to get the word out about our ongoing services and facilities. Released seasonally, it has recurring sections and features collections, art shows, databases, services and more!