Special events and programming

• Special events are held once
• Programmes are ongoing over a period of time
• For more than one day, e.g. summer reading programs between July 1 and August 31

Why have special events and programming?

• Promote library 
• Raise profile 
• Create positive public relations with community 
• Create a potential interest for media coverage of library 
• Photo opportunities 
• Video-taping opportunities for future broadcast 

Programming 

• Types
• Informational 
• Cultural
• Recreational 
• Purpose 
• Motivate people to learn 
• Attract new clientele 
• People who didn’t think of going to the library for information or day-to-day activities 
• For different types of libraries
• Academic 
•  Instruction—linked to a particular course
• Orientation 
• Special 

Special events 

• Targeted to loyal clientele, new client groups, or both 
• E.g. ground-breaking ceremony, anniversary 
• Much planning is required 
• Committee 

Open house 

• Publicity
• Email
• Advertisements 
• Logistics 
• RSVPs?
• If tour, more than one person needs to be present
• Refreshments
• When
• Where 
• Evaluation 
• Guestbook 
• Did new clientele join? 
• Follow-up 
• Send thanks 
• Report on what occurred