FutureLibrary

Lights….camera….customers July 16, 2009

Hmm…now how to get young adults into the young adult area? Promote it on the web? Have a big sign? Shoot out a press release? No way Hosei. Play a movie. Recently I setup a viewing of Ms Rowling’s fifth installment to the delight of twenty or so well behaved YA’s.

As I stated in a previous post, “You wont need Sinatra to get ’em in”. In this case a popular movie would suffice. Hopefully, some of those youngsters will come back again, maybe to see another movie, maybe to read a book, try out the wireless, talk to their peers, it doesn’t matter. They are in.

Let’s extend this to other age groups. Throw in a few mystery thrillers, documentaries and general movies for those so inclined. Let’s move away from the traditional “library” focus of being quiet and well behaved to a centre of not only learning,  but enjoyment. If a place is not fun or engaging, your customers will not return, unless they have to. Why not throw in some entertainment. Start to transform your library from a serious finger wagging institution, into a vibrant community hub where learning can go hand in hand with entertainment.