Adult Programs in the Library

by Brett W. Lear

Programming is an important means of not only drawing new people to the library but also better serving existing patrons. Lear's invaluable guide to adult programs is back―and better than ever, with refreshed, expanded content and new ideas to reinvigorate programs and give them a 21st-century spin. This edition includes Walking the reader through every aspect of adult programming, this new edition of a tried-and-true book is truly a librarian’s best friend.

Genres: Nonfiction, Librarianship, Library Science

180 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2001

Reviews

[Aleya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this in my set aside professional development time at work. It's been a really great read through the past several weeks (or months... I forget when I started it). I've already taken some things learned from this book and applied it to my Library.

A great read for anyone wanting to have a pretty extensive look into how to do adult programs in the Library (thus the title). Glad I picked it up.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you work in a public library, here is an ESSENTIAL tool for you.
While the book is a second edition, the information is still current, despite a publication year prior to Pandemic.
The book guides the library person responsible for adult and senior programming STEP-BY-STEP.
From funding, to marketing, to inception, to presenters, to contracts, to surveys, to the timeline of planning, it is all LAID out for the reader very articulately and simply.

There are even multiple models featured at the back of the book.

Anyone who works in the public library should own this book, whether to give to new staff stepping into the role of programming specialist or adult services, refresh the programming department or give as a learning opportunity to someone interested in adult programming.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great review of documentation for preparing programs with partnership organization. Ideas for programs are good too.

[Erika · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can see how this could benefit some staff, but it was almost useless for me. Most of what he wrote was aimed at library systems that employ dozens of people, and not very helpful for libraries that have one programmer who also has to market their programs. I did find one program in the suggested ones at the end that I thought was a great idea.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a lot more detailed than I was looking for. I was hoping for more ideas of programs. But it is pretty comprehensive.

[Rhys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great introduction to adult programming in public libraries. I read this for my first library science class and I felt like it gave me a good idea of how to go about developing, promoting, and running programs with very little to no previous experience, though having library experience is helpful. It will definitely be a great resource for my final project (lol) and for my own preparation for leading programs at my own work. The author writes in a pleasant conversational tone and references his own experiences and--very nicely--those of colleagues and those he spoke to while writing the book. I can tell the book is a bit dated (published 2012, originally 2001; I'm reading in 2019) in regards to some technology portions, and especially with some links being defunct, but the guidance and ideas are just fine. Some parts of the textbook can be, perhaps, a little too idealistic or optimistic for me (in expecting and relying on certain things to turn out just fine), but I think this is a greater starter and foundation for adult programming in libraries.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very practical, slightly dated, resource. If you've planned more than a handful of programs before or attending other CE activities related to community partnerships, there won't be a lot of new content here. What is helpful are the examples of documents for program planning, evaluation, and data tracking.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a new Adult programmer I found so much helpful information in this book. It prompted many ideas for programs.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly helpful in seeing generally how the programming process works .

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a good starting point but certainly too comprehensive for my purposes.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for a class. It has a lot of great ideas for programming.

[Marina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had some great ideas, but could definitely do with a refresher. I'd love to see a 3rd edition that is more up-to-date on current technology and the future of adult programming.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is set up really well, and the programs are great...if you work in a public library. If you work in an academic/community college library, like I do, then only a few of these programs might work for you. I am going to try one of them, one of the crafting programs, modified a bit, in a few months, but for the most part, I couldn't find a whole lot to use. But this would be a great resource for a public librarian.

[Christa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource for librarians who need ideas for library programs. This comprehensive book gives current information about events other libraries have tried and succeeded. It also includes forms and other advice to create the same type of program in your library.

[Clearwater Public Library System · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource for librarians to develop, plan, promote, and produce programs for the library and beyond.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for LIS 418

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good resource. Photocopied a lot of the sample forms and took some good program ideas!