Planning Ahead
National Women’s History Month
Women’s contributions to history only began to be formally celebrated and recognized in the 1970s, and in 1981, a congressional resolution officially established a “National Women’s History Week.” In 1987, the National Women’s History Project worked to expand the celebration to the entire month of March and received strong bipartisan support from both houses of Congress. The theme for 2011 was “Our History Is Our Strength.” As the National Women’s History Project notes, “[t]he stories of women’s achievements are integral to the fabric of our history.”
Also in March: Don’t forget Teen Tech Week and Read Across America.
From the Blog
Deadline Extended for National Library Week Grant
Your library has something for everyone. This National Library Week, celebrate the ways your library provides a place where everyone belongs. The deadline for 2012 grant has been extended to Friday, October 28. U.S. libraries of all types are invited to apply for a $3,000 grant.
Cooking Up a Contest
Editor’s note: Tie this contest in with your cooking programs, or use it to inspire new programming. One commenter on the contest’s website mentioned that her library was hosting a recipe tasting to determine which recipe should be submitted—a great idea!
Feature
Boost Survey Results with Carefully Crafted Questions
The act of planning programs is a big job with a lot to consider. Where will you have your program? How big is the space? Do you need to limit guests; will you need to have them register ahead of time? Will weather or parking spaces be factors? Can you choose a date and time when there are not too many other conflicts for your target audience? How much staff time or money will you need? How will you evaluate the program’s success afterward? These are just some of the questions you need to answer as you plan.
However, there are many things to consider before you even start planning. Perhaps the biggest question is, What kind of program should I have? Your events will be more successful if you actually know what sorts of events the people in your service area want and need.
Too many library employees decide on programs based on these questions… Read more | Boost Survey Results with Carefully Crafted Questions
Poll
Quote of the Week
When I step into this library, I cannot understand why I ever step out of it.—Marie de Sevigne