3 P's of Programming

This month I've pared down my programming to just a few special programs -- "Paws For Reading", a program where therapy dogs come in and patiently listen to children read to them, and an outreach program at the local Boys & Girls' Club. In preparation for the library's busiest programming months -- June & July, when kids of all ages are out of school, May programs are minimal. But that doesn't mean I lay fallow. There are what I will call, "3 P's of Programming," the first two being my focus this month. The 3 P's are Planning, Promoting, and Presenting. The first two, if done well, will result in a successful 3rd. Most public librarians create, promote, and present their programs. In planning, I do things like reserving rooms, contacting guests, requesting checks for performers & materials from our FOL (Friends of the Library), pulling books, preparing hand-outs, and making props. Promoting involves creating & printing signs and flyers, posting signs, cutting & distributing flyers, talking to customers, booking groups in my service area for the programs, and informing library staff of programs coming up. Then, when all of this preparation is completed, it's time to actually hold a program. Presenting a program, aside from enjoying the kids and sharing books, involves setting up the room, putting out materials (CD player, books, props, hand-outs), thanking sponsors, engaging the audience, keeping statistics, and promoting upcoming programs. If it looks easy, it is after a few years of experience and getting organizational skills primed. If it looks fun, it is. Always. Sharing my enthusiasm for books and reading is absolutely the best part of my job.