Outreach Librarians Denver 2010

 An Outreach Program designed to reach underserved children and 

their families.

Outreach is fun!

Who we are

Intergalactic Outreach Librarian

Our Beautiful Bookmobile

Great Staff of the KSA Libraries

Twylla at Heritage Place Lobby Stop

History

• Planning  - Why FYL?• What was our motivation?• What were the obstacles to success?• How would we fund this project?• Positive Outcomes

– Formed new library initiatives– Strengthened community partnerships

• The demand for services at the Women’s Center in Kootenai County increased by 300% from 2000 to 2006.  

• According to US Census 2005 data under the “percentage of families and people whose income in the past 12 months is below the poverty level,” 18.3% of “all families” with children under five years of age live in poverty in Kootenai County, and 48.5% of “families with female householders” with children under 5 live in poverty. 

Making Contact

New Initiatives• What we knew when we started 

• Where will your efforts make the most impact?

FYL Objectives• Foster partnerships

• Include neighboring communities

• Share grant outcomes with Library community

• FYL will serve as an outreach model

• FYL will provide services from a central location to surrounding communities

• Improve access to library programs and services

Marketing Objectives

• Increase awareness• Improve access to library programs and services

• “Marketing From Your Library is critical to its success because reaching new demographics and building relationships between underserved communities and library outreach staff requires innovative approaches.”

S.W.O.T.

SWOT: Marketing Teacher.com at http://marketingteacher.com/lesson-store/lesson-swot.html

Strengths and Weaknesses 

Opportunities• What current trends are happening in your community?

• Partners-who are they and how can you build on current relationships or garner new ones.

• What kinds of programming gaps exist 

in your community?

Threats 

• Difficult economy • Fear of social institutions, like schools and

libraries.• Competition for attention - people have busy

chaotic lives, and limited resources. • The negative image of libraries – fines – scary

librarians.  

Great staff is key to great programs!

Importance of Partnerships

Northern Lakes Fire Department

Habitat for HumanityLibrary staff and families

Partnerships 

• A collaborative approach to outreach –• The cycle of outreach• Gathering support• Tools needed

Five Steps to Get Started With New Outreach Initiatives

• Plan and plan again.  Think long term.• Dedicate staff hours• Consider tangible items• Funding- short term, long term and budget implications

• Partnerships

Partnership Circles

What’s Changed Since FYL?  

Kids doing a craft on the Bookmobile

at Day of the Child

Sarah from the MAC presenting the “Age of Elegance” Trunk

Children and families attending community events

Karin on the Bookmobile atDay of the Child

“A Day at the Farm”

Charlie on the Bookmobile

Where are we now??

Thank you!

• Twylla Rehdertrehder@cin.kcl.org208-772-7405

• Karen Yotherkarens@cin.kcl.org208-772-5612, ext 121