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Here for You

Here for You. Bringing non-traditional users to the library and strengthening social cohesion in rural communities. George Stock Oxford County Library For Ontario Library Association Super Conference 2004. . Harrington. Oxford County. Oxford County Library. 18 branches: one town

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Here for You

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  1. Here for You Bringing non-traditional users to the library and strengthening social cohesion in rural communities George Stock Oxford County Library For Ontario Library Association Super Conference 2004

  2. . Harrington Oxford County

  3. Oxford County Library 18 branches: • one town Ingersoll population 11,000 • 17 villages populations 2,500 to 109 • floor space 12,000 to 370 square feet.

  4. Here for You • Funded by Ontario Works and HRSD (then HRDC) • One program coordinator, one children’s services coordinator • Purpose: To attract low income families to the library and improve social cohesion

  5. A Market Approach The product (service) offered must address the needs and characteristics of the target group

  6. Characteristics of Target Group • Low income • Lack information resources, connection to resources • Different class “rules” • Value family • Low literacy • Stigmatized, socially excluded • Negative experiences in government and learning settings

  7. Design of Activities • Free admission • Emphasis on family activities • Fun-filled • Food/snack • Free draws • Low risk • Outside library • Subtle references to reading/learning • No social differentiation

  8. Free Family Fun Days • “Art by Squirt”

  9. Free Family Fun Days • “Chalk a Walk”

  10. Free Family Fun Days • “Fall Thing”

  11. Free Family Fun Days • “Festive Family Fun”

  12. Free Family Fun Days • Clowns

  13. Free Family Fun Days • Popcorn, snacks, soft drinks

  14. Free Family Fun Days • Face-painting, tattoos, balloons

  15. Free Family Fun Days • Storytime often leads to spontaneous reading

  16. Advertising • Posters • Bulk mail - everyone included, minimal cost • Schools - wallet cards (“Kids: Bring your parents”) • Minimize words, include pictures of location, activities; highlight keywords “free”, “family”, “fun”

  17. They say there’s nothing to do

  18. They say…. • Local content (celebrates community) • Addresses but challenges mindset • Nostalgic component (“we used to do that when we were kids”) • Promotes family values • Something for everybody

  19. Free draws • Low risk way to collect participation data • Increases excitement • Books as prizes

  20. Targeted events • “Red Hot Wheels” • “Facts on Snacks” • “Drop in to be Well Aware” • “Map Your Farm” • “Net a Job”

  21. “I Spy” Community Scavenger Hunts • Family-oriented. • Local questions relating to history, businesses, services, amenities, unique characteristics. • For fun. Prizes awarded based on draws. All participants given completion certificates • Prizes donated by local businesses, individuals, organizations. I SPY BURGESSVILLE

  22. Numbers • 24 Family Fun events 1766 • 26 Family information sessions 252 • 13 Community Scavenger Hunts 600+

  23. Impact Indicators • 34% of family fun event participants attended library only semi-annually or less frequently • first 6 events and 7 scavenger hunts known to result in 37 new cards issued • first 6 family fun events: 147 attended who were not previous library users • anecdotal evidence

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