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Sunday, July 28, 2013

Late Nights at the Library: After-Hours Programming for Public Libraries


Presented by Jennifer Czajka, Library Assistant, Oak Park Public Library
Rebecca Malinowski, Librarian, Oak Park Public Library


Hi/Lo Tech Night (write-up: We are very excited to announce our first twenties and thirties program outside of our book discussion: Hi-Lo Tech Night, an evening of music and gaming. On November 15, in honor of National Gaming Day, genre X will be hosting an after hours event at the Oak Park Public Library from 7-11pm that incorporates both the hi and lo tech aspects of gaming and music. In one room we will have DJs spinning and Wii tourneys while in the other people will be able to challenge each other to board game tourneys while listening to their favorite mix tapes. And what better to bridge the two rooms but some hi-lo food and drink? Stay tuned for more details yet to come and please feel free to weigh in with your thoughts and suggestions!
Shaken & Stirred: A 20’s and 30’s Mixer LGBTQ-friendly speed dating (write-up: We know it’s hard to meet new people after college. Can you honestly think of a better place to meet someone than a library? Locking eyes over the Vonnegut section? Or maybe your hands brush while reaching for the last copy of Infinite Jest? Well, genre X is helping you out and shaking up traditional speed dating in an afterhours event open to all men and women in their 20s and 30s on Saturday, February 11th from 8:00-11:00 PM. Help yourself to a drink on the house before diving into the mix. You’ll mingle with everybody during three series of short mini-dates, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Flirt with potential dates and stir up some new friendships. Cool off between heats with a trip to the cash bar. After you’ve made the rounds, let us know who has piqued your curiosity, and we’ll let you know if they feel the same way. Preregister now – and do it quickly! We’re expecting available slots to fill up fast. Confirmations will be sent out starting February 3rd. Still have more questions? Check out some of our frequently asked questions below.) view the post at http://genre-x.com/shaken-and-stirred-a-20s-and-30s-mixer-at-the-oak-park-public-library/

Movieoke (write-up: Think of Movieoke as Karaoke’s tone-deaf cousin. If you’ve always craved the spotlight, but can’t sing a note, this is your night. Instead of singing along to a voiceless track, you’ll act along to recreate your favorite movie scenes-karaoke style. Just like karaoke, you’ll have monitor to follow just in case you don’t know every word to your favorite scene. We’ll have some liquid courage available at a cash bar, so this is a 21+ event. If you’re not sure you’re ready for the spotlight, enjoy the view from the audience. This free event is hosted by genre X, a 20s and 30s book club. http://genre-x.com/movieoke-a-20s-and-30s-event/
Teen Event once/month 7-9pm. Friday
Guitar Hero Tournament
Weird Science Adult Science Fair
Spell Yeah Spelling Bee for any age
Smarty Pants Trivia Night is a fundraiser. Teams register for $25.
Taste of Spain—chef demo
Dewey after Hours—a fundraiser by the Denver Public Library to select the signature drink for the library’s Booklover’s Ball. (http://denverlibrary.org/content/dewey-after-hours-0 )

When targeting the young adult audience, think about the demographics. They want to learn about something or learn how to do something. They want opportunities to meet people and opportunities to do something.

Try to start with one late night program per age group per year.
 Promoting programs—capture your audience with cultural references. Capitalize on nostalgia. Use multimedia to saturate the community. Promote it as a unique event. Give people incentives to bring guests.
Decorate the space. You need a roll of paper and fabric for a photo backdrop. Christmas lights to add lighting are nice, as are led candles. Include food and drink. You have to project an attitude. Decide on a catered or DIY bar. Will you need change?
Offer one free drink at the spelling bee—two for spellers. If you serve alcohol, the library will need a liquor license. If you start at 7, participants will have had dinner and you can serve snacks.

Measuring success:
Set participation goals. Use a public event survey that gives you demographic information and asks what kinds of events most interest the participant. Ask staff what advice they would give to someone doing this event in the future.

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