Library patrons could learn about artisan chocolates by cracking open a book on the topic. Or they could visit their local library to attend a program presented by an experienced chocolatier on the subject.
In addition to books, local libraries offer a wealth of programs and performances on topics as varied as artisan chocolates, BMX bikes, antique appraisals, folk music, yoga for toddlers and planning wills and estates or navigating Medicare. Programs like these, and many more, are on the increase as local libraries seek to remain relevant for their users.
“We’re meeting a need and people are showing up. It’s working,” said La Grange Park Library director Kate Buckson.
Libraries in La Grange Park and Western Springs are reporting substantial increases in the numbers of programs offered, attendance and the money spent on programs. The La Grange Library’s number of programs offered overall has remained flat, but it has hired additional staff to plan events and programs.
At Thomas Ford Memorial Library in Western Springs, director Anne Kozak said attendance at library programs jumped from 8,100 in 2011 to 13,765 in 2015. The number of programs those years increased from 329 to 564. Spending on programs went from $6,100 to $11,000.
Increases also are reported at La Grange Park Public Library where attendance at programs five years ago was 3,500. It soared to 13,000 in 2015. Program spending grew from $14,000 to $24,000.
At the La Grange Public Library, the number of programs in 2011 was 758. It was 760 in 2015. Program spending edged up from $11,651 in 2011 to $14,169 last year.
In Western Springs, Kozak said a prime mission of libraries remains to educate, but people like to learn in a variety of ways, not just reading. Programs respond to that need.
“It’s part of being intellectually curious,” she said. “Part of learning is not only reading about things, but hearing about things or doing things hands-on,” she said.
Tona Petrov, one of two programming librarians at the La Grange Public Library, said her hiring last year reflects the library’s focus on programs. The library offers programs to answer patrons’ needs and because the library’s role is changing.
“We have a lot of competition out there. There are park districts and other organizations that provide programs,” she said.
Programming librarians wade through alot of information to find intriguing programs, Petrov said.
“We have a lot of presenters contact us,” Petrov said. “We have tons information. We have to go through all of that to find the best programs that will reflect what our patrons want.”
Jeannie Dilger, executive director of the La Grange Public Library, said the library’s programming reflects the community, and the La Grange Library is looking at increasing programs for adults “due to higher demand and because our population is getting older,” she said.
Part of that effort to meet adults’ needs will be mixing up the times that programs are offering including more in the daytime and evening, Petrov noted.
When the Thomas Ford library offers a program, Kozak said it always includes a referral list of books that patrons might read to further their knowledge. Buckson said they do something similar in La Grange Park.
“A lot of times we’ll bring in a cart of related books and other resources,” she said.
Kozak said cooking and gardening programs are usually a big hits in Western Springs although the library will consider any program a patron might suggest, and works hard to find interesting programs and presenters.
“Some of its trial and error and listening to what your patrons want,” Kozak said.
While the local librarians say libraries will always be bastions of learning through reading, they also see libraries as places where people want to meet to interact as they gain knowledge. The image of library as a place where there’s a lot of silence and shushing seems antiquated based on what libraries are embracing.
“It’s a place where people can socialize, make friends, hang out,” Petrov said. “The La Grange Public Library is a community hub.”
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