Library Art Programs and Suggestions for Marketing
Libraries are taking the role of art educators and art providers more than ever. It's an exciting time when you think about it. What art programs can you offer children and teens, teachers, your neighborhood, and even a wider audience?
Library Art Incentives
Have coloring pages, art activities, and art bookmarks and stickers available for all ages and at all times in the Youth Library Reading rooms. Easy to find baskets as you enter the stacks or at the reception desk is a good place for them. Include the name of the library, the address, hours and a schedule of upcoming art programs.
Storytime Reading Groups
Baby and Mom, Parent and Child, Toddlers, Pre-school, Kindergarten, and even older enjoy a story and art project. Send out special invitations and have an open house. Invite your local preschools to have a field trip to your library for an event.
K-6 Art Programs
This age group participates in after school art programs, summer reading programs, and special events. Let your local elementary school know about the art programs you provide. Create an exhibition of their art work in the library. Invite teachers to open houses and let them know you will come to their school for assemblies. Volunteer to bring an art program to the class or sponsor a Family night event.
Tween and Teen Art Programs
They love making arts and crafts and the older one's can volunteer to help in art programs for the younger children. Let this group organize their own art exhibitions to show off projects they have created.
After school Programs
Art programs offer a wide support to children and teens in the community. Organize and offer many after school art programs. Plan art programs when school is not in session.
Guest Speakers
Invite fine artists, art performers, and craft persons to your library. Ask them to demonstrate their art or craft. Contact local art associations, ask art museums, and contact local universities to locate fine artists that may be interested in visiting and demonstrating their art. Graduate students often welcome attending these events as do local artists who exhibit in your own neighborhood.
Family Night
Offer your own family night art program. Or take it to your local PTA, they will appreciate your efforts.
Saturday Art Expo
I was recently at a local neighborhood library and was surprised to see they were offering a Saturday art program. It was terrific. This particular library has an art gallery associated with it, but even if you don't Saturday art programs are fun.
Multicultural Night
Some libraries sponsor their own special event. One of our local libraries sponsor a cultural night. Create your own multicultural event or festival night and invite locals to share their art and talent. Set up a table for arts and crafts.
Art Program Open House
Your local schools and community may not know what terrific art programs you have available. Create a special open house to bring people to your library. Visit schools, offer art activity and other promotional materials and let them know about your program and the open house.
Museum Alliance
There are so many art resources available from your local art museum. Introduce yourself to your local art museum and ask them to speak to your library. Ask the educational curator or visiting docent to give a presentation at your library.
Artist Showcases
Display local artist work and the artwork that your youth participants create. You will bring parents and others into the library. Have an artists opening. You will love it.
Tips for Getting Free Publicity
1. Send a press release about all your events. Many neighborhood newspapers will print the entire press release and may send a reporter.
2. Contact your local radio and television station. Ask them to do include your event announcement.
3. There are websites that specialize in posting local events for free.
4. Maintain a mailing list. Send announcements to all past participants.
5. Don't forget the power of Social Media. Look around to see how other libraries are advertising.
Go
To Youth Librarian Resources