Brownwood News – The Brownwood Public Library is looking to partner with local businesses to offer a variety of educational programs to the community.
“We would like to do more fun and educational programs for our community. However, we lack the staff resources to do this,” said Library Director Becky Isbell. “I know many local businesses would like to share their knowledge with their community, but may lack the promotional resources or the space to present programs.”
The staff at the library have proposed an interesting solution by partnering with local businesses and offering the library as a venue for community-minded educational programs. The library will also assist the business in promoting the event through advertising materials and social media announcements on the library’s Facebook Page.
“As a library, we walk a thin line between partnering with a business and advertising a business. While we can’t sell products or heavily promote a business, we could definitely say, ‘John Doe of Crafty Origami presents how to fold cranes…’ You could also lightly mention the resources available at your business during the program,” Isbell explained.
“I strongly believe that what’s good for local business is good for our city, our community and our library,” she said.
The library has emailed a list of possible ideas for programs, but also states ‘the sky is the limit’ and encourages local businesses to be creative in their ideas for programs. Interested businesses and individuals can contact Beck Isbell at the Brownwood Public Library: 325-6460155
Possible ideas for library programs
- A bank or credit union might do…
- A program for parents about teaching their kids about finances
- A presentation on banking and finance for children
- A garden store might do…
- A program for all ages about growing pomegranate trees
- A program on xeriscaping
- A children’s craft program to create mini terrariums
- A floral shop might do…
- A program for teens about flower arranging
- A senior adult craft program using pressed flowers to create bookmarks
- A feed store might do…
- A program for kids about caring for their horse
- A program for all ages on stocking your tank
- A party store might host…
- An un-birthday party for kids
- A homecoming mum creation program for teens
- A craft or fabric store might do…
- A jewelry making craft for kids and grandparents
- A sewing machine maintenance class for all ages
- A cell phone store might do…
- A program for seniors on using smartphones
- A program for parents about good literacy apps
- A sporting goods store might do…
- A program on improving your coaching skills
- An introduction to reloading
- A program on bike maintenance and safety for kids
- A computer store might do…
- A class on computer safety for parents
- A class on computer safety for seniors
- A program on computer hardware for kids, allowing the participants to dissect old computers and see what’s on the inside
- A vet or pet store might do…
- A craft program for kids on how to make toys for their pet
- A program on flea control
- A music store might do…
- A dance program for preschoolers
- A “instrument petting zoo” to let children try out different instruments
- A bakery, restaurant or winery might do…
- A cake decorating class for teens
- A program introducing participants to fermenting foods
- A tasting program comparing various foods (gourmet salts, coffee, wines, chicken stocks, apple varieties…)
FAQs from the Brownwood Public Library:
What can the library offer me for my program?
If you do a joint program with the library, the library will create advertising material and advertise the program. The library has a meeting room with tables, chairs and a projector for presentations. The library can also provide 10 participant computers (possibly more) with MS Office.
Can I charge for my program?
It is against the mission statement of libraries to charge for programs. We like to be able to offer classes as a free service to the community. However, we may be able to charge participants for supplies. This is not preferred. If you are interested in doing a program with supplies, talk to the library to see what we may be able to work out.
Can I sell items at my program?
Generally, no. In rare cases, such as if an author is signing a book, it may be permissible. However, we are not in the business of selling. Businesses are encouraged to mention the items they may have for sale without heavy advertising.
How many programs should I do?
Depending on your schedule and community interest, programs could be once a month or once a year. Come talk to us! We would, however, like to determine a schedule. Even if you are only interested in doing one program a year, we would love to be able to plan ahead for upcoming programs.
How popular should I expect the program to be?
Sometimes that can be a mixed bag! Oftentimes programs have 30 or more people come… and sometimes only a few people show up. Unfortunately, in today’s modern world, a lot of people ask for and desire to go to programs, but despite their best intentions, people do miss programs.
We will sign people up for programs and remind them of the programs. The more we do programs and get the word out, the more people will want to participate. (Teens tend to be the hardest group to reach, but that won’t stop us from keeping at it!)
Can my business sponsor a program that’s not related to our business?
Certainly! You can sponsor a current library program (Lego Club, coloring club, Summer Reading Club) or do your own program, even if it’s not directly related to your business. We will put you as the sponsor!
My business may not be interested, but I have a great hobby I’d love to share. Can I do a program about my hobby?
Definitely! Come talk to us.
