Bringing the Arts into the Library

Using a library’s facilities to bring arts to the community is not only a valuable service, but also a wonderful marketing and outreach opportunity, a tangible way to show the public that libraries offer value, thus shoring up grassroots support. Editor Smallwood has combed the country finding examples of programs implemented by a variety of different types of libraries to enrich, educate, and entertain patrons through the arts. Her book shares such successful efforts asPoetry programs in the public libraryGatherings for local authors at the community collegeCreative writing in middle schoolsMulticultural arts presentations at the university libraryInitiatives to fight illiteracy through the artsThe amazing creativity and resourcefulness found in each example provide practical models which can be adapted to any library environment, inspiring librarians looking for unique programming ideas.