Explore on the Floor
by Jaime Griffis, Director, Programming and Promotion, Idea Exchange
Idea Exchange supports and inspires our community in the exploration of reading, arts, innovation and learning. One of the ways in which we strive to create an environment of curiosity and discovery is through our dynamic programming for children and teens. In order to build a sustainable program suite, we needed to acknowledge that libraries of the future are moving from a focus on infrastructure (i.e. print collections) to a focus on space and community engagement. By redefining how we see collection, space, and customer service, Idea Exchange has created programs that foster creativity, spark innovation, develop human capital and support lifelong learning.
By redefining how we see collection, space, and customer service, Idea Exchange has created programs that foster creativity, spark innovation, develop human capital and support lifelong learning.
Our first project at redefining how we see collections and space was the redesign of the Children’s Department at our Queen’s Square location. Children’s collections were analyzed in terms of circulation but with a twist. Shelf space became ‘prime real-estate’ where collections that performed (higher circulation) received the most linear feet and collections that performed poorly were reduced significantly. The weeding project reduced the QS children’s collection by 35-40%. By pushing the remaining book stacks/high performing collections to the perimeter of the department, we were able to create a large open programming space right in the department itself. No more sequestering in small, out of the way program rooms! Our success was measured in an increase in collection circulation by 18% and we were able to create large, open spaces for families to stay and play in the department.
Kindergarten Connections
After redefining how we see collection, staff were able to take advantage of the new large open space and create programs focused on STEM learning and early literacy through play. Kindergarten Connections and Kindergarten Bootcamp are programs that provide families with the tools necessary to help to prepare children for their first day of school, develop reading skills and encourage social skills between children. Explore on the Floor showcases 5-6 interactive centres where parents/caregivers play, discover and explore with their children in a variety of fun-filled, hands-on learning activity centres. After-school drop-ins carry on this station matrix, where service desk time becomes programming time. Staff actively come out from behind the desk and engage with kids at the centres, recommend books and answer questions.
In addition to our facilities being a place of engagement with adaptable spaces, another major component of sustainable programming is community partnerships.
These partnerships are present across all levels of programming but are particularly integral to the success of our teen programs. Technology changes at lightning speed and our youth are embracing change as it happens. Collaborating with outside companies, services and individuals allows our programming to be relevant and current The value of partnerships lies in the linking together of people and organizations, capitalizing on diverse experiences and skills, leveraging funding and resources, increasing programs and broadening range, and aligning goals which often at its core is increased community awareness and participation.
Music is My Weapon
An example of a popular and successful program with great community connections is the partnership between Idea Exchange and Queen Street Music. By leveraging community mentors in the music industry, we connect contemporary musicians with teens in our Music is My Weapon (MIMW) program. Teens create, develop and showcase their songs while getting an inside look at the business side of the music industry, along with the opportunity to network with others in the local music scene.
Teen engagement involves many sectors: corporate funding (to support hard costs of outfitting a music hub), professional industry participation (to run programs and mentor youth) and proximity to a secondary school facility (for easy access and integration with educational programs). It’s also supported by local non-profits and small business with similar goals: making music accessible to all.
By redefining collections and space and leveraging community partnerships, Idea Exchange has developed a sustainable and dynamic program suite, creating environments of curiosity and discovery for the younger members of our community.
Want More?
- This piece is part of a series on the Library as Incubator Project–read all the posts here.
- You can also get in touch with Jaime directly at jgriffis@ideaexchange.org
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