The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Library looking to branch out in 2018
Following a momentous 2017, the Avon Lake Public Library looks to branch out in 2018.
In July, the library welcomed new director William Rutger followed by Shea Alltmont, public relations/marketing coordinator in August.
The pair replaced director Mary Crehore and Jill Ralston, who served as public relations/marketing coordinator.
In a year highlighted by mysterious A1 Steak Sauce bottles turning up around all corners and a giant 9.3 pound mushroom discovered in the front flower bed, the quirkiness of what you might discover is expanding into programming efforts.
With a spacious gallery and children’s area, Avon Lakers will have ample opportunities.
Throughout 2017, the branch has welcomed nearly 300,009 patrons, issued 2,000 new library cards and saw a nine percent increase in circulation while rolling out new offerings with more to come in 2018.
“We have this gallery and we have a lot of opportunities to do some public programing, and to do something a little bit larger encompassing that some people can come and visit as a destination,” Alltmont said.
She said she wants to bring the library experience out in the community by finding ways to go off-site and hold classes and book clubs at different Avon Lake locations and harnessing the diversity of opportunities the area has to offer.
Alltmont said she envisions offering classes and book clubs at local wineries and breweries along with taking the library experience on the road, allowing patrons to check out books at the beach and the swimming pool as some ideas under consideration.
“It’s a way to get out and be supportive of local business,” she said. “And on our side, we are looking at the really great opportunity to reach populations that we may not typically see in the library.”
In understanding the demographics of library patrons, Alltmont said the Avon Lake Public Library understands millennials in their 20s and 30s are getting busier and are less likely to go to libraries or other institutions as they manage their careers and families.
“But here’s the thing, why don’t we just go to them,” she said. “So the thought is to just go where people are.
“It’s looking at programming and re-thinking locations and what we are talking about and the topics and reaching other populations. We know from research that millennials are incredibly supportive of libraries, but they just aren’t always hanging out here.”
In recognizing Avon Lake’s population, the library is building on efforts to develop programs that can be attractive to adults and children, Alltmont said.
“I think it’s making sure we are sensitive to our population and what they have going on,” she said. “Kid programs are pretty easy to market and they are full and they are packed. And we also have busy families.
“So what kind of programs can we bring in that can be more family focused.”
In September, the library rolled out its first of a kind program in Lorain County called Borrow-a-Bike, which encourages people to explore the community.
On Feb. 3, the library will welcome renowned Big Foot investigator Marc DeWorth of Columbia Station for a program called “Bigfoot: What’s the Big Deal” for all age groups.
“My thought process behind that program was that it would be family oriented,” Alltmont said. “It’s not just for adults and not just for kids, but it’s something that everybody can do together.”
The sprint to 2018 follows the recent installation of more than 900 LED lights throughout the library that will help with reducing energy costs, she said.
“We have this gallery and we have a lot of opportunities to do some public programing, and to do something a little bit larger encompassing that some people can come and visit as a destination.” — Shea Alltmont, public relations/marketing coordinator