Maura was nice enough to post a thoughtful comment on my post Public Libraries and Education. Maura asked me to share some of the items on my wish list so that she can share them with her public library system.  My overall vision for public libraries goes beyond homeschoolers — libraries should capture lost patrons by moving past basic services and attitudes and into  more engaged, partnership relationships with the communities they serve!

Lifestyle Additions

While I realize that libraries have to be careful about food and coffee around books and print collections, there must be a creative way to accommodate both. The more a public library can fit into my lifestyle, the more important it is to me and the more likely I am to support it both financially and politically.

Better Architecture, Interior Design and Lighting

The public libraries in our area are neat and clean, but are drab, boring, boxy affairs. The sterile architecture and beige walls and brownish carpeting scream ‘government agency’. Libraries ARE important and should reflect this through distinctive decor, architecture, displays, paint, floor covering, seating, etc. I believe that more people would use libraries if libraries reflected a different attitude.  Build public libraries with the intention of making them places people want  to visit rather than places they ‘need’ to visit. Work with interior designers to reflect the flavor of the local community, to capture imagination and even inspire. Currently, most are simply  ‘functional’ — like orthopedic shoes!

Imagine Possibilities Beyond Tax Forms and Storytime!

I would love to attend book fairs, author signings, prominent guest speaker lectures, small musical performances, etc. I have to say, our public library system hosts some of these things, but most public library buildings just weren’t designed to accommodate them, so the events always come off as ‘low budget’, ‘better than nothing’ affairs. Why not design new public library spaces to incorporate theatre, music, lectures and community fairs as a central element?

Rethink Marketing/Funding Opportunities

One of the things I admire about Barnes & Noble is its lifestyle product line. Barnes & Noble carries beautiful reusable bags, tastefully decorated reusable water bottles, a dizzying array of high quality and attractive personal journals, bookmarks and more! I think that if public libraries are creative, they just might create buzz and gain new revenue streams. I would proudly purchase and use uniquely designed reusable shopping/tote bags,etc.  from my public library  to support building renovations or new collection materials.

Start with local college art students to create unique designs for products that the public library could sell. Or why not hold a community contest to create designs that could then be incorporated into bottles, journals, bags, etc? Currently, our public library system sells unappealing ‘stodgy’ blue and red totes that look like they were designed using Microsoft Word’s clip art.

Focus on Education

I believe that public libraries should serve as community learning centers. Why not provide small classroom space to host serious local education businesses a few times per week? I am not talking about the PTA or the Mom’s club.  I mean charge a fee to businesses that offer  tutoring services, foreign language courses, or math and technology classes for gifted learners and/or homeschoolers. In addition to generating revenue, public libraries can provide easier access to these educational opportunities.  Instead of having a library inside of the school, why not put the school inside the library!

Extended Weekend Hours

I wish the public library was open late or at least a few hours later on Friday and Saturday evenings. Our public library closes at 5 pm on these days. If the above items were successful, staying open later on Fri. and Sat. would be a “no-brainer”.