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.

The Big Write-In : a collaborative outreach event for writers during National Novel Writing Month / Stacey R. Ewing -- Librarian as teacher : teaching a creative writing class in the school library / Robert Craig Bunch -- Poetry corner : collaboration among us / Sue Samson -- Adult literacy programs and art / Sarah Naumann -- Displaying and promoting visual art at the Nashua Public Library / Carol Luers Eyman -- Utilizing student talent to create appealing library posters / Heather Payne -- Visual arts in the academic library / Jennifer Mayer -- Developing regional heritage music collections / Sandra M. Himel and Lance R. Chance -- Making music collections come alive / Greg MacAyeal -- PLM Players : theater arts at the Patchogue-Medford Library / Jeri Weinkrantz Cohen -- A.R.T. : Art Revolution for Teens / Heather Pippin Zabriskie, Natalie Houston, and Vera Gubnitskaia -- Children in a research library? : creative projects for K-12 students at the Rakow Research Library of the Corning Museum of Glass / Regan Brumagen and Beth Hylen -- Gilpin County Public Library arts programs / Larry Grieco -- The library as canvas : Library Larry's Big Day / Kerol Harrod -- Art works : strengthening downtown with library-arts partnerships / Elizabeth Goldman and Sara Wedell -- Behind the scenes : the legal and contractual aspects of booking exhibits and presenters in a library / Nora Quinlan and Sarah Cisse -- Collaboration as outreach in the 21st century academic library / Allan Cho -- Java City : developing a successful cultural center / Jack G. Montgomery -- Raising money to support the arts in your public library / Florence F. Caddell -- Where to find programming ideas, resources for the arts online / ALA Public Programs Office.