I've been tasked to come up with ideas we can run at work for "Adult Learners Week" at the local public libraries. The emphasis is to be on "life-long learning".
Seeing as most of you who read here are chronolocial adults, what do you wish your local library did to promote life-long learning?
5 comments:
I'm embarrassed to admit, I rarely go to my public library. It's not that far from my house, but it's just out of my way. I grew up with the mentality that learning never stops - and watching my grandfather reading (for fun) a biology textbook in his 70s - reinforced that for me. So I guess I'm not much help :(
Quizzes?
I think, as an adult, learning can't normally be really defined anymore unless one actually goes to some kind of a lecture or course. You pick up things as you live - be it through reading newspapers or internet sites or simply books.
My personal motto is that you learn something new every day. And sometimes you learn something from the least expected sources.
Maybe placing some factual books more prominently as teasers for those who browse through the library?
I have to admit that like Jodie I'm not a great visitor of public libraries.
Our library has an extensive collection of DVDs and books on CD. The DVDs include collections of programs about nature and historical events. If your library doesn't have DVDs available for borrowing, perhaps you could start such a program? OTOH. I'm thinking of buying a DVD-based course in calculus, to re-learn all those things that flew over my head in Calc I and II in college!
Guest lecturers, on a variety of subjects - not even necessarily authors. One of the coolest things I have ever done was go to a museum with my dad (when I was in high school still), where one of the Doolittle Raiders (don't ask me which one now - I had no idea who they were until afterwards) told the tale of the Raid on Tokyo. And so began my keen interest in WWII, Aviation History, and that kind of thing - well prior to my joining the AF.
Granted, in that particular case, it was in a museum and not a library - but I think the same thing applies. Lectures on local history, world history, any subject that might have enough interest to make it worthwhile. Even a gardening expert in the spring or fall, for prepping for summer planting, or winterizing for next year, practical applications. All of which could/should lead to increased circulation in those areas.
A little something for those not enrolled in college, and/or for armchair [historians, gardeners, enthusiasts] who want a bit more on top of their reading...
Karen's post reminded me our library also hosts a "Lunchbox Learning" session from 12:30-1:30 every other Wednesday. They host professional musicians, actors, dancers, guest lecturers, and book authors.
Post a Comment