Outreach

Outreach in the public library can take on many forms and the kind of outreach opportunities you pursue as a youth services librarian will vary depending on the community in which you work, the time and staffing you have at your disposal, the other organizations that exist in your community who are willing to work with you, etc. While some outreach projects may provide you with opportunities to collaborate with other organizations, schools, community groups, etc., outreach is also a way of taking library services 'out on the road' to reach community members who do not (or cannot) visit the library themselves.

Below are some ideas for what outreach opportunities might look like (and some links to examples). Feel free to add your own ideas and thoughts to this list.

Winnipeg Public Library offers a number of outreach services, some directed to children and families, others for adults: []

Burlington (ON) Public Library has a list of outreach services provided by library staff members: []

Many public library staff members visit community schools to do book talks, promote services or programs, bring in authors or illustrators, etc.
 * Edmonton Public Library: []

Public Library staff members may sometimes
 * present storytime programs in spaces outside the library (e.g. seniors' residences or nursing homes, community centres, public health units, etc.)
 * do book talks or promote programs to community groups or new mom's groups
 * work with community-based literacy organizations to recruit and train volunteers for literacy and numeracy tutoring or after school homework help
 * work with municipal parks and recreation staff members to present storytimes or summer reading programs in local parks and playgrounds during the summer