Presenter: Rebecca Ballard. Presented at the Georgia Libraries Conference in Macon, GA on 10/10/2019. Library programs are very often segregated by different age groups; how can we attract patrons of all ages and bring communities together in our programming? This session gives you great examples of all-ages programs to present in your library, and it gives you the tools to implement them successfully!

1. All-ages
Programming:
Bringing
Generations
Together in the
Library

2. Hello!Rebecca Ballard
Children’s Librarian
Oconee County Library
Athens Regional Library System

3. Typical Program Divisions
⊷ Adult ⊷ Teen / YA ⊷ Children

4. Intergenerational
Programs-
WHY?

5. Strengthens Community
⊷ Diverse groups are brought
together
⊷ Eliminates Stereotypes

6. Benefits for Children & Teens
⊷ Enhances social skills
⊷ Improves academic
performance
⊷ Decreases substance use
⊷ Increases stability

7. Benefits for Adults
⊷ Enhances socialization
⊷ Stimulates learning
⊷ Increases emotional support
⊷ Improves health
http://www.epa.gov/aging/ia/benefits.htm

8. Program Ideas!

9. Classes &
Workshops!

10. Art Classes and Workshops

11. Art Classes and Workshops

12. Art Classes and Workshops

13. Art Classes and Workshops

14. Puppetry

15. Cooking

16. Gardening

17. Movement: Dance & Yoga

18. Pumpkin Decorating

19. STEAM: Galaxy Shoes

20. STEAM: Slime-ology

21. Kindness Rocks

22. Clubs!

23. Coloring & Puzzles

24. Knitting & Crochet

25. Gaming

26. Music

27. Legos

28. Events &
Experiences!

29. Music Therapy

30. Fandom

31. Fandom

32. Concerts

33. Films & Sing-Alongs

34. Karaoke & Open-Mic

35. Tea Party

36. Kitty Cat Cafe

37. Puppy Playtime Cafe

38. Solar Telescopes

39. Solar Eclipse

40. Virtual Reality

41. Dance Party

42. Cultural Celebrations

43. PRIME TIME Family Literacy

44. ⊷ Social Media- Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
⊷ Local Newspapers & Magazines
⊷ Local Radio Stations
⊷ Community Bulletin Boards – both physical
and online
⊷ Email lists
⊷ Schools & Community Centers
Promotion

45. Recruiting Volunteers:
Teachers
⊷ Art groups and clubs
⊷ University partners- music therapy
students, outreach with departments
⊷ County Extension
⊷ State Park Rangers
⊷ Local Businesses

46. Recruiting Volunteers:
Helpers
⊷ Clubs – School & Civic
⊷ Fraternities & Sororities
⊷ Local History Organizations
⊷ Ask for volunteers in your promo

47. Funding
⊷ Grants:
⊶ PRIME TIME
⊶ GCA Vibrant
Communities
⊶ Local Arts
Grants (AthFest
Educates)
⊷ Donations:
⊶ At events
(donation jar)
⊶ Reference USA
letter drive
⊶ Local businesses
(supplies)

48. Further Reading
⊷ Generations United: gu.org
⊷ Bridges Together:
bridgestogether.org

49. Thanks!ANY QUESTIONS?
You can reach me at
⊷ rballard@athenslibrary.org
⊷ 706-769-3950
⊷ @miss_rebecca_sunshine

50. “
Whether we're a preschooler or a young
teen, a graduating college senior or a
retired person, we human beings all
want to know that we're acceptable,
that our being alive somehow makes a
difference in the lives of others.
-Mister Rogers
The World According to Mister Rogers:
Important Things to Remember, 2003