The South Sioux City Public Library has successfully transformed its image and services since the appointment of a new library director and staff in 2009. By improving community engagement, increasing programming for children and adults, and addressing the needs of patrons, the library has seen significant growth in circulation and usage statistics from 2008-2011. Key strategies included consistent programming, partnerships with local organizations, and creative initiatives that made the library more accessible and enjoyable for the community.

1. www.southsiouxcity.org/library

2. Turning Your Program
Around
What the South Sioux City
Public Library did to change
the public’s perception of
the library.

3. June 1, 2009
 New Library Director Hired
 New Children’s Librarian Hired
 New Library Board chosen to
replace dismissed board.

4. Perception of the library
 It was boring.
 Nothing to do.
 The programs didn’t fit their needs.
 The library lacked posters, pictures, books
on display.
 Not kid friendly.
 Didn’t know we had one.

5. In the last 2 years
we have seen
these increases.

6. Circulation checkouts
2008-2009: 22,531
2010-2011: 43,486

7. Computer Usage
2008-2009: 20900
2010-2011: 27227

8. New Cards Issued
2008-2009: 950
2010-2011: 1276

9. Reference Questions
Answered
2008-2009: 406
2010-2011: 803

10. Adult Programming
Attendance
2008-2009: 684
2010-2011: 3180

11. Children’s Programming
Attendance
2008-2009: 1895
2010-2011: 6225

12. What did we do to accomplish
this turn around.
Interview library patrons

13. Communicate with
people who don’t
use the library
with
questionnaires.

14. Meet with civic
groups and give
presentations.

15. Meet with local agencies
and see what the library
could do to assist their
agency.

16. Talk with area schools.

17. Talk with area
businesses.

18. Do a review of the
services your community
provides and try to fill in
the gaps.

19. See what other
libraries are doing
and recreate their
ideas to fit your
needs.

20. Keep an open mind.
Even if an idea doesn’t
catch on right away,
keep trying.

21. Changes in Youth Programming
 2009: Story Times were held consistently
twice a week & two programs that ran once
a month
 2011: Story Times are held consistently five
times a week

22. Encouraged Partnerships with
Community
 Move & Music Classes
for youth  Story Telling with
local teachers
We also utilize our local
Chamberetts, Optimist Club and
4-H Extension Office for
programming

23. Look at the Community You Serve
In our community
we saw a need
and reached out to
fill it.
We have a mother
who volunteers to
read bilingual
books and we
make crafts with
the children
Bilingual Story Time

24. Consistency
 Keeping programming consistent is a
major help for your families to remember
to stop in
 Being consistent in special programs
(monthly or yearly) is a benefit.
LEGO classes
& contest

25. Make the library FUN!
Hanging out at the
library

27. Dr. Seuss Celebration!

28. Summer Reading Programs
Puppet
World Juggling Day
Making
String Instrument
Extravaganza
Sioux Falls Zoo Mobile

29. More Summer Reading
Bugs from around
the World
Nebraska’s Humanities
Council – David Marsh
Music from around the
World
Mad Science

30. New Area’s
Teen Area
Young Kids Area

31. Teen Murder Mystery Dinner

32. Programming with Adults
2000- Present
 2000-2004 Library Building Project
 2004-2007 Countywide Service
 2007-Present Making Library Services
work for People.

33. Programming with Adults
 Cover to Cover Book Club

34. Started in 2002

35. We are regularly involved in One
Book Events

36. Book Club Resources
 One Book Programs

37. Resources Available to Libraries
 Nebraska Book Club Wiki
http://nebookclub.pbworks.com/w/page/765638
9/FrontPage
 NLC Book Club Kits
http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/ref/bookclub/
 The Big Read http://neabigread.org/
 Nebraska Humanities Council
http://www.nebraskahumanities.org/speakers/b
ooks.html

38. Resources Available to Book Clubs
 Reading Group Guides
http://www.readinggroupguides.com/cont
ent/index.asp
 Library Thing
http://www.librarything.com/
 Shelfari http://www.shelfari.com/
 Good Reads http://www.goodreads.com/

39. Programming with Adults
 Book clubs- Cover to Cover
 Humanities Programming

40. Lewis & Clark Bicentennial
2003-2005

41. Humanities Programming
 Connecting with state arts and humanities
groups is a great way to do programming.
 Connecting with local and area arts and
humanities presenters outside the state
can also reap benefits.
 Connect programming to the natural
interests of the community

42. Programming with Adults
 Book clubs- Cover to Cover
 Humanities Programming
 Local and Personal Interests

43. Native American/ Western
Programming

44. Local & Personal Interests

45. Musical Programming

46. Music Contacts
 Concerts in Your Home
http://www.concertsinyourhome.com/
 Unbound Booking
http://www.unboundbooking.com/

47. Art Gallery Area

48. Community Garden/ Organic
Gardening

49. Cardinal Festival

50. Movies
 Real to Reel- popular movies with
contemporary issues.

51. Movies
 B Movie Night at the Bijou

52. Classic Movies and Discussion

53. Special Movie Presentations
 Movies in History celebrating birthdays or
anniversaries.

54. Special Movie Presentations
 Movies with special themes

55. And There’s More
 Technology classes (20-25 classes a month)
 Classes on Medicare Part D sign-up
 Digital Television switch over
 Banned books week discussions
 Stars of the Silent Films
 Games day
 Trivia Contest

56. 50+ Area