I want to start by thanking the Indiana State Library for choosing to share my blog with their library community—it truly means a lot. Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoosiers!
I’m born and raised in Northwest Indiana, and I had the privilege of serving as the Youth Services Librarian in my own hometown. That’s something I carry a lot of pride in. This work is deeply personal to me, and it’s an honor to have it recognized here, in the same community that shaped me.
If you’re new here—welcome. I’m really glad you’re here!
I’ve spent the last several years working in public libraries, specifically in youth services, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:
What works in libraries like ours isn’t always what you read about in big-picture articles or conference sessions.
It’s not always flashy.
It’s not always fully funded.
And it’s almost never perfectly staffed.
But it is real. And it works.
It Starts With Knowing Your Community
This sounds obvious, but it’s deeper than demographics or circulation stats.
It’s knowing:
- Which kids come in every day after school
- Which families rely on the library as a safe, consistent space
- What your community actually shows up for (not just what you wish they would)
In my experience, the most successful programs and services weren’t the most elaborate—they were the most relevant.
Sometimes that looked like:
- Flexible, drop-in programs instead of rigid schedules
- Activities that didn’t require registration or commitment
- Meeting kids where they were, not where we expected them to be
Low-Cost Can Still Be High Impact
Many of us are working with limited budgets. That’s just the reality.
But some of the most effective things I’ve done cost very little:
- Passive programming that keeps kids engaged without constant staff direction
- Simple craft stations that families return to again and again
- Board games that encourage connection and shared space
- Reusable program supplies that stretch across multiple events
It’s not about doing less—it’s about doing things that last.
Passive Programming Is Doing More Than You Think
I’ve said this before, and I’ll keep saying it—passive programming matters.
In busy libraries (especially after school), it:
- Keeps kids engaged
- Reduces behavior issues
- Creates structure in a space that can otherwise feel chaotic
And maybe most importantly—it reaches the kids who aren’t signing up for programs.
Not every child is going to attend a structured event.
But many of them will absolutely stop to solve a puzzle, play a game, or interact with something that catches their attention.
That counts.
Relationships Are the Real Foundation
The most impactful work I did didn’t come from a program plan.
It came from relationships. (If you’re new here, this is a recurring theme on my blog)
- Talking to kids and remembering their names
- Connecting with teachers and school staff
- Showing up at community events
- Becoming a familiar, trusted presence
That’s what brings people back.
That’s what builds a library that feels like part of the community—not separate from it.
You Don’t Need to Do Everything
This is something I learned the hard way.
In many libraries, especially smaller or understaffed ones, it can feel like you have to carry everything—programming, outreach, collections, marketing.
But what’s actually sustainable is not doing everything.
It’s doing the right things, consistently.
- The programs your community actually uses
- The services that make the biggest impact
- The connections that matter most (if it’s your school, read THIS)
That’s where your energy should go.
Flexibility Is a Strength
Libraries like ours don’t always have rigid systems—and while that can be challenging, it can also be a strength.
We can:
- Try things quickly
- Adjust based on what we see
- Pivot when something isn’t working
Some of the best ideas I implemented weren’t planned months in advance.
They came from paying attention and responding in real time. (read about connecting with your patrons HERE)
Final Thoughts
Libraries don’t look the same across the state—and they shouldn’t.
What works in one community might not work in another.
But across libraries like ours, I think there are a few shared truths:
- You’re doing more with less
- You’re building something meaningful, even if it’s not always recognized
- And your work matters more than you probably hear
If something is working in your library—no matter how small it seems—that’s worth paying attention to.
Because those are the things that build strong, responsive, community-centered libraries.
I’d love to hear from you:
What’s actually working in your library right now?
Let’s share ideas—and learn from each other. Drop them in the comments below!
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