Daviess County Public Library has more than 70,000 active users. Because of the large number and the varying age groups that use their services, DCPL is very intentional in its programming.
Many age-specific programs exist for the community, and most are described in DCPL’s email newsletter as well as on social media. Visiting the library is another way for the community to learn about these programs with their printed calendar of events.
Taryn Norris is the youth services librarian and said that for elementary school-aged children, they try to offer programming that is educational, popular, and interesting.
Preschool programming continued through the pandemic with virtual storytime and children’s programs in addition to monthly take-home craft or experiment kits. Some of these are still offered.
For beginning readers, a monthly reading program is used that incorporates a therapy dog named Charlie. For children ages 6-12, there are two monthly programs that focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics); those programs are Family STEM Night and First Saturday at the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden.
“For older children, ages 8-12, we offer a monthly book club featuring a popular or classic children’s chapter book, as well as a monthly LEGO Builders Club for kids to use their creativity and engineering skills,” she said.
Local authors and community partners also often partner with DCPL for feature programs.
The goal of the teen-reader programs offered encourage teens to explore and celebrate their interests, connect with peers, and make a positive difference in the community, said teen librarian Sarah Jacobs.
Teens can apply to be library volunteers and meet monthly to work on library projects.
“In the past, our ‘volunteens’ have created library displays, made items to donate to community organizations, and even planned and led programs at the library,” Jacobs said.
Take-home craft kids and a monthly book subscription program, LibCrates, are also available as well as monthly, recurring programs: anime night, teen writer’s meetup, a graphic novel book club and a teen volunteer event. Unique events also are planned monthly.
“In October … we will be offering a pumpkin painting party, a job fair for teens, and a zombie prom,” Jacobs said.
Lisa Maiden coordinates the adult programming and said they try to offer a variety of programs to appeal to all adult patrons.
Crafting options, such as Relax & Unwind kits, come with a book and supplies to make a craft, and they also offer in-person craft classes.
“We have just started offering experiential, fun programs such as a Minute-to-Win-It style program and a zombie-themed escape room,” Maiden said.
Programming also includes live music that ranges from local indie bands to traditional folk music and an interactive DJ that is used with adults with special needs. Many speakers host programs at DCPL, including gardening, doula services, Spanish lessons, photography, cooking and navigating health insurance.
Senior services are also part of the programming, and Maiden said the fitness classes are very popular.
“We have been partnering with the Extension Office to offer Bingocize on a regular basis and we also partner with local fitness trainer Jan Young to offer senior fitness classes,” she said. “Beyond fitness, we also have partnered with TimeSavers to offer Proactive Aging seminars where topics such as dementia and financial/legal issues are discussed.”
And, the library offers milestone reading programs, including summer and winter programs for all ages. On average, more than 2,000 patrons participate, with a majority of them being children.
In September Juno Pashea received an award for reading 1,000 books before kindergarten. Juno’s mother Ashley said that she highly recommends the program to everyone with children.
“It’s a wonderful program,” Ashley said. “It is something the children and families can see as an accomplishment and can come together for more frequent reading times. It improves literacy skills, decreases screen time for everyone involved, and opens opportunities for discussion which in turn improves communication skills.”
Programming at DCPL can be found on their website, by subscribing to the newsletter or on all social media platforms.
