Bringing the Arts into the Library

Using a library's facilities to bring arts to the community is not only a valuable service, but also a wonderful marketing and outreach opportunity, a tangible way to show the public that libraries offer value, thus shoring up grassroots support. Smallwood has combed the country finding examples of programs implemented by a variety of different types of libraries to enrich, educate, and entertain patrons through the arts. Her book shares such successful efforts as

• Poetry programs in the public library
• Gatherings for local authors at the community college
• Creative writing in middle schools
• Multicultural arts presentations at the university library
• Initiatives to fight illiteracy through the arts