1. Port May Public Library
New Programs for Adults
2011
Kimberlee C. DeWall
LSC 521 Public Library Services
University of Rhode Island
Graduate School of Library & Information Studies
December 5, 2010
Port May Public Library is fictitious. The statistics used in developing the following program plan are based
upon data collected for a Community Inventory done for Falmouth, Massachusetts.

2. Outline of Presentation
• Introduction
• Programs for Adults
• Programs for those 18 to 29
• Programs for those 30 to 45
• Programs for those 45 to 60
• Programs for S e rs
nio
• Programs for Unique Populations

3. Introduction
The ultimate aim of Port May Public Library
adult programming is to uphold the Library’s
mission in providing services that promote and
support independent learning and
enlightenment, literacy, and cultural enrichment
for all members of the Port May community,
regardless of background and physical ability.
Through research, inventories, and data
collection, the PMPL strives to develop
programs that are relevant to the needs and
interests of the community-at-large. Aside from
the highly successful and established adult
programs that remain on-going, the Library is
also dedicated to developing innovative library
services.

4. This year’s inspiration for programming is based
upon John Perry Barlow’s concept of information:
information is an activity, a life form, and a relationship.*
New programming for 2011 will exhibit that, like
information:
THE LIBRARY is an ACTIVITY, a LIFE FORM,
and a RELATIONSHIP
By promoting relationships with, and amongst, the
community, and by offering the Library as the center of
community activity; the Library strives to illustrate that
libraries are not only vital, but alive, and that they are the
ultimate agency and conduit for sharing information and
knowledge.
*http://wired.com/wired/archive/2.03/economy.ideas_pr.html

5. While the Library seeks to improve,
expand, and update all adult programs
and services annually, a special focus is
often given to specific populations. Over
the course of the past two years, the
PMPL sought to appeal to the young adult
population by completely redesigning the
YA Room, as well as updating YA
Services.
It was a success!

6. Hoping to achieve a similar result, PMPL will begin
to shift the focus upon engaging and serving adults
between the ages of 18-45. While a seemingly large
task, statistics reveal that these combined groups are
currently a vulnerable demographic on Cape Cod:
• substance abuse between the ages of 21-45 is highest*
• career opportunities are low / unemployment rates are high
• cost of housing is high / housing options are limited
• cost of living prevents many from partaking in constructive social
interaction
Thus, PMPL introduces a solution…
*http://nationalsubstanceabuseindex.org/massachusetts/stats.php

7. Café Stacks
Based upon the popularity of the coffee house and
the café, PMPL will introduce Café Stacks as a venue for
many of the library’s new programs. Although intended
for adults of all ages, it is the express hope of PMPL that
Café Stacks will exemplify the targeted population’s
inclination to congregate, or “network,” in relaxed
atmospheres.
A moveable café, Café Stacks may be easily set up
and taken down in the Kilduff Meeting Room, which
allows for a capacity of 195. Tables, chairs, and stools
will transform the meeting space into a more
unstructured layout. Pi Bakery will sell baked goods at
various events, as well.
Moreover, the technical capabilities of the Kilduff
Meeting Room are current due to the Library’s complete
renovation in 2008 and will, therefore, allow for
audio/visual and internet access needs.

8. Estimated Annual Budget for Café
Stacks
• Table Cloths from Christmas Tree Shop
10 @ $5.99 $ 59.99
• Light Sticks for Tables from Ikea (LED, Battery
operated) 20 @ $1.99 $ 39.80
• Stackable stools from Ikea / Marius
60 @ $5.99 $359.40
• Refreshments $100.00
• Prizes $150.00
• Entertainment/Presenters $4000.00
• Mileage $100.00
• Misc. Program Supplies $100.00
---------
$4909.19

9. Programs for
Adults

10. Port May Adult Population
Data from the 2000 U.S. Census & 2006-08 U.S. Census Community Survey
• With a total population of 32,749 (that
triples in the summer); 27,174 of the
population are over the age of 18.
• While primarily a middle class community,
19% of households receive some form of
public assistance.
• 95.1% of the population graduated from
High School.

11. National Library Week@PMPL
April 10-16
Port May Public Library will celebrate National Library Week by
conducting a collage of pod cast interviews all week that ask the
American Library Association’s National Library Week theme
question: How does your library help your community thrive?
The public is invited to participate at a dedicated pod cast
station inside the library all week, while a librarian will visit off-site
locations, from schools to supermarkets, to video responses all
week, as well.
The collage will run continually on the Library’s website and on
the Information Board in the Library Lobby.
Rationale: Promotion of libraries
Staffing: Staff to man the pod cast station during library hours of operation.
Adult Service Librarian and/or IT Librarian to conduct off-site interviews.
Budget: .43.8 miles per gallon for staff travel.
Schedule: on-going for one week
Space: pod cast station off of the main lobby; off-site interviews

12. Summer Concert Series
Saturday Evenings at 7:00 p.m. on the Library Lawn
Have a picnic! Bring blankets or chairs!
(Refreshments also available at local shops and street vendors.)
July 9th The Adam Ezra Band (Acoustic Rock)
July 23rd Classical String Quartet (from Cape Cod Symphony)
August 13th Symphony Swing Band (from Cape Cod Symphony)
August 27th 5 Alone (Acappella Band)
Rationale: In support of the local merchants’ efforts to promote Main Street as a vital and stimulating shopping and
dining destination for residents and tourists alike, the Library will collaborate with the Port May Chamber of
Commerce by sponsoring a series of summer concerts.
Staffing: Adult Services Librarian and a Chamber Representative to coordinate.
Budget: Estimated cost is $1,000.00 per band. Cost to be divided between the Chamber and PMPL.
Schedule: 4 concerts over 2 months
Space: The large lawn in front of the Library is centrally located in the center of town on Main Street.

13. Flash Mob on the Library Lawn
Sunday, July 17th @
2 p.m.
Through social networking tools, participants will be invited
to bring a book or any reading device, to sit down on the
library lawn, and to read peacefully for one hour.
Rationale: Promote the Library and reading through social networking.
Staffing: Adult Services will promote the Flash through social networking tools.
(Appropriate agencies will be notified in advance)
Budget: None
Schedule: One event
Space: Library lawn

14. Young Professionals Brown Bag Lunch
Bring your lunch and network with other young
professionals.
(A collaboration with the Port May Young Professionals)
@ Noon
every second Wednesday of the month
Evening events feature monthly guest speakers including a
variety of young local leaders & entrepreneurs, etc.
(times and dates vary)
Rationale: Promote the Library as a place to network “in person” for young professionals.
Staffing: Adult Services Librarian and representative from PM Young Professional to
develop list of speakers.
Budget: coffee & bottled water
Schedule: monthly (12)
Space: Café Stacks

15. 18 to 29

16. The 18-29 demographic not only reflects the lowest
percentage of the Port May adult population, but the
group also poses two challenges that the PMPL attempts
to address:
1. Developing programs that are appealing enough to
draw this age group into the library and sustaining the
relationship by offering engaging programs.
2. Getting the word out! Because of the close proximity
to the local community college, PMPL will work with the
College in promoting events & services. PMPL will also
promote programs through social networking.

17. Team Trivia @ Café Stacks
1st & 3rd Friday of the month
7 p.m.-11 p.m.
PRIZES! PRIZES! PRIZES!
Team Registration Required.
Rationale: Team Trivia promotes learning in a casual way.
Staffing: Adult Services Librarian and 1 staff member.
Budget: coffee & bottled water
Vendors: Pi Bakery
Donations: Gift cards from local merchants
Scheduling: bi-monthly (24)
Space: Café Stacks

18. Silent Library Night @ Café Stacks
Attention College Students on Winter Break!
Saturday, January 15th, 7 p.m.
First Place Prize: 6 $25.00 Gift Cards
A MUCH MILDER version of the MTV Series Silent Library,
the PMPL will host a contest where team members must remain
silent, while unlucky team members must endure silly pranks
purposefully meant to make them all laugh out loud and thus be
eliminated or “asked to leave the library!”
Teams of 6 must pre-register.
Rationale: Promoting the library as a source of fun for all ages.
Staff: Adult Services Librarian, 3 staff
Budget: $150.00 for Prizes ; game supplies
Schedule: One event
Space: Café Stacks

19. Open Mic @ Café Stacks
2nd & 4th Friday night of the month 7:30-10 p.m.
Attendees are invited to play musical instruments
or read their poetry, essays, short stories, or
passages from their favorite book--even ad lib!
Performance sign-up upon entrance.
Free Coffee/tea. Baked goods available from Pi.
Rationale: Age group has platform to express ideas.
Staffing: Adult Services Librarian, 1 staff member.
Budget: Coffee/tea, bottled water
Local Vendor: Pi Bakery
Schedule: bi-monthly (24)
Space: Café Stacks

20. 30 to 45

21. The 30-45 year old demographic is another segment of the
community that is difficult to engage. Ironically, this age group
represents a segment of the population that is an integral part of the
community: parents. The PMPL supports community efforts in
helping build strong and healthy families.
• 16.1% of Port May students qualify for free or reduced lunch,
traditional aid or food stamps, which indicates that local families
would benefit from free library services, especially parents since
their children are provided services through the school system.
• 10% of single families are led by female householders, indicating
that community networks and support systems are vital resources.

22. Indie Date Night @ Café Stacks
Free Independent Films
Ideal for Young Parents
First Tuesday night of the month @ 7:30
BYOPS (bring your own pizza & soda)
Popcorn on the house!
Rationale: Cost of going to the movies is prohibitive for many. Library has a
large DVD collection of Indie films, as well as cult movies, pop
documentaries and mockumentaries.
Staffing: Adult Services Librarian
Budget: Umbrella License included in overall Library budget ; Popcorn
Schedule: Monthly (12)
Space: Café Stacks

23. Coffee Talk for Parents
Drop in and share a cup of coffee with other parents while
your kids enjoy story time and explore the Children’s
Room.
Saturday Mornings 9-11:30 a.m.
Children’s Program Room
Babysitters available
Free coffee/tea
Rationale: Parents need social networking in person, too. This is a great way
to form playgroups, share babysitting, and explore other forms of support.
Staffing: 1 staff member, High School Students volunteer baby-sitting services.
Budget: Coffee, tea
Schedule: weekly (50)
Space: Children’s Program Room is separated from the Children’s Room, but
has a window for parents to keep an eye out.

24. Mommyoga
Drop-in Yoga with Gunjan
for moms and moms-to-be
Thursdays 10:00 a.m.
(wear comfortable clothing & bring a mat)
Juice bar after class!
Rationale: Teaching moms-to-be and young mothers how to relax.
Staff: 1 staff member
Budget: $2,000.00 Yoga Instructor for 35 sessions ; Juice
Schedule: weekly (except for school vacations)
Space: Harbor Meeting Room, capacity 35.

25. 45 to 60

26. Those between the age of 45-60 represent a
population that is prominent in the community
and influential in the direction of its future. As
Baby Boomers, this generation may be aging,
but they are also youthful. Very concerned with
political and social issues, they will lead and see
the community through serious transitions,
including environmental and economic changes.
• The median age of the Port May resident is 45.

27. Soap Box Saturday for Boomers
From historic Hyde Park to contemporary
Trafalgar Square to Port May Public Library…
Get up on the soap box!
Saturdays June-August @ 2-4 p.m.
Outside by the Library Statue
(Cancelled during inclement weather)
Participants have the option of pod casting their speeches, which are
updated weekly on the library’s website.
--Sign up required—
Moderated by the PMPL Adult Services Department
Rationale: Promote members of the community to share ideas.
Staffing: 2 Adult Services Librarians
Budget: none
Schedule: weekly during summer months (12)
Space: Library Statue

28. Dinner Club @ Café Stacks
Designed especially for “empty-nesters” who love to cook and miss sharing the
dining experience with others!
Bring a pot luck dish & a recipe to share.
Learn about cultural dining traditions.
Second Thursday Night of the Month
@ 6 p.m.
Ask for our list of monthly culinary themes.
Free Coffee/tea & Bottled Water
Rationale: Promotes cultural exchanges and sharing the love of cooking and good food.
Staffing: Adult Services Librarian.
Budget: coffee/tea, bottled water
Schedule: Monthly (12)
Space: Café Stacks

29. S e n i o rs

30. Seniors account for over ¼ of the Port May
population. Very active in the community,
seniors comprise a large portion of library users.
• According the Department of Veterans Affairs, there
were over 2 million WWII veterans in 2009. This
generation provides our community with a wealth of
historical knowledge.
However, new programming for seniors must
reflect their new, emerging roles within society,
as well:
• 34.1% of the Port May senior population are responsible
for their grandchildren.

31. Local Heroes
Wednesday Nights during the school year
@7 p.m.
A Port May High School student will interview a local senior
citizen on selected topics.
--Public Welcome--
A PMPL collaboration with Port May High School and Port May
Community Television
Live interviews will be taped and posted weekly on the library website
and seen on Port May Community Television weekly.
Rationale: Connecting Generations, preserving local history.
Staffing: Adult Services Librarian
Budget: none
Schedule: weekly (38)
Space: Kilduff Meeting Room

32. Raising Our Kids’ Kids
(ROKK)
Round table and support group for seniors
raising their grandchildren.
First Tuesday of the Month @ 10 a.m.
Rationale: Growth in local statistical data.
Staffing: Adult Services Librarian and representatives from Port May Human
Services, and/or Port May Public Schools
Budget: Coffee/tea
Schedule: monthly (12)
Space: Harbor Meeting Room

33. Unique
Populations

34. Focus for 2011
• Port May benefits culturally from the Woods Hole scientific
community, as many students and scientists from other countries
visit regularly. Aside from a high representation of the Wampanoag
culture in the neighboring town of Mashpee, there is a growing trend
in Brazilian, Slavic, Irish, Asian and Jamaican immigrants. PMPL
offers a popular ESL program.
• PMPL also collaborates with the Port May Human Services
Department in offering assistance to residents in need. Port May
has a large substance abuse center, with 2 substance abuse
homes; several half way houses; a homeless shelter; a domestic
abuse shelter; and a day center for those with mental illnesses.

35. ESL Mixers
First Thursday of the month @ 7 p.m.
Practice conversational English in a social setting!
Free coffee & tea / Baked goods available from Pi
(Formed in conjunction with the PMPL ESL program)
Rationale: Providing the opportunity for ESL students to practice conversational English
through social interaction.
Staffing: Adult Services Librarian & Volunteers from ESL Program
Budget: coffee, tea, water
Vendor: Pi Bakery
Schedule: monthly
Space: Café Stacks

36. Port May 1-2-1
Off-site, one on one reference services
through the collaborative efforts of PMPL
and the Port May Human Services
Department
Visits include the Alden Treatment Center, The
Independent House, and The Haven House
Appointments scheduled through the Port May Human Services Office
Rationale: Outreach Services to those in need
Staffing: Reference Librarian
Budget: .43.8 miles per gallon for staff travel.
Schedule: as needed
Space: off-site