by Isa Small, Programming Librarian
isas@eauclaire.lib.wi.us

Far from being dusty, staid institutions, modern public libraries are constantly evolving to meet the needs of their communities.  More than ever, the role of the public library is to provide leadership and opportunities to help the community navigate new ways to discover, consume, and create information and content. One of the ways the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library strives to meet those changing needs is by expanding our outreach services to increase access library materials and resources beyond the library walls.  Here are several traditional methods we use, as well as a few services we’ve added in the last year or so:

• Home Delivery Service for homebound customers
• Visit daycares to promote early literacy
• BookBike visits to farmers market, summer concert series, and a variety of community events
• Books on Buses to ensure transit users have access to free books
• Storytimes and crafts at area ice skating warming houses
• Participating in community events like International Fall Festival, UW meets EC, United Way Block Party, and the Western Dairyland Block Party

We are always looking for ways to make using the library easier, and love getting feedback and suggestions for materials, resources, and programs that can help foster a culture of creativity and innovation.  Feel free to contact me if you have ideas on how the library can support the wonderful civic engagement happening in the Eastside Hill Neighborhood Association.