As we wind down our wild summer and enter fall, I wanted to take a moment to share what this transition means for me as JCLS’ Programs Coordinator.
First, I should probably describe what I do. I could simply say “I coordinate programs,” and while that is true, that’s not the whole picture.
Sure, I do coordinate some programs. If it’s a program that is happening at multiple branches, odds are good that I coordinated it. This means working with the presenter and the branches on scheduling, promotion, and payment.
But I also get to help define and shape programming processes and philosophy. This is the part of my job that I love the most.
Normally when we transition from one quarter to another, I share the upcoming theme for that quarter and highlight some programs that exemplify that them.
But we’re doing things a little bit differently now.
As part of our change in philosophy, we have done away with programming themes for our Fall and Spring quarters. We found that while the theme was supposed to serve as a sort of creative trellis – giving structure to ideas – it turned more into a box that didn’t allow creativity to grow.
However, that doesn’t mean that we don’t have any programs for you. In fact, I think we have some amazing programs this fall, and I think it’s because they are more tailored to you.
So if I’m not going to highlight any programs – how do you know which ones to go to?
Well, let me show you how to navigate our programs calendar on our website. Here, you can use some tools to help you find the right programs for you.
On our homepage, you’re going to want to scroll down until you find ‘Upcoming Events’. Here you’ll see a few of the programs coming up soon, but we can find more by clicking ‘View Calendar’.
Here you’ll see a longer list of programs that are happening the day you’re looking at the calendar or coming up soon – but it can be difficult to navigate on its own because all the programs for all our branches are listed. That’s a LOT to weed through. That’s where filters come in.
The website defaults to showing you programs that are on our public events calendar. If you’re looking for storytimes – you’ll want to switch the calendar to our ‘Storytime Calendar’.
On the left – you can filter by audience (the suggested ages the program is designed for), library (the library that the program is happening at), and whether a program is online or in person. Then there’s my favorite filter: ‘category’.
This filter lets you filter by interest. So, whether you’re interested in STEM, Health & Wellness, homeschool resources, or just looking for Entertainment – the category filter is for you.
Let me share an example. I’m an adult who is interested in writing – but doesn’t have a preference about which branch I go to. I’m going to select the audience and category and see what comes up:
Now I can see programs that are tailored to my interests.
One more example.
Let’s say I’m trying to find homeschool related programming.
And the best part? You can select multiple categories, audiences, or library branches. So, this tool is built to help you find programs that are right for you and your family.
The category tool is an always evolving tool. We are working on fine tuning them and making sure that they truly match the interests of our community.
We have TONS of programs to offer this Fall – and I hope you find the best ones for you.