1. Intentional Programming
Lunch at the Library
Intentional Programming
Presentation is to be 10 minutes long.
Note that all photos are taken at various sites at our lunch program.
Jasmin LoBasso, MBA - Kern County Library

2. Kern County Library Programming is our forefront
Began lunch in 2014 at one site
In 2018, we had 7 locations
Spaces: 1 is large, 2 medium, 4 small
Programming and active learning opportunities. With our 2018 business plan, it is one of our prime directives. We recognize that not all learning happens in a book, and that we are more likely to get people connected to our materials through programming.
Our first lunch site was in We had 3 weeks lead time, and it was our largest location. We only had about 2.5 staff members.
As of 2018, we are up to 7 locations, across our entire county.
In 2014 and 2015, we just had the one Beale location. In 2016, we added two more locations to bring it up to 3. In 2017, we added 2 more, and in 2018, we added two more, bringing up the total to 7.

3. Programming is our Selling Point
Programming is what we excel at
Emphasize enrichment
Emphasize summer learning loss points
Focused on family-learning opportunities
Ties perfectly in with our Summer Reading literacy efforts
Most school sites are merely cafeterias
Full access and free
Emphasize successes

4. Our Commitment
During the Summer, there is something to do at every library branch, every day we’re open.
We extend this commitment to our Lunch at the Library program.
No excuses
This commitment works. When we have locations that respond with less programming, we see a correlation in how many people are coming into the library accessing learning opportunities. For example, our MCF branch last year lacked programming, as well as a committed strong leader to champion the program. It had about half its attendance. It showed.

5. Different Branch Sizes
SMALL & LIMITED SPACE
Passive programs
Book displays
Book giveaways
Friends “mini” children sales
Outdoor features
“Bookend” programming
Public Health initiatives
Stuffed animal sleepover
Passive programs = coloring sheets, carryout crafts, guess “how many” jars
Book giveaways = doesn’t necessarily need to be a new book, giving away any books that they can take home and don’t have to return is quite popular
FOL can put a cart full of childrens books at very low (10 cents to 25 cents) prices near “eating” area, and parents will purchase and bring home books. Billing “your own at-home library.”
In some tight spaces, if you have a small patio area or grass area, you can encourage picnics and outdoor games.
Could include giant tic-tac-toe, bubbles, bean bag toss, magnetic fishing
Host an event like storytime immediately before lunch, right after lunch, or even in the storytime area during lunch. This will make it possible to offer an active program, even in a tight space, and catch the families attending lunch.

6. Different Branch Sizes
LARGE & LOTS OF SPACE
Performances
Physical activity
Guest storytimes
“Doodles-on-the-table”
Film screenings
Invite community partners
Combine giveaways
On-site crafts
Workshops
STEAM activities
Passive programs = coloring sheets, carryout crafts
Performances = any of the big scale performances you conduct can occur during lunch. Just warn the vendors that there might be lots of noise, movement, etc. Also, be aware that the space may become very crowded. We use volunteers to identify “open” spots and filter the crowd through.
Guest storytimes with local leaders, not just librarian staff.
Invite community members and hook ‘em with giveaways – such as Bike Bakersfield giving away bike parts, helmets, lights, etc.

7. Most importantly, JUST TRY IT.
Carrying Out Programs
Choose programming that will fit your staffing levels
Leverage “bookend” programming
Leverage passive programming
Bring in community partners and volunteers
Most importantly, JUST TRY IT.

8. Jasmin LoBasso, MBA - Kern County Library
Lunch at the Library
Questions?
Jasmin LoBasso, MBA - Kern County Library
Presentation is to be 10 minutes long.
Note that all photos are taken at various sites at our lunch program.