Library Grapples with Need to Change...

Like many libraries today, the Indianapolis-Marion County (IN) Public Library (IMCPL) is grappling with changing and evolving into a 21st century library while having to cut back at the same time. Take a look at this Indy Star article to find out how IMCPL is handling things.

A few interesting ideas that came from the article include:

IMCPL -- When administrators took note of the large homeless population using the Central Library, they partnered with the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention to set aside a quiet room for the group to conduct outreach. The group also visits the Central Library a few times a week to look for people they know are homeless and might need services.

Darien Public Library (CT) -- Many who were employed in the New York City financial market lost their jobs, so the library started an early-morning program called "Monday at Seven." Every week, when these professionals would normally be heading off to work, the library opens early and lets them gather there for coffee, bagels and networking.

Hall County (GA) -- The agricultural-based community voiced the need for a new farmers market, so one library branch donated a location and extra hands for setup. On days the market is open, that branch has seen door counts double, and administrators said library card sign-ups have increased.