Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
6-13-2025
Abstract
Starting in Spring 2024, librarians at Western New England University D’Amour Library began seeking ways to increase student engagement in response to a new focus on student wellness. Leveraging their own strengths and interests, they began hosting weekly Crochet, Crafting and First-Generation College Student drop-ins, which eventually grew into a total of five regular library programs. These programs have proven overwhelmingly popular, with scores of students attending per week. Additionally, the programs have raised the profile of the library across campus, enabled collaborations with other campus groups, and increased student connections. Staff morale has also been improved, as Librarians have been working together and expressing their authentic selves. The success of these programs has laid the foundation for future grant-seeking opportunities as well as increased engagement with our students, particularly underserved populations. This poster will offer lessons learned to other libraries looking to build community programs on a shoestring budget and inspire conversation.
Recommended Citation
Beagle, Deborah; Evans, Carrie; Girard, Maxine; Kennedy, Bridget; and Mannheim, Mike, "Community Care: Raising the Profile of the Library Through Programming" (2025). Librarian Publications. 1.
https://digitalcommons.wne.edu/dlfacpub/1
