Club Book
The idea for Club Book came out of a summit of MELSA stakeholders. What if we had major regional and national award-winning authors speak at libraries all over the metro region? This program highlights the role of public libraries in bringing big-name authors to meet patrons of all ages who do not typically have easy geographic access to this caliber of literary programming. The program has received extensive press coverage in major and local media outlets. New partnerships have been forged between public libraries and their communities. This program is a true collaboration of the eight library systems in the Twin Cities area.
*Media partner Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) promotes Club Book events to listeners and has recorded several Club Book authors for broadcast on the Midday program and archived on the MPR website, thus extending the reach of these programs to more than 50,000 people unable to attend the programs. The program coordinators leveraged additional resources beyond the Legacy Funds such as advertising and design work contributed by A/B Geist, discounted hotel accommodations and author escort services.
The series creates cultural opportunities to serve the diverse demographics of our communities.
This series has attracted book lovers throughout the metro region -- from teen audiences enthralled with Tim O’Brien’s Viet Nam experiences in The Things They Carried, to nearly 500 young fans of Kate DiCamillo who rarely gives public presentations, to Oprah favorite Jane Hamilton, and to Neil Gaiman devotees ranging from the picture-book set to his comic-book fans.
CLUB BOOK:
Total Number of Programs Held: 13
Total Attendance: 2,300*
Organizational Partnerships:
Coordinated by the Library Foundation of Hennepin County
Media Partner: Minnesota Public Radio
Booksellers: Magers and Quinn, The Valley Booksellers, Micawbers Books, Borders, Barnes and Noble
Club Book is atrue collaboration of the libraries in the seven county metropolitan area. Library hosts include, Anoka County Library, Carver County Library, Dakota County Library, Hennepin County Library, Ramsey County Library, St. Paul Public Library, Scott County Public Library, Washington County Library and Stillwater Public Library. This highly visible program has attracted sponsors, media and support beyond the State funding including:
Minnesota Public Radio media sponsorship worh more than $10,000 and recored 35% of the events for broadcast and streaming online. This partnership broadened the programs reach, allowing residents of Minnesota and beyond access to quality literary content.
A/B Geist donated its inkind creative advertising and design valued at $25,000.
Around Town Agency and Renaissance-The Depot Hotel Minneapolis provided substantially reduced rated to help with travel and accommodations for authors.
Area booksellers, including Magers and Quinn Booksellers, The Valley Booksellers, Micawber's Books, Borders in Minnetonka and Barnes and Noble provided staffing for book sales and donated a portion of the proceeds back to the metro library systems.
Club Book hosted Minnesota authors, Kate DiCamillo. Garrison Keillor, Kevin Kling and Faith Sullivan.
Will Weaver, Alison McGhee and Swati Avasthi will be presented in the fall of 2010.
April 18, 2010 - author Neil Gaiman - Washington County Library - 500 attendees
Stillwater Jr High venue for the event. Program aired on Minnesota Public Radio
May 4, 2010 - Author Frances Mayes - Hosted by Washington County Library; R. H. Stafford Library, Woodbury - 150 attendees
May 5, 2010 - Author Frances Mayes - Hosted by Hennepin County Library; Southdale Branch - 100 attendees
May 19, 2010 - Author Patricia Hampl - Stillwater Public Library - 75 attendees
May 21, 2010 - Author Tim O'Brien - Carver County Library - 200 attendees
event held at Chaska Community Center
Measurable Outcomes may be collected by survey, anecdotal responses, pre-test/post-test, observations; End user change in Behavior, Attitude, Skills, Knowledge, Condition and/or Status
- awesome authors coming for this wonderful program! I love to see Lagacy at work.
- This is the greatest series of talks!!!