Community Collaboration: Summer Playlist On the Road
In 2018, Rochester Public Library (RPL) increased connections in the community through targeted Summer Playlist programming. This summer engagement program for all ages and abilities promotes reading, connections, exploration, and discovery. During this second year of the popular Summer Playlist, RPL utilized a two-prong outreach approach to reach as many youth as possible, increase community connections, and heighten access to Summer Playlist programming. First, we expanded select Bookmobile stops to include interactive activities and events, and partnered with Rochester Alternative Learning Center and Riverside Central Elementary to provide free fresh produce in areas of greatest need. Second, we partnered with Rochester Public School's School Age Child Care (SACC) program to bring the Summer Playlist and enrichment activities to the students.
2202 participated
Participants will have an increased awareness of library services. Participants will utilize a Summer Playlist log. Participants will improve knowledge or skills. Participants will have increased access to library events and services. Our target audience is school age children. Success will be determined by reaching our target numbers based on surveys and attendance statistics.
We tracked three outcomes by surveying SACC students. We asked whether they had learned something new about the library. In June only 19% agreed. By adjusting our script to add more unique library information, the July results improved to 59%. We added more details and by August, surveys showed 94% of SACC students learned something new about RPL. For the second outcome, 71% of SACC students learned a new fact, gained a new skill, or tried a new activity. For the third outcome, 89% of SACC students reported a positive experience with the library. SACC staff commented about the African Drumming presentation: I have been with SACC 20 years and we have never had anything this fun. This ties with our inclusion program and we will continue the talk all day. Attendees at Bookmobile stops were surveyed about their experience: 53% learned something new about the library; 62% learned a new fact, gained a new skill, or tried a new activity; and 98% had a positive experience with the library.
370 people attended the 28 Summer Playlist on the Road Bookmobile events and participated in the art activities, and 169 people received an estimated 2,000 pounds of free, fresh produce. 1,832 children attended the six SACC events and 554 children in SACC completed the Summer Playlist program. Goals stated in the grant application include: reaching 400 people at Bookmobile events, 750 students at SACC sites, and distributing produce to 120 families.
Rochester Public Library, Riverside Central Elementary School, Rochester Alternative Learning Center, Rochester Parks and Receation Adaptive Rec, Natural Grocers, School Age Child Care, Olmsted County Public Health, Rochester Public Schools Summer of Service