Guiding Our Patrons to Their Next Great Book

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

Wake County Public Libraries (WCPL) revamped their readers' advisory services, developing a multifaceted and comprehensive program for adults. With a mission statement that begins “to promote the love of reading” and a service priority focusing on recreational reading, WCPL has long believed helping readers find their next great book is among its most important goals. In 2013, as part of an overhaul of adult services, WCPL assessed its readers’ services program with an interest toward enhancing existing services and designing new programs. Throughout 2014/2015 the new services and programs were rolled out with the following results: WCPL offered more than 45 newly created programs assisting readers in finding their next great read with attendance of over 1,100. More than 2,150 readers participated in 200+ library book discussions. The revised Book Club Kit Service accounted for circulation of nearly 35,000 materials. Interest in the revised Custom Book List service increased by 269% Storytime parents embraced the new Express Book Bag service which began in Sept 2015 with more than 300 participants checking out over 1,000 books. Additionally, system-wide, merchandising standards and training were established. This training was presented to other libraries in North Carolina at their request.