(Editor's Note: Recently, there was a question concerning the stated purpose of (adult) programming for a library. Kathy Cryan-Hicks gave NMRLS permission to reprint her answer below.)

Public relations, increasing visibility, and encouraging circulation are all important by-products of good library programming. I also like to add -1) providing yet another format for information and entertainment for your patrons and 2) building a sense of community.

Think of library programming as a part of your collection. You can provide books on bee-keeping but you can also bring in a live, interactive expert. The members of your town's local stamp club could make the hobby come alive - perhaps more so than a book on stamps. Your library programs might be responsible for introducing people to any number of topics.

I like to think that many of our programs help to nurture a sense of community. Using good, local resources when/if possible helps to nurture a good old-fashioned feeling of community (the village that raises the child concept ---and continues to raise a few adults - hey, we're never too old to learn a thing or two).

Library programming can make a positive difference in a community. By bringing groups and people together and staying in touch with community issues and problems library programs can help to target solutions and inspire new ways of looking at things.

Most public libraries don't have a budget for programming. Although our library has a supportive Friends group which has always comes forward to fund programs, our most successful programs didn't require honorariums. Most are presented at little cost by collaborating with community groups. There are arts councils and cultural groups out there who will take care of the bill; they're just looking for a venue. There are college professors, company vice presidents, newspaper editors and reporters, etc. who just need to be asked to talk about their subjects. They'll do it because they want to share, to mentor others, or to 'promote' their careers.

Presenting library programming can be a terrifying responsibility but it can also be (and often is) very rewarding and satisfying. And building up your library's reputation for presenting good, worthwhile library programs takes time. It's like planting a flower garden - a real trial and error process.

It may be best to choose a variety of programs at first. In every reference question there's a program! See what topics and types of programs flourish in your town. Maybe sprinkle in a few arts programs -concerts, artist demos, etc., maybe hold programs on using e-bay, or try to bring in representatives from every non-profit group or organization in town and hold an "Organizations Fair." But whatever you do it is essential that you publicize your programs and that you prepare appropriately for each program.

As part of the preparation, do your research, ask your colleagues at other libraries for support, ideas, or advice. All those involved in programming seem to understand and respect the creative process that goes into planning a program or a series of programs. The ambiguity of the job can produce panic attacks in some, but others thrive in the uncertainty.

ALA has written on the subject of library programming and they have taken their time to think it all out so you might want to visit this webpage: www.ala.org/ala/ppo/progresources/benefitspublic.htm

More help: There is a Program Planners Group made up of adult program staff from MVLC, NOBLE, and Southern New Hampshire libraries. They meet quarterly. Email Norman Gammon ngammon@mhl.org if you'd like to be on their mailing list. NMRLS hosts a blog where you can read about others' programs, or post your own ideas. www.programplanners.blogspot.com/ Email Mary Behrle mary@nmrls.org to join the blog.