How to Start a Small Library: 12 Steps
Starting a small library can be an exciting and fulfilling venture. It promotes reading and literacy, provides a space for community gatherings, and creates an invaluable resource for learners of all ages. The process may seem daunting at first, but by following these 12 steps, you can create a thriving small library for your community.
1. Determine Your Purpose:
Think about the purpose of your library and who you wish to serve. This will help guide decisions about the location, size, and types of materials offered.
2. Find a Suitable Location:
Choose a location based on accessibility, visibility, and size. Consider factors such as available parking, public transportation access, and proximity to schools or other community spaces.
3. Create a Budget:
Determine the funding needed for setup costs, ongoing expenses (including staff salaries), and contingency planning. This may come from personal funds, grants, or fundraising efforts.
4. Develop a Collection Policy:
Draft a collection policy outlining what types of materials will be offered (books, DVDs, audiobooks) and guidelines for accepting donations or purchasing items.
5. Collect Materials:
Acquire the materials needed for your collection through donations, bookshops, publishers or wholesalers.
6. Organize Your Collection:
Categorize your materials using an established system such as the Dewey Decimal System or Library of Congress Classification System. Label items with spine labels and organize them on shelves accordingly.
7. Establish Lending Policies:
Develop policies for checking out materials including membership requirements (e.g., proof of residency), loan periods, fines for overdue items, and borrowing limits.
8. Setup Technology Resources:
Consider providing computers or other electronic devices for public use as well as setting up a digital catalog system to manage your collection.
9. Hire Staff or Recruit Volunteers:
Depending on your budget and the size of your library, hire professionals like librarians or library assistants or recruit volunteers to assist with tasks such as shelving books and helping patrons.
10. Promote Your Library:
Use social media, flyers, and community events to spread the word about your library and its services.
11. Plan Programs and Events:
To encourage community involvement, create a calendar of programs and events such as book clubs, author visits, or workshops.
12. Maintain Continuous Improvement:
Regularly evaluate the success of your small library by tracking data such as circulation numbers and patron feedback. This information can inform decisions about future collection development, improvements to the space, and programming.
By following these 12 steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating a thriving small library that enriches the lives of those in your community.