Thursday, October 20, 2016

Millennial Programming

It was 4 years ago that I approached my Director and asked her if I could run a book group for 18-29 year old individuals. I remember her telling me that if it was a success I could go ahead and plan other programs for that age group. I did some research and started calling it 'Generation Next Programming'. Shortly after, I applied for my MLIS and completed it in 2015. As I became more aware of the library world around me, I began calling my group Millennials. Fast forward some more, and now I am having a conversation about whether Millennials is the correct term to use for my programming.

It 2012 the answer was yes, but as time passes, these millennials are getting older and the new generation is coming in. But there is no term for this age group. Whether programs are provided for 18-29 year olds or 18-34 year olds.

So what should we call this age group? Young Adults? The name is used synonymous with Teen so that wouldn't work. Adult? Not everyone in this age group feels like they are quite there yet. Should we give them their own name? Their own space? Should we really group together 18 year olds and 29 year olds and 34 year olds? Where do we draw the line? Do we draw a line? Do we offer programming and just hope for the best? See what age ranges attend these programs.

Does your library offer programming for this age group? If so, what is the targeted age that you focus on? What kind of programming have you offered? Has it been a success?

Here are some of the programming I have offered over the past four years:

  • Monthly book group -> Better Than Therapy Book Group
  • 3rd Thursday Movie Night -> Featuring a new movie every month
  • Color Me Calm -> Classical music and lots of coloring pages
  • Cupcake Decorating Program -> I provided the materials, the instructor instructed
  • Multicultural Food Night -> A big hit each time
  • Pumpkin Carving -> Who doesn't love Halloween?
  • Financial Literacy Program -> credit vs debit cards/ insurance policies
  • Among many others