Programming librarian outlines 2025 slate: financial literacy, teen workshops and advocacy training

Vanessa Parker, programming librarian, told the board the library’s 2025 programming will emphasize off‑site and online access, youth early‑literacy caregiver workshops, teen engagement and adult services such as library advocacy training.

Parker said the programming mission is to “provide quality relevant programming while maximizing time and resources.” She outlined targets to run at least three off‑site or online programs in 2025, deliver two one‑off programs for each age group each month, and expand Nature Smart offerings for teens in partnership with Rebecca Lehi.

For youth, Parker said staff will develop caregiver workshops that teach early literacy techniques and will continue reader’s theater and Book Bowl support for fourth and fifth graders. For teens, she described plans for a financial‑literacy “reality fair” in April with iQ Credit Union that simulates adult budgeting and expenses.

For adults, Parker said the library will start a library‑advocacy class in March to teach residents “how to tell their library story” and reintroduce one‑on‑one tech help starting in June, with staff members Stacy and Parker providing the assistance.

Parker said the library plans a children’s author event in May (Pete the Cat theme) and is exploring a local‑author day; she noted meeting‑room policy limits sales inside the library and that sales would require director discretion or alternative locations if authors sell books. Trustees raised logistics questions about timing, volunteer support and partnerships; Parker outlined administrative steps including a programming audit and evaluation work to identify gaps and measure impact.