Beyond Books

Author Carson offers a guide designed to help librarians create programs for adults, an underserved library demographic.... [T]his practical guide helps to clear up confusion regarding adult programming. The first three chapters provide a foundation, examining the history of adult programming in libraries, considering various definitions of adulthood, and explaining how to implement programs, including a discussion of funding and legal concerns. The remaining chapters offer a range of specific program ideas, such as food and drink, arts and crafts, health and wellness, and nature and gardening. The programs are fun and creative; examples include recipe swaps, pop-up poetry readings, kite flying, and stop-motion animation. These chapters also contain advance-planning directions, required program materials, budget details, and literary tie-ins. Throughout this guide, Carson stresses community partnerships that provide numerous benefits, including helping to fill in skill-set gaps and reaching new audiences. An essential guide; recommended for programming librarians and library workers with all levels of experience

-- "Library Journal"

Carson, author, librarian, and regular contributor to ALA's Programming Librarian website, presents a series of adult and intergenerational programming ideas that address a multitude of community needs. Each chapter offers an introduction to a community issue, then offers a detailed plan for one program in that area, followed by several other quick suggestions for further programming. The detailed plans include advanced strategies (including marketing), materials needed, budget details, day-of-event steps, literary tie-ins (a bibliography of related books and media), and helpful advice. Themes covered include food and drink, arts and crafts (where she warns against cultural appropriation), books and writing, technology and media, health and wellness, business and finance, and nature and gardening. Programs include a pop-up poetry reading, kite-flying, and a "trashion" show. Library staff looking to level up their program offerings will find this guide accessible and incredibly useful.

-- "Booklist"

Jenn Carson's Beyond Books: Adult Library Programs for a New Era serves as both an insightful clarion call to and informative FAQ for libraries to holistically support adult patrons with fun and impactful programming, all without exhausting or overwhelming those library workers who plan, prepare, and facilitate such events.

--Amy Tureen, editor of Leadership Wellness and Mental Health Concerns in Higher Education