This session will examine how the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library created a unique program “Gourds vs. Goliath: How to Grow a Giant Pumpkin” which became a festival. In April, a local farmer provides seedlings at seminars held at the public library and instructs participants on growing a giant pumpkin. At the end of the growing season the library in partnership with local organizations including the Farmer’s Market plan a pumpkin weigh off event and participants are invited to have their pumpkins weighed for a chance at prizes. The presentation will demonstrate how events were planned, from the seedling distribution to pumpkin taste testing competition from local restaurants, children’s story-time, crafts and local music. We will show how to create these partnerships, how to use various media outlets to market your program, and best of all – how you can adapt these ideas for your programs with minimal cost.
Learning Outcomes
1) How to develop innovative and creative library programs.
2) How to market and advertise your programs effectively in your community.
3) How to develop partnerships with local organizations.
