What is an effective way to encourage library use after school hours?

Coordinating family library events is an effective way to encourage library use after school hours because it actively engages the community and promotes a welcoming atmosphere. These events can include story times, workshops, cultural nights, or family reading programs that cater to different age groups and interests. By fostering a sense of community and providing enjoyable activities for families, the library can attract more patrons who may not visit during regular school hours.

Family events also create opportunities for parents and children to discover resources, explore educational activities together, and learn how to utilize library services. This strengthens the relationship between the library and the community, contributes to lifelong learning, and encourages ongoing library use beyond just after-school hours. In contrast, implementing stricter check-out policies, reducing staff hours, or limiting digital access tend to create barriers or decrease engagement, which can have the opposite effect on library usage.