Adult Services
For Library Staff Serving Adults
North Carolina Adult Programming Environmental Scan Reports
Results and analysis of the state-wide environmental scan of adult programming in North Carolina public libraries, conducted fiscal year 2019-2020.
Other News and Information
Library-Adult Services Listserv
This listserv is for NC library staff that provide services and programs for adults; subscription required.
American Library Association Voter Engagement Guide
ALA’s guide provides strategies and examples of how libraries can meet the information needs about voting for their community members, such as voter registration information, candidate forums, and being a polling place.
Public Libraries Respond to the Opioid Crisis with Their Communities
This study of eight public libraries describes their efforts in dealing with the opioid crisis and how partnerships and funding were used to deal with the crisis.
Nothing Passive About It: Self-Directed Programming
This article in Library Journal describes the level of thought and planning that go into what are commonly called “passive programs,” and how engaged library patrons are with this type of programming.
The American Library Association gathered information from public librarians and partner organizations and provides examples of how public libraries can expand their programs and services to new Americans.
National Impact of Library Public Programs Assessment (NILPPA)
This two year study looked at characteristics, audiences, outcomes and value of library programming, as well as determining nine competencies required to succeed in the library programming.
ALA’s How to Serve the World @ your library.
Suggestions and ideas about how to serve non-English speakers in public libraries.
Collaborative Summer Learning Program
This nationwide collaborative provides thematic programming material for children, teens, and adults for the annual summer learning efforts in public libraries.
Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources provides a wide range of programs and services, including traveling exhibits, State Parks, educational resources, and more. DNCR online and traveling exhibits.
The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
From the mountains to the coast, the Division of Parks and Recreation administers a diverse system of state parks, natural areas, trails, lake, natural and scenic rivers, and recreation areas.
North Carolina Center for the Book
The Center for the Book is a program of the North Carolina Humanities Council and offers humanities based programming and grants for libraries.
The North Carolina Museum of Art
The NCMA offers programs across all 100 counties, including virtual field trips and activity kits.
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Science
The Museum comes to you with interactive programs featuring specimens, activities and live animals that connect participants with the natural world.
This site is the Public Library Association’s collection of resources about programming in public libraries for adults and seniors, as well as low cost programming.
The American Library Association’s Public Programs Office provides this website where those interested in library programming can share ideas and browse through program models submitted by library staff.
State Library of North Carolina
Accessible Books and Library Services
ABLS circulates books and magazines especially made for persons who cannot use regular printed material because of a visual or physical disability.
Government and Heritage Library
GHL provides library materials and services to support state employees, family history researchers, educators and students, and those interested in North Carolina culture and history.
This is a list of the top ten books published each month that librarians across the country love, along with reviews from the librarians.
This site is the Public Library Association’s collection of resources about reader’s advisory service in public libraries, particularly genre fiction and book clubs.
NoveList Plus (With your SLNC Library card)
A readers’ advisory resource that uses appeal factors and expert reviews to offer read-alike and listen-alike recommendations for fiction, nonfiction, and audiobooks.
Adult Literacy
Literacy for All: Adult Literacy @ your library
Key terms and definitions for Adult Literacy from ALA's Literacy for All.
ProLiteracy is the largest adult literacy and basic education membership organization in the nation and through a partnership with ALA offers the free online course, Adult Literacy through Libraries (ALL): an Action Agenda Online Course, on ProLiteracy Education Network.
Transforming Lives with Adult Literacy Programs
Rural Libraries at the Heart of Thriving Communities: An in-depth series on rural libraries doing notable work in education, arts and technology, economic development, community wellness, and human services. Webjunction
Digital Literacy
Resources for Library Staff, Digital Navigators, and Digital Inclusion Practitioners.
ALA's Library of the Future, Artificial Intelligence in Libraries
The New Jersey Library Cooperative have created this series to address concerns, highlight benefits, and provide avenues for learning and engagement together, so that libraries can embrace AI as a valuable area of study and increase participation in the ongoing discussions surrounding its development.
Financial Literacy
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Resources for Libraries
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) provides free publications, online tools, and training opportunities to help libraries provide financial education to their communities.
Financial Literacy in Public Libraries
This site is sponsored by ALA and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation and provides model programs, resources, and training opportunities about managing personal finances.
Tips: Local Credit Unions and Banks often have education and outreach sections that will work with libraries to host financial planning programs for the community.
Health Literacy
The Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) describes the importance of health literacy and the role that libraries play in providing consumer health informtion to their communities.
Health Literacy Toolkit (free registration required)
The National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM) and ALA’s Libraries Transform campaign have partnered to create a free toolkit for raising awareness of how libraries support health literacy in their communities, including downloadable graphics to use online and in print.
Healthy Living resources and newsletter to help public libraries discover new program ideas, share success stories, and inspire community partnerships. Subscribe to the monthly newsletter.
NC Health Info is a service of the Health Sciences Library at the UNC-Chapel Hill and is maintained by volunteer librarians statewide; this consumer guide covers health topics and provider services.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Service
The DHHS manages the delivery of health- and human-related services for all North Carolinians, especially our most vulnerable people – children, elderly, disabled and low-income families. The Department works closely with health care professionals, community leaders and advocacy groups; local, state and federal entities; and many other stakeholders to make this happen.
Immigrants/New Americans
The American Library Association gathered information from public librarians and partner organizations and provides examples of how public libraries can expand their programs and services to new Americans.
US Citizenship & Immigration Services: Libraries
The U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services, in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, provide citizenship and educational materials to libraries.
LGBTQIA+
The Rainbow Round Table (RRT) of the American Library Association (ALA) is committed to serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, pansexual, genderqueer, queer, intersex, agender, asexual, and ally (LGBTQIA+) professional communities and population at large.
Is Your Library Doing Enough for LGBTQ Patrons?
This article from EBSCO provides ideas to make your library more welcoming to the LGBTQIA+ people in your community.