Adult Services
Adult Services Speaker, Performer, Program Idea Spreadsheet
Did you have an awesome speaker? Did a program wow attendees? Add the information to this spreadsheet or email Anne Hamland at ahamland@wvls.org
Book & Media Lists & Reviews
- Book Page: Reviews, Interviews, Lists
- Good Reads: Reviews, personalized reader profile
- Kirkus: Bestsellers and reviews
- BookList Online
- National Public Radio Book Reviews: Blog
- New York Times Book Lists
- NovelList Plus
- Oprah’s Book Club
- Adult Mysteries Book List courtesy of MCPL
- National Book Awards
- Fantastic Fiction
Program Ideas for Adults
Utilize your staff strengths and interests. Be feisty!
- ProgrammingLibrarian.org
- Seattle Public Library Programs for 50+: computers, crafting, art, music, languages, writing, internet, genealogy, health, personal finance, law and more.
- PLA: Adult Services & Programming
- Annual Events and Celebration Days
- Author Readings
- Book Clubs and Groups
- Book Talks out in the community: Bar, Bowling Alley, Lions Club, Rotary, Educator In-service,
- 5 ‘Garnishes’ to Add to Your Booktalk Programs for Adults-Programming Librarian
- Clubs: knitting, quilting, storytelling, crafting
- Creative Aging Toolkit for Public Libraries
- ESL programs through collaboration with the school district or adult resource center.
- Film Screenings
- Genealogy
- Infopeople: Archived Webinars with tons of ideas.
- Job Search and Career Programs: resumes, mock interviews, application tips…
- Find your nearest Job Center. Call or email to connect with your workforce skills partners.
- Monthly Bingo and Board Games
- Memory Clubs
- Browse the Makerspace Kit Collection for Memory Kits. These kits provide activities, music, discussion and more for those with memory loss and their caregivers.
- Bridges Library System has wonderful resources on building programming for Memory Cafes for those with memory loss and caregivers.
- Public Libraries Online: Blog
- Smithsonian: Featured online events and exhibitions
- Summer Reading Programs for Adults
Professional Resources & Blogs
- American Library Association
- American Libraries Magazine
- Library Journal
- Programming Librarian: Adult Programming
- Public Library Association
- Public Libraries Online: Public Library Association Resources
Data on Children & Families
- Kids Count Data Center
- Create your own reports by choosing your topic and characteristics. KIDS COUNT is a project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation and a premier source of data on children and families. The KIDS COUNT Data Center draws from more than 50 KIDS COUNT state organizations that provide state and local data, as well publications providing insights into trends affecting child and family well-being. Each year, the Foundation produces a comprehensive report — the KIDS COUNT Data Book — that assesses child well-being in the United States. The indicators featured in the Data Book are also available in the Data Center.
- Topics: Demographics, Economic Well-Being, Education, Family & Community, Health, Safety & Risky Behavior
- Characteristics: Age, Family Nativity, Race and Ethnicity
- Wisconsin Council on Children and Families, Inc. (WCCF)
- The Council is a multi-issue child and family advocacy organization, providing research, policy analysis, public education and advocacy that lead to improved outcomes for children in the areas of health, economic security, safety and education
Inclusive Services Resources
If you are looking for information on Inclusive Services, check out the page dedicated to it on our website.
What does it mean to be inclusive? Wisconsin public libraries are places where everyone should be safe, welcomed, and respected in experiences such as arrivals in our buildings, getting library cards, using a computer and paying fines.
Serving All Adults: Dementia Friendly Business Training & Customer Service in the Library
Scott Seeger and Meagan Fandrey of the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin (ADRC-CW) will provide Dementia Friendly Business Training with an emphasis on customer service and inclusivity in the library.
- Attendees will receive the Dementia Friendly Business training. Libraries may earn a Dementia Friendly Business designation via this training.
- Attendees will leave with an understanding of services provided by ADRC county locations.
- Attendees will work through library specific customer service scenarios.
The ADRC-CW works to provide peace of mind and quality of life to individuals and families through information and access to resources.

Wisconsin Valley Library Service
300 N 1st Street
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-7250