Inkslingers: Writers in the Libraries Ph VI FY15
Increased knowledge of, and interest in, the writing and publishing process; increased exposure to a variety of writers and writing styles; exposure to seasoned writers and writing techniques for interested beginning writers.
Inkslingers writing programming was offered at all seven libraries in the system during October – November 2014. We offered 9 writing classes through the Loft Literary Center ("First Pages," funded by MELSA Legacy funds). On a scale of 1-5 (5=excellent), 90% rated the class as 5, while about 10% rated them as 4. When asked to respond to the statement “My understanding of the writing process increased due to this program.” Again about 90% gave it a 5, 10% gave it a 4. Comments on the evaluations often cited the positive and energetic teacher or said that the presenter was great. The most frequent written comments were from participants who wanted more writing classes and classes that were more than one class long (6).
Attendance for the 9 Loft "First Pages" classes was 76, and are not reported below but by MELSA elsewhere, as was attendance for Jack El-Hai (Minnesota Book Awards panel).
We also had three authors who talked about and read from their books. Evaluations for the John Diers program commented on how much they learned from the presenter. All presenters talked about their writing and publishing process which was helpful to those who are aspiring writers.
We had a lot of participants going from one community to another to attend the events this year, for example, someone from New Prague came to a class at Prior Lake or Savage and vice versa. This is the third year we’ve offered this programming, and people have come to know that the quality of presenters is very good and so they are willing to travel to attend the events. We advertised the events as a series with a brochure that was available in all the branches (as well as online), and on our online calendar, so that people could see at a glance what’s offered county-wide.
The expected outcomes of increased knowledge of, and interest in, the writing and publishing process; increased exposure to a variety of writers and writing styles; exposure to seasoned writers and writing techniques for interested beginning writers; were all met. Participants over and over have said they would simply like more offerings like these.
Local Friends of the Library groups