Arts Brève: Curating Arts & Culture to Inspire Excellent Programming

Don't Let Your Content Die

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 20:38:21 GMT

PROGRAMMING CORNER

Don’t Let Your Program Die:

Content Strategies that go beyond the flyer and fill library seats

If your library's attendance is dwindling, the problem might not be the program itself—it might be the 'flyer-and-forget-it' mentality. In a world driven by digital engagement, a single PDF on a bulletin board is no longer enough to compete for your community’s time. Too often, public libraries treat programming as a fleeting, one-off event rather than a continuous engagement opportunity. By shifting focus toward a robust content strategy—highlighting speakers, curated collections, and post-event media—libraries can transform single sessions into powerful recruitment tools for future attendance. This approach moves beyond the traditional flyer, utilizing dynamic storytelling to build lasting momentum and ensure every seat is filled.

Summer-Fall 2026 Edition

You booked the perfect speaker. You designed a beautiful flyer. You put it on the circulation desk. Yet, on the night of the event, the room is half-empty. The problem usually isn't the quality of the program; it is the narrative surrounding it. To consistently fill seats, libraries must shift from static announcements to a 360-degree content strategy. By creating a story that spans before, during, and after the event, you move patrons from passive observers to active participants.

Three Phases for Content Success

Phase 1: Pre-Event (Removing Barriers)

Attendance often suffers because of the "unknowns." Patrons are busy and committing an evening to something new feels risky. Your pre-event content must do two things: build hype and reduce anxiety.

The Comfort Content: Create "Know Before You Go" posts. A simple photo or short video showing parking availability, the room layout, or answering, "Is this okay for beginners?" removes the friction that stops people from clicking "Register."

The Human Connection: We trust people more than institutions. Instead of a generic bio, publish a mini interview with the artist. When a patron sees the presenter’s personality, the event transforms from a generic "library program" into a meeting with a friend.

Phase 2: During the Event (Social Proof)

While the program is happening, your content should validate the attendees' choice and broadcast success to the outside world. Sharing real-time clips—a packed room, a laughing audience, or a snippet of music—serves as "social proof." It tells the digital audience, "This library is alive, active, and the place to be right now."

Phase 3: Post-Event (The Bridge)

The event shouldn’t end when the lights go out. Post-event content is your most powerful recruitment tool for the next program. A high-energy highlight reel triggers "FOMO" (Fear of Missing Out). However, a recap is useless without a bridge. Every post-event photo should end with a call to action: "Wish you were here? Don't miss our next event on [Date]!"

How to Streamline the Process: A Step-by-Step Workflow

Implementing a comprehensive content strategy often feels overwhelming for library staff who are already juggling desk shifts, collection development, and program setup. The secret is not to work harder, but to batch your tasks and template your output. By organizing your marketing just like you operationalize your cataloging, you can produce high-quality content without adding hours to your workweek.

1. The "One-Call" Batch Protocol

Stop the endless back-and-forth email chains regarding logistics. Instead, schedule a single 20-minute video call (via Zoom or Google Meet) with your presenter or artist three weeks prior to the event. Structure this call strictly to handle two distinct phases:

Phase A: Logistics (First 10 Minutes): Confirm the technical requirements, room setup, and arrival time.

Phase B: Content Creation (Last 10 Minutes): Hit the "Record" button (ensure you are recording to the cloud for easy sharing). Ask the presenter to look directly at the camera lens—not their screen—and answer three specific questions: Who are you? What will the audience learn? Why should they come? Finally, ask them to record a 15-second "Teaser" clip specifically inviting your library's patrons by name (e.g., "Hello Freeport Library patrons..." ).

The Result: In one sitting, you have finalized your event planning and generated two weeks' worth of video content for Instagram Reels and Facebook Stories.

2. The "Plug-and-Play" Comfort Template

Don't design a new graphic for every single event. Anxiety about logistics ("Where do I park?" or "Is this strictly for adults?") is a major barrier to registration. To combat this efficiently, create a "Know Before You Go" Master Template in a tool like Canva.

The Design: Create a clean, branded graphic that features your library's logo and three distinct text boxes with icons: Parking/Arrival , Audience Level , and What to Bring .

The Workflow: For every program, simply duplicate this file and fill in the blanks. For example: "Parking: Use the East Lot," "Audience: Best for Ages 18+," and "Bring: Your own yoga mat."

The Benefit: This takes less than two minutes to update but provides the critical "comfort content" that convinces hesitant patrons to click "Register."

3. The "Designated Capturer" Delegation

As the program host, your job is to greet patrons, introduce the speaker, and troubleshoot technology. You cannot effectively document the event while hosting it. If you try to do both, one will suffer.

The Assignment: Designate a specific staff member, a trusted volunteer, or even a Teen Advisory Board member as the "Official Photographer."

The Tool: Hand them a physical clipboard with a printed "Shot List" (e.g., 1 Wide Shot of the Crowd, 1 Close-up of the Speaker, 1 Video of Applause ).

The Specifics: Instruct them to focus on the reaction , not just the action. A photo of a patron laughing or taking notes is infinitely more powerful than a photo of a speaker standing behind a podium. Having a dedicated person ensures you get high-quality, usable assets without disrupting your own hosting duties.

4. The Pre-Written "Bridge" Post

The moment a program ends, you will be tired. You will be busy moving chairs and answering last-minute questions. You will likely not have the mental energy to craft a witty social media caption.

The Strategy: Draft your post-event content before the event even starts. Open your social media scheduling tool (like Meta Business Suite) in the morning and write a draft caption: "Tonight’s event with [Artist Name] was incredible! The energy in the room was electric. If you have FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), don't worry—we are doing it again next month! Click the link to grab your seat for [Next Event Name]."

The Execution: Leave a placeholder bracket in the draft that says [INSERT PHOTO HERE] . As the event wraps up, simply grab the best photo from your Designated Capturer, drop it into the draft, and hit "Post" before you even leave the building. This ensures you capture the peak engagement window without the late-night stress.

By weaving this streamlined content strategy into your regular planning, you transform marketing from a frantic afterthought into a sustainable community-building engine. You no longer need to chase attendees with flyers; instead, you cultivate an engaged audience that feels personally connected to your library's narrative. Start by testing this workflow on just one upcoming flagship program to see how a small investment in storytelling yields a massive return in engagement. Ultimately, when you show patrons exactly what they are missing, you ensure that next month’s empty seats become this month’s waiting list.

Your Arts World-Summer-Fall 2026

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 04:15:52 GMT

YOUR ARTS WORLD

Think Ahead: Arts-Related Programming Ideas for Summer-Fall 2026

Summer-Fall 2026 Edition

late July-October

The Prado on the Hudson: Unveiling Spain’s hidden jewels

MUSEUM: Hispanic Society Museum & Library, NYC

PROGRAM IDEA:

Host an art talk about the Hispanic Society Museum and Library celebrating summer travel or Hispanic Heritage Month highlighting its current exhibits

Step inside New York City’s best-kept secret—the Hispanic Society Museum & Library—where a breathtaking collection of Goya, Velázquez, and Sorolla masterpieces brings the soul of the Spanish-speaking world to life. A lecture on this storied institution is the perfect Hispanic Heritage Month program, as it invites library patrons to explore 4,000 years of global history while celebrating

late July-September

Journey through the twilight of a legendary romance

EXHIBITION: Frida and Diego-The Last Dream, MOMA

March 21–September 12, 2026

PROGRAM IDEA :

Present an art talk on Frida Kahlo and/ or Diego Rivera

The MoMA exhibition, Frida and Diego: The Last Dream is a first-of-its-kind collaboration with the Metropolitan Opera's March showing of the Frida Kahlo opera that recontextualizes the profound artistic and personal relationship of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera through a theatrical, otherworldly gallery design inspired by their enduring creative legacy.

September-October

Within the marble halls of the Detroit Institute of Arts, Georgia O’Keeffe’s architectural portraits transform

EXHIBIT: Georgia O’Keeffe-Architecture, Detroit Institute of Arts

September 13, 2026 – January 3, 2027

PROGRAM IDEA:

Host an art talk on Georgia O’Keeffe

A groundbreaking exhibition showcasing O'Keeffe's architectural paintings from the 1920s to the 1960s Detroit Institute of Arts

This exhibition is particularly special because it shifts the focus away from her famous flora to explore how she interpreted the structures humans leave behind.

September-October

The Gustavo Dudamel era at the New York Philharmonic ignites a transformative cultural transition in 2026

PROGRAM IDEA:

Present a classical music lecture on Gustavo Dudamel

Present a classical music lecture about the NY Philharmonic and their fall concert lineup

The biggest story in classical music for Fall 2026 is Gustavo Dudamel officially beginning his tenure as Music and Artistic Director of the New York Philharmonic

late September

A haunting prophecy sets the stage for one of Shakespeare’s

blockbuster plays

OPERA: Metropolitan Opera

Opening Night: Verdi's "Macbeth" with Lise Davidsen as Lady Macbeth and Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducting

Monday, September 22, 2026

PROGRAM IDEA:

Host an opera talk and performance of

Verdi’s Macbeth

Host an opera talk on Shakespeare and Opera

Experience the chilling opening of the Metropolitan Opera’s 2026 season as Verdi’s Macbeth plunges into a world of supernatural shadows and ruthless ambition, where the haunting prophecies of the three witches collide with the visceral power of Italian melodrama.

October

A tapestry of diverse American voices and milestones in classical music

MUSIC FESTIVAL: Carnegie Hall is spearheading a citywide festival called United in Sound: America at 250, which will be in full swing by Fall 2026.

PROGRAM IDEA:

Host concerts that include American classical and folk music

Spearheading a monumental celebration for the nation's Semiquincentennial, Carnegie Hall presents United in Sound: America at 250 , a vibrant citywide festival set to be in full swing by Fall 2026. This ambitious initiative brings together diverse artists and communities across New York to explore the country's complex history and future through the transformative power of music. By amplifying a multitude of voices, the festival promises a dynamic tribute to the American experience during this historic milestone.

October

A youthful maestro brings rockstar energy to the historic Chicago

Symphony Orchestra.

PROGRAM IDEA:

Use Mäkelä as a hook for "Young Creatives."

His "rockstar" status in the classical world is a great way to bring Gen Z and Millennials into library classical music programs.

Host a program on rising conductors from today

Host a classical music program connected to the CSO Opening Night

The Rise of Klaus Mäkelä

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is entering a high-anticipation "bridge" period as Klaus Mäkelä, the 28-year-old conducting phenom, prepares to take over.

October

Masters of the Italian soul art from Renaissance light to modern shadows

PROGRAM IDEA :

Host a lecture series on Raphael, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Modigliani

Spanning centuries of creative revolution, a lecture series on the genius of Raphael, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Modigliani offers an unparalleled journey through the heart of Italian identity and aesthetic mastery. These programs provide library patrons a front-row seat to the evolution of Western art, celebrating Italian Heritage Month by connecting the timeless marble of the Renaissance to the avant-garde spirit of the modern era .

October

Bring the rich enchantment of Italian culture to your audience for Italian Heritage Month

PROGRAM IDEAS:

Art Talk: Present an art talk on famous Italian art

Opera Talk: Present an opera talk on famous Italian singers or famous Italian operas

Italian culture is always an enjoyable topic for the fall because of Italian Heritage Month. From history to art and culture, you can bring that ambiance to your community by booking a popular art talk on Italian painters like the famous Caravaggio or an opera talk on Italian opera superstar, Luciano Pavarotti.

October

Pop Power! Roy Lichtenstein and the bold new American canvas

EXHIBITION: Roy Lichtenstein,

Whitney Museum

October 2026– April 2027

PROGRAM IDEA:

Host a lecture series on Pop art

Host an art talk on Roy Lichtenstein

Celebrate the vibrant legacy of an American icon at the Whitney, where Roy Lichtenstein’s oversized comic-strip panels and signature Ben-Day dots redefined what art could be for a modern nation. This high energy exhibition is a perfect fit for fall programming, offering library patrons a colorful and accessible entry point into the story of American innovation as we celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.

October

The Heart of Italian Opera: Celebrating Puccini’s Living Legacy

PROGRAM IDEA:

Host an opera talk on Giacomo Puccini and his famous operas

Host an opera talk on Turandot, Puccini’s

last opera

As the ultimate master of emotional storytelling, Giacomo Puccini’s soaring melodies and "Verismo" realism provide a profound window into the passion and dramatic flair of the Italian spirit. Celebrating his legacy during Italian Heritage Month offers libraries vibrant

opportunities to explore the intersection of classical opera and modern cinematic drama, connecting patrons to the timeless beauty of Italy’s most beloved cultural icon.

National Trends-Summer-Fall 2026

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 03:18:05 GMT

NATIONAL TRENDS

Summer-Fall 2026 Arts Trends: Beyond the 250th...

Be inspired as the arts world evolve beyond the 250th of the United States to a global reprieve to international events.

Summer-Fall 2026 Edition

Beyond the Stars and Stripes: A Global Cultural Reprieve

As the triumphant echoes and grand spectacles of the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations finally begin to soften, the late summer and autumn of 2026 present a timely and sophisticated invitation for a cultural shift. This season beckons us to pivot our gaze outward, providing a unique moment to rediscover the world’s most profound creative achievements, ranging from avant-garde gallery exhibits to world-class orchestral concerts. For public libraries and cultural curators, this Summer–Fall transition serves as a vital opportunity to transition from the specificities of national history toward the boundless realm of international inspiration. It is a chance to offer patrons a restorative "reprieve," allowing them to view the human experience through the elevated lens of global, high-profile artistic activities that transcend borders.

From the deeply introspective and experimental soundscapes found within the Venice Biennale’s "In Minor Keys," which prioritizes emotional nuance over traditional spectacle, to the visceral and deeply relational inquiries of the Whitney Biennial in New York, these curated experiences do more than just entertain—they fundamentally challenge our established perspectives on identity, heritage, and human connection. Under the iconic Parisian sky, the debut of Art Basel Paris transforms the newly renovated Grand Palais into a shimmering temple of contemporary thought and market innovation. Meanwhile, across the Alps, the Verona Opera Festival serves as a stirring reminder of the timeless, communal power of the unamplified human voice, echoing through the stones of an ancient Roman Arena. This is the definitive season to curate a world of wonders for your patrons, encouraging your local community to step purposefully beyond the familiar local narrative and engage deeply with the vibrant, ever-evolving tapestry of the global arts landscape.

GLOBAL ARTS EVENTS THAT INSPIRE CULTURAL PROGRAMMING BEYOND THE 250TH

VENICE, ITALY

Exhibition Theme: Venice Biennale

In Minor Keys

May – November 2026

The 2026 Venice Biennale, titled In Minor Keys , is set to be a profound international survey of contemporary art that emphasizes emotional resonance, sustained attention, and the powerful nuances of global creative voices.

PROGRAM IDEA:

"The Curator's Workshop": Host a virtual tour or talk focusing on the 2026 theme In Minor Keys.

NEW YORK CITY, NY

Exhibition: Whitney Museum

Whitney Biennial

March – August 2026

Held every two years at the Whitney Museum of American Art, the exhibition features a diverse, multi-generational roster of artists whose work challenges traditional boundaries across media like film, performance, and large-scale installation.

PROGRAM IDEA:

"American Relationality": A community discussion group on how contemporary art reflects modern US connections.

VERONA, ITALY

Opera Festival:

Verona Festival

June – September 2026

The 103rd Arena di Verona Opera Festival in 2026 celebrates a century of lyrical passion with a "dazzling" season running from June 12 to September 12, featuring a mix of opulent traditional stagings by Franco Zeffirelli and bold, visionary new productions.

PROGRAM IDEA:

Present an opera talk on the featured operas that are part of the festival’s season

PARIS, FRANCE

Exhibition: Grand Palais

Art Basel Paris

October 23-25, 2026

Art Basel Paris is a premier international art fair that transforms the historic Grand Palais and iconic Parisian landmarks into a vibrant global hub for modern and contemporary thought, bridging the city's avant-garde heritage with the latest innovations from the world's leading galleries.

PROGRAM IDEA:

"Postcard from Paris": A youth art workshop creating "mini-galleries" inspired by the Grand Palais.

Your Arts World-Spring-Summer 2026

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 03:35:04 GMT

YOUR ARTS WORLD

Think Ahead: Arts-Related Programming Ideas for Spring-Summer 2026

Spring-Summer 2026 Edition

late March-April

Parisian vibrance echoes spring through

art and opera

PROGRAM IDEAS:

Art talk on Impressionism

Painting activity using Impressionism as a topic

Opera Talk on Verdi’s La Traviata

Spring in Paris is an excellent excursion for the audience to appreciate the color and feeling of renewal after winter. Immerse your audience in our spring arts programming, where the vibrant echoes of Parisian culture are bound by the luminous brushstrokes of Impressionism and the tragic, passionate storyline of La Traviata.

late March-June

Raphael’s stunning collection of masterpieces unveils at the Met this spring

EXHIBITION: Raphael: Sublime Poetry

Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC

March 29–June 28, 2026

PROGRAM IDEA:

Host an art talk on Raphael’s life and art

Experience the genius of the High Renaissance as the Raphael exhibit, a stunning collection of masterpieces, unveils its magnificence at the Met this spring.

late April-June

Visual artists whose work boldly

capture the spectrum of the African American experience…

EXHIBITION: American Sublime by Amy Sherald

Baltimore Museum of Art

November, 2 2025– April 5,2026

PROGRAM IDEAS :

Art talk on black artists

Concert or music talk on Black classical performers or composers

To fully prepare for Juneteenth, create programming to spotlight the profound impact of Black visual artists whose work boldly captures the spectrum of the African American experience—from historical struggle and resilience to celebration and contemporary freedom—creating a powerful dialogue that resonates deeply with the holiday’s meaning.

April

Jazz- the nation’s original soundtrack is right on time for the 250th

PROGRAM IDEA:

Music talk on Jazz history or Jazz Icons

Host a Jazz concert

Jazz Awareness Month, celebrated every April, offers a dynamic and accessible way to explore the uniquely American art form of jazz—the nation's original soundtrack—highlighting its deep cultural and historical significance as a major contribution to the 250th anniversary of the United States.

April

The Bard's blooming verses and the

revitalizing power of verse fills April’s air…

PROGRAM IDEAS :

Opera talk on Shakespeare in opera

Poetry writing session

Host a program on Shakespeare’s life and works

April is the perfect time to celebrate Shakespeare and poetry as the arrival of spring mirrors the Bard's blooming verses and the revitalizing power of verse, culminating with National Poetry Month and Shakespeare's birthday.

May

A dramatic exploration of cross-cultural encounters, Eastern identity, and the enduring power of love…

PROGRAM IDEA:

Opera talk on Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and/or Turandot

Maximize your May programming for AAPI Heritage Month by diving into an opera talk on Madama Butterfly or Turandot, whose narratives provide a timely, dramatic exploration of cross-cultural encounters, Eastern identity, and the enduring power of love and sacrifice.

May-July

Soundtrack of a Nation: Patriotic Music and the American Journey

PROGRAM IDEA:

Host a music talk exploring the history behind America’s patriotic tunes

"Hymns of War and Peace": A live performance and lecture series tracing patriotic music's role in

American military conflicts.

The evolution of American patriotic music, from the battlefields that inspired "The Star-Spangled Banner" to the satirical origins of "Yankee Doodle," offers a rich, often surprising, narrative that mirrors the nation's 250-year journey. A programming series could explore how these iconic tunes have been adapted, challenged, and reinterpreted across generations, offering a unique sonic lens on American identity, conflict, and celebration.

May-July

An honest, multi-perspectival survey of American art from 1900 to the 1980s…

EXHIBITION: Untitled (America)

Whitney Museum, NYC

ONGOING

PROGRAM IDEA:

Art talk on American artists featured in this exhibit like Hopper, O’Keeffe

The Whitney Museum's "Untitled" (America) exhibit connects to America's 250th anniversary by presenting an honest, multi-perspectival survey of American art from 1900 to the 1980s, allowing visitors to explore the complex, evolving, and sometimes contradictory collective psyche and identity of the nation over a pivotal eighty-year period.

May-July

American architecture standing as a tangible and powerful temple of history…

PROGRAM IDEA :

Art talk on famous American

monuments & architecture

From Independence Hall's founding principles to the solemn grandeur of the Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial, American architecture stands as a tangible and powerful "temple of our history," providing a physical space to commemorate the sacrifices of Memorial Day and reflect on the enduring story of America's 250 years.

June-July

Trace the foundational moments of the nation through famous art…

PROGRAM IDEA :

Art talk on famous paintings depicting pivotal moments in American history

Trace the foundational moments of the nation through our art talk, where iconic depictions like the Declaration of Independence and Washington Crossing the Delaware transform into vivid visual narratives, making the stories of America's founding tangibly relevant for the 250th anniversary celebration.

June-July

A crescendo of patriotism before the 4th of July begins…

PROGRAM IDEA :

Host a concert performance that includes America’s national anthem and other patriotic tunes

Imagine a pre-Fourth of July concert where a live band electrifies the crowd with iconic American anthems like "Yankee Doodle," "The Star-Spangled Banner," and "America the Beautiful," all woven together with compelling historical and cultural context between each powerful rendition, creating a stirring and educational crescendo of patriotism before the holiday even begins.

Beyond Summer Reading: Transforming Your Library into a Summer Festival Destination

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 02:31:08 GMT

PROGRAMMING CORNER

Beyond Summer Reading: Transforming Your Library into a

Summer Festival Destination

After years building a core audience for arts programming, Tanisha explains the valuable lessons she

learned as a program coordinator and a program presenter.

Spring-Summer 2026 Edition

Summer presents a unique scheduling dilemma for programming librarians: while many families travel, local attendees—including working families, local teens, and staycationers—are looking for high-quality, accessible entertainment. The solution is to redefine the library’s role, moving past the passive, incentive-based Summer Reading Program (SRP) to become a vibrant, community-wide "Summer Destination."

This shift means embracing the excitement of large-scale public events that capitalize on good weather and community spirit. Think bigger than a weekly story time. Imagine an all-ages Library Lit Fest, featuring local authors, interactive workshops, and a culminating outdoor concert. Host a weekly "Books & Brews" or "Pages & Popsicles" series right on the front lawn, where reading-related trivia, plein air painting, or hands-on making activities lead into a local band performance. These events are not just about reading; they are about using the library as a venue for cultural and social experiences.

The secret to exploiting the "people are away" dilemma is focusing all marketing energy on the steadfast local population. These residents appreciate consistency and proximity. By hosting festivals and concert series, you are not competing with vacation plans; you are offering an essential, non-traveling alternative.

Incorporating reading need not be forced: a festival stage becomes a platform for a youth poetry slam, a concert interlude features a librarian-curated "Summer Soundtrack" booklist, or an outdoor film screening is preceded by a short discussion of the book it's based on. These destination programs generate buzz, attract non-traditional library users, and solidify your library as the heart of summer life for everyone who calls your town home year-round. They transform the library into a place people choose to go, not just a place they use to check out books.

1.Research Focus for Destination Programming

Experiential & Themed Series

This area focuses on moving beyond the standard library format and utilizing your entire property and local environment.

Outdoor Concerts and Performances: Don't just book a band; create a series. Research local bands, solo acoustic acts, or community theater groups that would appeal to your core local audience. Investigate how other libraries or parks host events like "Music on the Lawn" or "Outdoor Film Festival" series, including successful models for audience comfort (shading, seating, bug control).

"Library Takeover" Festival Models: Look for case studies of libraries that transform their grounds for a single, large-scale event (e.g., a "Maker Festival," a "Cultural Heritage Fair," or a "Summer Solstice Celebration" ). This goes beyond programming and focuses on ambiance, wayfinding, and transforming spaces (like a parking lot into a marketplace).

Integrating Local Food Vendors (If permitted): Partnering with food trucks or local restaurants is a major draw. Research the specific health and business permits required for third-party food vendors on public property. Explore options for low-cost refreshments the library can provide, like a "Popsicles & Storytime" hour, or setting up a designated picnic area.

2. Reading Integration

The goal is to weave literacy into the excitement without making it feel like homework. "One Book, One Community" Summer Adaptation: Instead of a traditional book club, structure a large summer event around a single, high-interest book or graphic novel. Host a "Book-to-Activity Challenge" (e.g., if the book involves gardening, host a seed-starting workshop). The event is the draw; the book is the theme.

Literature as Performance: Research spoken-word artists, local poets, or theatrical groups who can perform excerpts of classic or contemporary literature. These ideas can turn reading into a dynamic, social spectacle. Consider hosting a Youth or Adult Poetry Slam with a librarian as the MC and a local poet as a judge.

Curated Book-to-Theme Lists: Develop short, engaging booklists that directly tie into your non-reading events. For a Latin Jazz concert, hand out a list of "5 Memoirs & 5 Novels to Read with a Salsa Beat." Make the list a collectible bookmark or magnet—a tangible take-away that reinforces the reading connection.

3. Partnerships & Funding

Large-scale events require more resources; partners are key to managing costs and spreading the workload.

Identifying Funding Streams: Research local government cultural councils, community development block grants (CDBG), and private foundations that specifically fund arts and culture events.

Corporate Sponsorship: Look for local businesses (banks, realtors, supermarkets) whose marketing goals align with community presence. A simple request might be to sponsor the cost of the outdoor stage or provide free promotional items for attendees. Be prepared to offer logo placement on banners and flyers.

Collaborative Events: Partner with a local non-library entity (e.g., a school district, a museum, a parks department) to co-host an event. This shares the logistical burden, increases your combined marketing reach, and justifies a larger budget.

4. Logistics & Community Buy-in

These elements ensure your events are safe, successful, and well-attended.

Permits and Public Safety: Contact your town or city's building and recreation departments early. You will need clear guidance on fire code for capacity, noise ordinances for concerts, and liability insurance for public events. If you're using a park, you'll need a formal use permit.

Audience Analysis and Timing: Use your library's circulation data to identify which local areas are not traveling heavily in the summer. Schedule your biggest events on weekday evenings or weekend times that won't conflict with regional sports leagues or major city-wide events.

Volunteer Mobilization: Large events require many hands. Create specific, high-visibility roles for volunteers—like "Festival Ambassadors" or "Event Safety Crew" —to attract organized and motivated community members. A robust volunteer program is essential for scalability. You can also give your "Friends of the Library" a task to mobilize volunteers and also create buy-in for the community to participate.

National Trends-Spring-Summer 2026

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 02:45:02 GMT

NATIONAL TRENDS

Spring-Summer 2026 Arts Preview: Road to the 250th Anniversary Continued

Gear up for the 250th Anniversary of America with National Events in the Arts that can inspire unforgettable programming.

Spring-Summer 2026 Edition

The Spring –Summer 2026 Arts Season: Leading American arts institutions like Carnegie Hall and the Museum of the American Revolution will mark the nation's 250th anniversary in the spring and summer of 2026 with a wide range of celebratory programming. This commemoration of America's 250th anniversary, is a national, multi-faceted effort involving a wide range of institutions beyond museums. The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, the official body charged by Congress with leading the commemoration, is partnering with federal agencies, educational institutions, historical societies, and private sector organizations. This theme and its various events is a great way to inspire excellent programming for your audience.

ARTS EVENTS UNVEILING THE POWER OF AMERICAN CULTURE AROUND SELECTED CITIES

PHILADELPHIA, PA

“A groundbreaking exhibit commemorating America’s 250th…”

To mark the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, the Museum presents a major special exhibition exploring the history and global impact of the Declaration of Independence from 1776 to today. The Declaration’s Journey, presented by Griffin Catalyst, showcases how, with more than 100 nations having integrated its ideals into their own independence movements, the American Declaration of Independence has become one of the most influential political documents in modern history. -amrevmuseum.org

Exhibition:

The Declaration's Journey

October 18, 2025- January 3, 2027

Museum of the American Revolution

BOSTON, MA

“America’s complexities through paintings and drawings…”

Describing himself as an “American history painter,” Mark Thomas Gibson (b. 1980) draws inspiration from sources as wide-ranging as comic books, Renaissance paintings, and late 19th-century editorial caricatures. For his “Banner Project,” he created the largest-scale expansion yet of his Town Crier series, which builds on a tradition of collective address before the modern period, when “town criers” publicly announced laws and news.

-mfa.org

Exhibition:

The Banner Project:

Mark Thomas Gibson

June 25, 2025–June 22, 2026

MFA Boston

CHARLOTTE, NC

“A powerful journey of the resilience of indigenous people across America…”

"Indigenous peoples throughout the Americas have persevered hundreds of years of colonization and persecution since the 16th century. Throughout this time, the arts have been crucial in preserving cultural identity, spirituality, and societal values that sustain human civilization. These works of art showcase the resilience of creativity and reflect both Native American cultures and contemporary influences." -mintmuseum.org

Exhibition:

Native American Art

ONGOING

Mint Museum

NEW YORK CITY, NY

"A celebration of America’s musical tapestry through diverse genres…"

"Carnegie Hall’s 2025–2026 season festival is a multifaceted reflection of the United States 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Starting in January, we highlight the extraordinary musical riches that have flourished in the US, and we explore the endlessly diverse voices and influences that have shaped—and continue to shape—American identity.

In more than 35 concerts at the Hall, audiences will experience Broadway, jazz, film music, rock ‘n’ roll, hip-hop, bluegrass, classical, and so much more, showcasing the very best of the American spirit through music."

-carnegiehall.org

Concerts:

United in Sound

January - July, 2026

Carnegie Hall

BALTIMORE, MD

“The poetic existence of everyday Black Americans...”

"In 2016, Sherald made history as the first African American to win the grand prize in the National Portrait Gallery’s Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition for her painting, Miss Everything (Unsuppressed Deliverance). That recognition led to the commission of the official portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama for the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. Both works are featured in American Sublime, among many other highlights, including the cultural touchstone commissioned for Vanity Fair, a portrait of Breonna Taylor; the triptych Ecclesia (The Meeting of Inheritance and Horizons); and the bold painting Trans Forming Liberty. " -artbma.org

Exhibition:

American Sublime by

Amy Sherald

November, 2 2025 - April 5,2026

Baltimore Museum of Art

LOS ANGELES, CA

“A homage to legendary American choreographers… ”

"After more than a 20-year absence from The Music Center, New York City Ballet—one of the world’s premier dance companies—returns with two electrifying programs. These performances showcase the company’s storied legacy, featuring a roster of extraordinary dancers and an unmatched repertory sure to captivate Los Angeles audiences. Rooted in Founder George Balanchine’s revolutionary choreography, New York City Ballet has shaped the ballet canon for more than 75 years." -musiccenter.org

Ballet:

NYC Ballet on Tour

June 24-28, 2026

Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, The Music Center

Letters for the Ages Great Musicians by James Drake (Anthology Editor) , Edward Smyth (Anthology Editor)

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 02:26:44 GMT

SPRING-SUMMER '26 PICK

“This book would capture the attention of musicians and music novices alike because it offers a unique, intimate glimpse into the lives and minds of great musicians through their own words, making their art and humanity more accessible and relatable to all.”

Letters for the Ages Great Musicians by James Drake (Anthology Editor) , Edward Smyth (Anthology Editor)

Publisher: Bloomsbury Release: 1/13/2026 Format: Paperback/ Hardcover 496 pages

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Publisher: Bloomsbury Release: 11/25/2025 Format: Hardcover 288 pages

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Publisher Description: This book would appeal to readers interested in art history, feminist history, and biographical narratives. It offers a fresh perspective on the 18th century, highlighting two forgotten artists who were pivotal figures in a male-dominated world. Market this book in a display titled "Trailblazers of the Art World," showcasing the book alongside other works on women in art or historical biographies of influential women.

Audience:

How to present this to library customers: This book would appeal to a broad audience, from dedicated classical music scholars to casual listeners and pop culture enthusiasts, as it offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the human side of musical genius across centuries and genres. The anthology's range from classical to contemporary would also make it a perfect topic for a multi-genre book club or a themed listening event, encouraging discussion and discovery.

Audience Key:

NOVICE:

A patron who does not know about the arts but is looking for new interests. These items are for public collections that call for you to introduce the arts to patrons and ignite their interests. They often know much more about popular culture than what’s happening in the arts.

EXPLORER:

These items are for customers who have some knowledge of the arts and want to learn more. Oftentimes these patrons stream music from your music streaming service, take out music and art biographies and they may attend music and art programming at your library.

AFICIONADO:

Ordering for aficionados requires knowledge about their habits when consuming the arts. These patrons are aware of the arts through museums, classical music, jazz and more. Oftentimes, these patrons attend music and art programming at your library, are professionals in the arts world with thorough knowledge of visual and/or performing arts.

Mrs Kauffman and Madame Le Brun: The Extraordinary Entwined Lives of Two Eighteenth-Century Painters by Franny Moyle

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 02:19:01 GMT

SPRING-SUMMER '26 PICK

“As trailblazers in a male-dominated world, Kauffman and Le Brun not only achieved unparalleled success and influence but also reimagined the role of women on canvas and in society…”

Mrs Kauffman and Madame Le Brun: The Extraordinary Entwined Lives of Two Eighteenth-Century Painters by Franny Moyle

Publisher: Bloomsbury Release: 1/13/2026 Format: Paperback/ Hardcover 496 pages

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Publisher: Bloomsbury Release: 1/13/2026 Format: Paperback/ Hardcover 496 pages

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Audience:

How to present this to library customers: This book would appeal to readers interested in art history, feminist history, and biographical narratives. It offers a fresh perspective on the 18th century, highlighting two forgotten artists who were pivotal figures in a male-dominated world. Market this book in a display titled " Trailblazers of the Art World ," showcasing the book alongside other works on women in art or historical biographies of influential women.

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Essays by Hallie Ringle, Salamishah Tillet, and Dexter Wimberly, and an interview by Sandra Jackson-Dumont

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 02:11:02 GMT

SPRING-SUMMER '26 PICK

“Derrick Adams is a pivotal figure in today's art canon because his work, which celebrates Black joy and leisure through a vibrant, multidisciplinary practice, has been so impactful it has been incorporated into the plot of a hit TV show like Empire .”

Derrick Adams Essays by Hallie Ringle, Salamishah Tillet, and Dexter Wimberly, and an interview by Sandra Jackson-Dumont

Publisher: Monacelli Press Release: 10/22/ 2025 Format: Hardcover 248 pages

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Publisher: Monacelli Press Release: 10/22/ 2025 Format: Hardcover 248 pages

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Publisher Description: The highly anticipated first monograph on one of the most celebrated American contemporary artists. Through portraits, social scenes, photographs, sculptures, and immersive installations, Derrick Adams has developed an artistic practice that jocundly visualizes modern Black American life. Equally informed by popular culture as he is by the history of modern art, Adams’s work brings the everyday experiences of Black Americans to the forefront, capturing fashionable moments of joy, resilience, and celebration.

Audience:

How to present this to library customers: Highlight this book in library displays and reading lists focusing on contemporary art and Black artists, positioning Derrick Adams alongside celebrated figures like Kerry James Marshall and Amy Sherald. By doing so, you can attract art enthusiasts and general readers alike by showcasing how his vibrant, multidisciplinary work has influenced popular culture and redefined narratives of Black life and leisure.

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Schubert: Chamber Music [Box Set] Diogenes Quartet, Aapo Hakkinen, Klavier Trio Amsterdam

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 01:25:31 GMT

SPRING-SUMMER '26 PICK

“Schubert's chamber music, a cornerstone of the Western classical canon, offers patrons a journey into the composer's profound lyrical genius…”

Schubert: Chamber Music [Box Set] Diogenes Quartet, Aapo Hakkinen, Klavier Trio Amsterdam

Format: Compact disc

Release: 11/7/2025

Label: Brilliant Classics

Format: Compact disc

Release: 11/7/2025

Label: Brilliant Classics

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Label Description: Franz Schubert's chamber music occupies a vital place in the Western classical canon, demonstrating both his lyrical genius and emotional depth. Though he is widely known for his lieder and symphonies, his chamber works represent some of the most profound and innovative compositions of the early Romantic era.The String Quintet in C major, D. 956, written just weeks before Schubert's death in 1828, stands as one of the towering achievements in chamber music. Scored for two cellos instead of the more common two violas, the work is known for it's rich, warm textures and emotional contrasts.

Audience:

How to present this to library customers: Create a display that pairs this album with the literary works that inspired Schubert, such as poems by Goethe and Schiller, or a dedicated listening station that features Schubert alongside his contemporaries like Beethoven and Mendelssohn. Highlighting the interdisciplinary connections between music and literature or showcasing his place within the Romantic era will draw in patrons with diverse interests.

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Piano Book 2 by Lang Lang

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 01:15:16 GMT

SPRING-SUMMER '26 PICK

“Lang Lang's Piano Book 2 combines a broad appeal, featuring a rich blend of classical masterpieces and popular themes from film, anime, and video games, making it highly accessible to a diverse range of patrons…”

Piano Book 2 by Lang Lang

Format: Compact disc

Release: 10-17-2025

Label: Deutsche Grammophone

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Format: Compact disc

Release: 10-17-2025

Label: Deutsche Grammophone

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Label Description: This new album continues to build the brand Piano Book, following the unprecedented success of the original released in 2019. A collection of the most popular short pieces for piano known, taught and played by players and piano lovers of all ages everywhere. Including iconic classical pieces, works by contemporary composers including soundtracks, gaming and anime, as well as unique arrangements.

Audience:

How to present this to library customers: For library displays and listening stations, promote Lang Lang's Piano Book 2 by creating a "Pianist Showcase" that features his acclaimed past albums like Piano Book, The Disney Book, and Goldberg Variations. Alternatively, a "Modern Piano Masters" playlist could pair his new album with works by other popular contemporary pianists like Yuja Wang, Daniil Trifonov, or Igor Levit, highlighting the diverse and vibrant world of classical piano today.

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Golden Age by Erin Morley, Lawrence Brownlee, Münchner Rundfunkorchester, Ivan Repušić

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 01:04:39 GMT

SPRING-SUMMER '26

“Two of today's most exciting voices in the bel canto repertoire, unite for a mesmerizing album set to release before they appear alongside award winning actor, Sandra Oh in Donizett’s La Fille du Régiment at the Metropolitan Opera.”

Golden Age by Erin Morley, Lawrence Brownlee, Münchner Rundfunkorchester, Ivan Repušić

Format: Compact disc

Release date: 1/30/2025

Label: Brilliant Classics

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Format: Compact disc

Release: 10-10-2025

Label: Pentatone

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Label Description: This captivating new release from PENTATONE celebrates the glittering world of 19th-century opera and the timeless beauty of the golden age of bel canto. Featuring music by Gaetano Donizetti, Gioacchino Rossini, Georges Bizet, Léo Delibes, and Giuseppe Verdi, the album showcases soprano Erin Morley and tenor Lawrence Brownlee—two of today’s most exciting voices—joined by the Münchner Rundfunkorchester under the baton of conductor Ivan Repušić. Together, they bring fresh brilliance to the French and Italian repertoire with performances that balance vocal agility, lyrical finesse, and emotional power.

Audience:

How to present this to library customers: Pentatone's new release is a perfect centerpiece for a fall arts season display or digital playlist. Featuring the captivating voices, this album celebrates the bel canto tradition with music by legendary composers. Create interest by highlighting the duo’s appearances at the Met, alongside other albums featuring todays artists, to draw opera lovers and those new to the genre into the library and to this exquisite recording.

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The Understudy, A Novel by Morgan Richter

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 03:57:46 GMT

FALL-WINTER 2025-26 PICK

“The Understudy unveils the hidden world of opera, one scandal at a time …”

The Understudy, A Novel by

 Morgan Richter

Publisher: Knopf Publications Release: 8/5/ 2025 Format: Hardcover 336 pages

Publisher Description: An opera singer uncovers the dark secrets of her cruel and alluring understudy when a murder disrupts her disciplined world. After years of rigorous instruction and ensemble work, Kit finally gets her big break when she’s hired to play the lead role in a new opera based on the 1960s cult classic film Barbarella. Entrusted with playing the beautiful and seductive titular role, Kit is on her way to the top of the highly competitive world of New York City opera. But then she walks into rehearsal and meets her understudy. Stunning, suggestive, and bursting with the unbridled confidence of a novice, Yolanda is physically everything Barbarella is meant to be. At first, Kit isn’t threatened by the neophyte, until Yolanda reveals that she wants the role—and will do anything to get it.

Audience:

How to present this to library customers: Entice your patrons with The Understudy , a gripping novel that pulls back the curtain on the cutthroat world of opera, where a lead singer's rise to fame is threatened by a ruthless understudy. Create a display featuring this book alongside other theatrical suspense novels in your collection to thrill readers who love high-stakes drama and dark secrets.

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Pan, A Novel, by Michael Clune

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 03:43:50 GMT

FALL-WINTER 2025-26 PICK

“A novel where art, panic, and gods collide.”

Pan, A Novel, by Michael Clune

Publisher: Penguin Press Release: 7/22/2025 Format: Paperback/ Hardcover 336 pages

Publisher Description: Nicholas is fifteen when he forgets how to breathe. He had plenty of reason to feel unstable already: He’s been living with his dad in the bleak Chicago suburbs since his Russian-born mom kicked him out. Then one day in geometry class, Nicholas suddenly realizes that his hands are objects. The doctor says it’s just panic, but Nicholas suspects that his real problem might not be a psychiatric one: maybe the Greek god Pan is trapped inside his body. As his paradigm for his own consciousness crumbles, Nicholas; his best friend, Ty; and his maybe-girlfriend, Sarah, hunt for answers why—in Oscar Wilde and in Charles Baudelaire, in rock and roll and in Bach, and in the mysterious, drugged-out Barn, where their classmate Tod’s charismatic older brother Ian leads the high schoolers in rituals that might end up breaking more than just the law.

Audience:

How to present this to library customers: Showcase Pan, a captivating novel that explores a teenager's struggle with anxiety and identity through the lens of art and classical mythology. Engage patrons by creating a display that pairs this book with titles on Greek myths, classical composers like Bach, and poets such as Oscar Wilde and Charles Baudelaire, offering a rich literary experience.

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Faith, Family, and Flag: Branson Entertainment and the Idea of America By Joanna Dee Das

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 03:30:21 GMT

FALL-WINTER 2025-26 PICK

“This book is captivating because it uncovers how the wholesome entertainment of Branson, Missouri, became a powerful and subtle force for American conservatism, revealing a surprising connection between family-friendly fun and national politics.”

Faith, Family, and Flag: Branson Entertainment and the Idea of America by Joanna Dee Das

Publisher: University of California Press

Release: 11/11/2025

Format: Hardcover

272 Pages

Publisher: University of California Press

Release: 11/11/2025

Format: Hardcover

272 Pages

Publisher Description: Sons of Britches. The Great American Chuckwagon Dinner Show. The Haygoods. The Grand Jubilee. These are just a couple of the many shows performed in Branson, MO, where the seemingly innocent entertainment fuels American conservatism. Branson, Missouri, the Ozark Mountain mecca of wholesome entertainment, has been home to countless stage shows espousing patriotism and Christianity, welcoming over ten million visitors a year. Some consider it “God’s Country” and others “as close to Hell as anything on Earth.”

Audience:

How to present this to library customers: To promote Faith, Family, and Flag , create a program or display that explores how destinations like Branson cement cultural ideals through music and performance. Encourage patrons to consider how gathering around a shared vision of "wholesome entertainment" helps to define and shape a particular version of America.

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Opera and the Built Environment by Laura Vasilyeva

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 03:20:25 GMT

FALL-WINTER 2025-26 PICK

“What a wonderful way to explore the global stage of Italian Opera and how it shaped the world.”

Opera and the Built Environment by Laura Vasilyeva

Publisher: University of Chicago Press Release: 11/2025 Format: Hardcover 184 pages

Publisher Description: The first book to examine the classic Italian opera house in a global context. In Opera and the Built Environment, music scholar Laura Vasilyeva considers the remarkable mass construction of opera houses around the world since the 1800s and the no-less-remarkable bids to standardize the architectural features of their interiors across this vast theatrical infrastructure. Now known as the teatro all’italiana, this style of architecture—made most famous by Milan’s Teatro alla Scala—is characterized by auditoria with tiers of stacked boxes and a dominant red hue.

Audience:

How to present this to library customers: Delve into the fascinating intersection of music and design with the first book to explore the classic Italian opera house in a global context. This volume will captivate opera buffs and architecture lovers alike by revealing the hidden environmental and social forces that shaped these iconic, red-hued theaters around the world.

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Edmonia Lewis Said in Stone by Jeffrey Richmond-Moll and Shawnya L. Harris

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 02:47:31 GMT

FALL-WINTER 2025-26 PICK

SPRING-SUMMER '26

“This book uncovers hidden figure Edmonia Lewis through her art and legacy.”

Edmonia Lewis Said in Stone by Jeffrey Richmond-Moll and Shawnya L. Harris

Publisher: University of Chicago Press Release: February 2026 Format: Hardcover 272 Pages

Publisher Description: Edmonia Lewis (ca. 1844–1907) broke international, racial, and gender barriers as a talented young artist who traveled to Rome in 1866 to join the leading American sculptors of her generation. She created acclaimed figurative works in marble and achieved great success, but her status as a woman of African American and Indigenous (Mississauga) heritage complicated the critical reception of her oeuvre during her lifetime. Following her death, Lewis’s contribution to American sculpture was largely overlooked. Accompanying the first monographic retrospective of Lewis, this lavishly illustrated volume presents images of all of Lewis’s known works and shares new discoveries that illuminate her artistic advancements and defiant social commentaries.

Audience:

How to present this to library customers: Feature this landmark retrospective of sculptor Edmonia Lewis to celebrate her groundbreaking work and reintroduce a forgotten figure to a new generation. Create a display that pairs this book with other works in your collection by women artists and sculptors, highlighting their diverse contributions to art history.

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Doppelgänger by Jonas Kaufmann

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 02:38:16 GMT

FALL-WINTER 2025-26 PICK

“Kaufmann's Schumann and Schubert: unveils the artist’s journey from Romanticism to the stage.”

Doppelgänger by Jonas Kaufmann

Format: Compact disc

Release: 9/26/2025

Label: Sony

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Format: Compact disc

Release: 9/26/2025

Label: Sony

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Label Description: The celebrated and visually spectacular stage production of Schubert’s ‘Schwanengesang’, Doppelgänger, from New York, directed by Claus Guth. Jonas Kaufmann’s latest album brings together two of Schumann’s most profound song cycles—Dichterliebe and Kerner-Lieder—performed with exceptional sensitivity and vocal finesse. Accompanied by pianist and long-term collaborator Helmut Deutsch, Kaufmann explores the emotional and poetic nuances of these Romantic masterpieces. These works are complemented by “Doppelgänger”, a strikingly original stage adaptation of Schubert’s Schwanengesang (Swan Songs), directed by Claus Guth.

Audience:

How to present this to library customers: Bring library patrons into the world of German Romanticism with Jonas Kaufmann's latest album, which masterfully pairs Schumann's profound song cycles with a theatrical interpretation of Schubert's final songs. Enhance the experience for patrons by showcasing this recording alongside other Kaufmann albums in your collection and featuring the poetry of Goethe and other writers who inspired these masterpieces.

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Duarte: Americana, Original Guitar Works and Arrangements of 12 Songs by Gershwin, Francesco Cipriano (Artist), John Duarte (Composer)

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 02:31:38 GMT

FALL-WINTER 2025-26 PICK

“Ghost, Gassenhauer, and a first symphony: a true Beethoven Milestone.”

Duarte: Americana, Original Guitar Works and Arrangements of 12 Songs by Gershwin, Francesco Cipriano (Artist), John Duarte (Composer)

Format: Compact disc

Release: 7/4/2025

Label: Brilliant Classics

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Format: Compact disc

Release: 7/4/2025

Label: Brilliant Classics

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Label Description: John Duarte (1919-2004) was a great admirer of America's musical styles. Three types of music are characteristically American: the folk music of the settlers from the British Isles, jazz, with it's African American origins and the music of the American musical theatre. All of these are exemplified in the musical programme of this recording: folk music in Variations on an American Folk Song (Colorado Trail) and Appalachian Dreams, jazz and blues in Sua Cosa and Simply Blues, and music of the theatre in the arrangements of songs by George Gershwin.

Audience:

How to present this to library customers: Experience the unique musical gift of John W. Duarte, a self-taught composer who seamlessly blended folk, jazz, blues, and musical theatre in his love letter to American music. Showcase the diverse range of the guitar by pairing this recording with other American classical works in your collection, and introduce patrons to the rich tapestry of American composers.

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Beethoven for Three: Symphony No. 1 / Op. 70, No. 1 “Ghost” / Op. 11 “Gassenhauer”: Yo-Yo Ma, Leonidas Kavakos & Emanuel Ax

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 02:22:35 GMT

SUMMER-FALL '25 PICK

“Ghost, Gassenhauer, and a first symphony: a true Beethoven Milestone.”

Beethoven for Three: Symphony No. 1 / Op. 70, No. 1 “Ghost” / Op. 11 “Gassenhauer”: Yo-Yo Ma, Leonidas Kavakos & Emanuel Ax

Format: Compact disc

Release: 7/11/2025

Label: Sony

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Format: Compact disc

Release: 7/11/2025

Label: Sony

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Label Description: Emanuel Ax, Leonidas Kavakos, and Yo-Yo Ma announce the fourth album in their Beethoven for Three series, featuring Symphony No. 1 (Op. 21) and the “Gassenhauer” (Op. 11) and “Ghost” (Op. 70, No. 1) piano trios, three works that span more than a decade of the composer’s output. From Beethoven’s cheerful “Gassenhauer” trio and the symphony that gave the world its first glimpse of his revolutionary voice, carefully reinterpreted for piano, violin, and cello by Shai Wosner, to the singular “Ghost” trio, this recording marks another milestone in three friends’ journey through the marvels of one extraordinary composer.

Audience:

How to present this to library customers: Immerse your patrons in the genius of Beethoven with this new release from Emanuel Ax, Leonidas Kavakos, and Yo-Yo Ma, featuring the “Ghost” and “Gassenhauer” trios alongside a reinterpretation of his first symphony. Explore the evolution of Beethoven’s revolutionary music by pairing this recording with other works from his early and middle periods available in your digital or physical collection. Beethoven lovers need only apply.

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Wayne Thiebaud: Art Comes from Art by Timothy Anglin Burgar(Editor), Rachel Teagle (Contributor), Eve Aschheim (Contributor)

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 20:21:40 GMT

SUMMER-FALL '25 PICK

“A captivating biography that searches Thiebaud’s motivation behind his delectable delights.”

Wayne Thiebaud: Art Comes from Art by Timothy Anglin Burgar(Editor), Rachel Teagle (Contributor), Eve Aschheim (Contributor)

Publisher: University of Cailfornia Press Released: 4/15/2025 Format: Hardcover 360 pages

Publisher Description: Although artist Wayne Thiebaud (1920–2021) earned acclaim for his poetic renderings of the prosaic particulars of American life, he openly admitted that "it's hard for me to think of artists who weren't influential on me, because I'm such a blatant thief." Wayne Thiebaud: Art Comes from Art features the artist's virtuosic appropriations and reinterpretations of old and new European and American artworks, spanning from Andrea Mantegna to Édouard Manet, Henri Matisse to Richard Diebenkorn, offering crucial insights into his creative process.

Audience:

How to present this to library customers: American artist, Wayne Thiebaud is an important figure in the art canon because of this ingenious way of using simplicity as an expression of past masterpieces. You can sell this book to art lovers and those exploring American art through a digital or book display honoring the artists that Thiebaud “copies” in his art.

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Black Artists in Their Own Words by Lisa E. Farrington (Editor)

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 20:14:51 GMT

SUMMER-FALL '25 PICK

FALL-WINTER 2025-26 PICK

SPRING-SUMMER '26 PICK

“A timely overview of the importance of art through the invaluable experiences of black artists.”

Black Artists in Their Own Words

by Lisa E. Farrington (Editor)

Publisher: University of California Press

Released: 9/2025

416 Pages, contains illustrations

Publisher: University of California Press

Wagner: Der fliegende Holländer

Format: Compact disc

Release date: 3/6/2025

Label: Decca

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Format: Compact disc

Release date: 3/6/2025

Label: Decca

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Label Description: There are many recordings of the suspenseful Flying Dutchman, an opera that signals Wagner’s entrance into the unique combination of dramatic orchestration. If your community loves classical music and opera, this album would be an easy sell. However, if you want to peak someone’s interest for the first time, you can combine this recording with Halloween themed music and art. Add more commentary about the story’s background around a wandering spirit and patrons would take note.

Audience:

How to present this to library customers: Norwegian soprano, Lise Davidsen is todays frontrunner for opera stardom. Since her debut at the Metropolitan Opera, Davidsen was cast in starring roles that include Tosca and Ariadne. If you have opera fans in your community, they would be attracted to the cast. If you have explorers who want to learn more about opera, selling this as the ghost story it actually is would make a great addition to other spooky tales in literature or the arts.

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Britten & Shostakovich: Music based on texts by Michelangelo

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:09:09 GMT

SUMMER-FALL '25 PICK

“The dichotomous combination of old and new makes an intriguing album.”

Britten & Shostakovich: Music based on texts by Michelangelo

Format: Compact disc

Release date: 1/30/2025

Label: Brilliant Classics

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Format: Compact disc

Release date: 1/30/2025

Label: Brilliant Classics

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Label Description: Transcending the barriers of time, two 20-th century composers dialogue with a genius who lived centuries earlier. An immense painter, sculptor, architect, Michelangelo (1475-1564) wrote poetry expressing turmoil, restlessness, personal and professional anger, written in an energetic and passionate language. Both Dimitri Shostakovich and Benjamin Britten found inspiration in his texts, and by setting them to music they show their own feelings in a highly personal and characteristic way.- This new recording presents the "7 Sonnets Op. 22" by Benjamin Britten, and the Michelangelo Suite Op. 145 by Dimitri Shostakovich, both intensely expressive and dramatic, each in his own unique musical language.

Audience:

How to present this to library customers: Although this album features classical music’s 20th century composers, public libraries can use Michelangelo’s texts to lure patrons to explore the album. Librarians can pair this album with books on Michelangelo and his art in a physical or digital display to gain interest.

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Fri, 24 Oct 2025 04:01:47 GMT

SPRING-SUMMER '25 PICK

" This album displays exciting vocals from one of today’s top operatic tenors.”

Donizetti Songs: Lawrence Brownlee & Carlo Rizzi

Format: Compact disc

Release date: 11/9/2024

Label: Warner Classics

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Format: Compact disc

Release date: 10/2024

Label: Opera Rara, Warner Classics

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Label Description: Carlo Rizzi is joined by Tenor Laurence Brownlee in Opera Rara's first of two volumes of Songs by Donizetti! This project seeks to cast light on the influence of Italian composers in the world of 19th century song writing (a realm that has often been dominated by French and German composers) and Donizetti's extensive contributions to this world with nearly 200 songs to his name, many of which are rarely performed.

Audience:

How to present this to library customers: A library can pair this album with either famous tenors or other materials by the composer from their collection to entice their audience. Items featuring other famous tenors like Luciano Pavarotti or Enrico Caruso would work great to promote this album. Aficionados would also appreciate other Donizetti albums featuring the composer’s famous operas like La Fille du Regiment or Lucia di Lammermoor .

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Leonard Bernstein: Beethoven: Symphony No. 5

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 03:52:37 GMT

SPRING-SUMMER '25 PICK

"The legendary conductor and composer, Leonard Bernstein received more exposure from the Oscar nominated film starring Bradley Cooper. The listener gets a chance to get an inside feel of Bernstein conducting live in his later career.”

Leonard Bernstein: Beethoven: Symphony No. 5

Format: Compact disc

Release date: 11/9/2024

Label: Warner Classics

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Format: Compact disc

Release date: 10/19/2024

Label: Br Klassik

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Label Description: Leonard Bernstein conducted regularly in Munich from the 1980s onwards. It was then that he learned to appreciate and love the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra in particular. In October 1976, Bernstein had appeared with an all-Beethoven programme, and in 1983 he began a series of annual concerts with the orchestra. This CD from BR-KLASSIK presents the live recording of the Beethoven concert on October 17, 1976, in which Bernstein conducted Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and the Leonore Overture No. 3.

Audience:

How to present this to library customers: Leonard Bernstein is an excellent figure to bring all classical music listeners together from novices to afficionados. Pair this album with Bernstein biographies or other works like the famous West Side Story on film and as a sound recording.

Audience Key:

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AFICIONADO:

Maria Soundtrack

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 03:44:19 GMT

SPRING-SUMMER '25 PICK

"If you loved the Netflix film, Maria starring Angelina Jolie as opera diva, Maria Callas, this album is great to promote more about Maria Callas.”

Maria Soundtrack

Format: Compact disc

Release date: 11/9/2024

Label: Warner Classics

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Format: Compact disc

Release date: 11/9/2024

Label: Warner Classics

Format: Hardcover

208 Pages Dimensions: 8-1/10 x 10-1/2 Release date: Oct 15, 2024 Publisher: Scala

Format: Hardcover

208 Pages Dimensions: 8-1/10 x 10-1/2 Release date: Oct 15, 2024 Publisher: Scala

Publisher Description: The first full examination of the priceless scores of the Juilliard School’s unparalleled collection that has educated performing artists for more than a century. This stunning publication offers the first full examination of the priceless scores at the heart of the Juilliard School’s unparalleled collection that has supported the education of performing artists for more than a century. Treasures including hand-annotated and autographed works by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, Mahler, Schumann, Stravinsky, and others are illuminated by exquisite photography and accessible essays, revealing their importance in the context of musical scholarship and the history of the performing arts.

Audience:

How to present this to library customers: This book is great for libraries with extensive music collections that support a music loving community. If your collection is used by music lovers and musicians then this is the book for you. You can pair this book with classical music recordings or biographies of famous classical music composers or performers.

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Monet: The Restless Vision by Jackie Wullschläger

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 03:06:20 GMT

WINTER-SPRING '25 PICK

SPRING-SUMMER '25 PICK

"An honest depiction of the true personality behind Monet. Oftentimes an artist that creates work that takes on a life of itself, always escapes the opportunity of being known as a person."

Monet: The Restless Vision by Jackie Wullschläger

Publisher: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Yale University Press

Format: Paperback Pages: 256 Illustrations: 175 Dimensions: 10" x 11"

Format: Hardcover

576 Pages Dimensions: 6-1/8 x 9-1/4 Release date: Sep 24, 2024 Publisher: Knopf

Publisher Description: A groundbreaking look at the life and art of one of the most influential, modern painters of the late nineteenth century and founder of the Impressionist movement. Drawing on thousands of never-before-translated letters and unpublished sources, this biography reveals dramatic new information about the life and work of one of the late nineteenth century’s most important painters. Despite being mocked at the beginning of his career, and living hand to mouth, Monet risked all to pursue his vision, and his early work along the banks of the Seine in the 1860s and ’70s would come to be revered as Impressionism. In the following decades, he emerged as its celebrated leader in one of the most exciting cultural moments in Paris, before withdrawing to his house and garden to paint the late Water Lilies, which were ignored during his lifetime and would later have a major influence on all twentieth-century painters both figurative and abstract.

Audience:

How to present this to library customers: Monet’s famous artwork is an excellent way to tie this book in for art lovers who want to know more about the man behind the artist.

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South Side Impresarios How Race Women Transformed Chicago's Classical Music Scene by Samantha Ege

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 02:56:23 GMT

WINTER-SPRING '25 PICK

"An eye-opening work that depicts how Black women transformed classical music in Chicago sheds a light on hidden stories that need to be told."

South Side Impresarios How Race Women Transformed Chicago's Classical Music Scene by Samantha Ege

Format: Paperback

296 pages Dimensions: 6 x 9 in Illustrations: 34 black & white photographs, 7 music examples Release date: November 12, 2024 Series: Music in American Life Publisher: University of Illinois Press

Format: Paperback

296 pages Dimensions: 6 x 9 in Illustrations: 34 black & white photographs, 7 music examples Release date: November 12, 2024 Series: Music in American Life Publisher: University of Illinois Press

Publisher Description: Between the world wars, Chicago Race women nurtured a local yet widely resonant Black classical music community entwined with Black civic life. Samantha Ege tells the stories of the Black women whose acumen and energy transformed Chicago’s South Side into a wellspring of music making. Ege focuses on composers like Florence Price, Nora Holt, and Margaret Bonds not as anomalies but as artists within an expansive cultural flowering. Overcoming racism and sexism, Black women practitioners instilled others with the skill and passion to make classical music while Race women like Maude Roberts George, Estella Bonds, Neota McCurdy Dyett, and Beulah Mitchell Hill built and fostered institutions central to the community.

Audience:

How to present this to library customers: To showcase this book, you can use it as a great addition to book campaigns that shed a light on Black History in February or June and even for Women’s History month in March. September is an additional time to showcase this book for Classical Music month. There are many options for people to learn something new.

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Siena: The Rise of Painting- 1300-1350 by Joanna Cannon

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 02:46:08 GMT

WINTER-SPRING '25 PICK

SPRING-SUMMER '25 PICK

"A timely subject about the rise of painting and its beauty before one of the deadliest plagues in history."

Siena: The Rise of Painting-1300-1350 by Joanna Cannon

Publisher: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Yale University Press

Format: Paperback Pages: 256 Illustrations: 175 Dimensions: 10" x 11"

Format: Hardcover

312 pgs

9.50 x 11.00 in

200 colour illus

Release date: October 1, 2024 Publisher: Yale University Press

Publisher Description: An exploration of a crucial turning point in Italian art, the early 1300s in the city of Siena. In the early 1300s, the city of Siena gave rise to an extraordinary period of creativity and innovation. Painters, sculptors, and goldsmiths produced remarkable works whose impact was felt far beyond the city’s walls. From vast altarpieces to portable objects for private devotion, the art emanating from Siena left an enduring legacy.

Audience:

How to present this to library customers: The beauty and mystery of Sienese art can be explored in many ways that include religion and history. This book would work great displayed with other artists who explore Biblical themes like Da Vinci and Raphael. Libraries can also pair this book with a Medieval theme or even a historical Italian theme.

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Ira Gershwin: A Life in Words by Michael Owen

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:23:04 GMT

WINTER-SPRING '25 PICK

"We are curious about how the lyrics in Porgy and Bess came to be and his collaboration with George Gershwin…"

Ira Gershwin: A Life in Words

by Michael Owen

Publisher: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Yale University Press

Format: Paperback Pages: 256 Illustrations: 175 Dimensions: 10" x 11"

Format: Hardcover/ Paperback 400 pgs Release date: November 26, 2024 Publisher: Liveright

Publisher Description The Pulitzer Prize–winning American lyricist Ira Gershwin (1896–1983) has been hailed as one of the masters of the Great American Songbook―songs written largely for Broadway and Hollywood from the 1920s to the 1950s. Now, in the first full-length biography devoted to his life, Ira Gershwin steps out at last from the long shadow cast by his younger and more famous brother George.

Audience:

How to present this to library customers: Sometimes you have to use the familiar to get people interested in the unfamiliar. Although Ira Gershwin was very instrumental in many American works, he is often linked to his famous brother, George Gershwin. I would present this books with biographies of George Gershwin, the famous opera Porgy and Bess along with other famous jazz pieces by George Gershwin and his contemporaries.

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Mandalas: Mapping the Buddhist Art of Tibet by Kirk A Behrendt

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:13:52 GMT

WINTER-SPRING '25 PICK

“This book reflects the illustrious Mandalas exhibit at the Met Museum. The memorable exhibit depicts how Buddhist art can reflects the circle of thought and occurrence in the world.”

Mandalas: Mapping the Buddhist Art of Tibet by Kirk A Behrendt

Publisher: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Yale University Press

Format: Paperback Pages: 256 Illustrations: 175 Dimensions: 10" x 11"

Publisher: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Yale University Press

Format: Paperback Pages: 256 Illustrations: 175 Dimensions: 10" x 11"

Publisher Description: A mandala is a diagram of the universe—a map of true reality intended to provide a focus for Buddhist religious practice and inspire the devout. This book highlights the distinctive Tibetan approach to creating mandalas, exploring how the form crossed over from India into Tibet, and how continuous exchanges of art and ideas between the two cultures, led by monks and spiritual teachers, gave rise to a uniquely Tibetan style of Buddhist imagery. Featuring more than one hundred paintings, sculptures, and ritual objects, this superbly illustrated volume reflects the dazzling complexities of the Tibetan imagery that has provided a foundation for mandalas through the centuries...

Audience:

How to present this to library customers: Pair this book with Asian Art and books on mental health and calming the mind in a display and in an email blast highlighting the display.

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Brahms: Piano Concertos and Solo Piano- Opp 116-119: Igor Levit, Christian Thielemann and Wiener Philharmonic (CD)

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 23:51:19 GMT

WINTER-SPRING '25 PICK

“A dynamic duo featuring classical music’s notable and respected conductor and a legendary pianist interprets Johannes Brahms”

Brahms: Piano Concertos and Solo Piano- Opp 116-119

Igor Levit, Christian Thielemann and the Wiener Philharmonic Format: CD Release date: 10/04/2024

Label: Sony

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Igor Levit, Christian Thielemann and the Wiener Philharmonic Format: CD Release date: 10/04/2024

Label: Sony

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Label Description: Sony Classical announces the new recording by Igor Levit, Christian Thielemann, and the Vienna Philharmonic of Brahms’s two Piano Concertos. The release is a triple album with Levit’s long-anticipated recording of Brahms’s late solo piano works. As a special encore, Levit and Thielemann play a Brahms waltz together. The album has been released internationally on October 4 and is available for download now. Additionally, the “Andante” from Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, op. 83, is out now.

Audience:

How to present this to library customers: While we understand that classical music albums can be challenging to promote in a public library- there are many angles to approach promoting this album. I would pair this with Johannes Brahms and other famous composers through literature and biographical content from databases or the shelf. You can also do a “Who did it best?” campaign where you compare past recordings of one or two works from this album that other musicians recorded in the past.

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Andrea Bocelli- Duets: 30th Anniversary (CD)

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 23:39:15 GMT

WINTER-SPRING '25 PICK

“If you want a combination of star power and classical music-

then this album is for you.”

Andrea Bocelli- Duets: 30th Anniversary (CD)

Format: Compact disc

2 CD’s

Release date: 10/25/2024

Label: Deutsche Grammaphon

*may also be available in library music streaming databases

Label Description: "Beloved tenor Andrea Bocelli, the most celebrated classical singer in modern history celebrates his 30th anniversary as a global icon with a brand new album ‘Duets – 30th Anniversary’. The grandmaster, who has sold over 90 million records in his long career, is accompanied by superstars such as Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Pavarotti, Céline Dion, Stevie Wonder and many more. In addition to new songs, the 12-track vinyl features re-recordings of such well-known hits as 'Time to say goodbye', which features Oscar winner Hans Zimmer and Bocelli's son Matteo." -Deutsche Grammaphon

Audience:

How to present this to library customers:
Classical music vocalist, Andrea Bocelli is more popular than opera singers today. This album is a great connection between classical music and mainstream music. Patrons will instantly recognize Bocelli, or the stars featured on the album. It is an easy sell if your patrons enjoy other Andrea Bocelli albums.

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Your Arts World-Fall-Winter 2025-26

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 19:02:21 GMT

YOUR ARTS WORLD

Think Ahead: Arts-Related Programming Ideas for Fall-Winter 2025-26

Fall-Winter 2025-26 Edition

September-December

Autumn on a High Note

PROGRAM IDEAS :

Opera Talk: Present an opera talk featuring one of the trending operas of the fall season [operatalks.com]

Present an opera concert for your audience to welcome the opera season

Fall is opera season and what better way to bring your audience into the dramatic world of opera by using an opera talk with a performance or perhaps a complete opera performance? Top trending operas around the United States include Puccini’s La Bohème, Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess, Verdi’s Rigoletto, Mozart’s Don Giovanni.

September- January

A remix in black

EXHIBITION: Kerry James Marshall-

The Histories

Royal Academy, London UK

September 20, 2025 - January 18, 2026

PROGRAM IDEA :

Host an art talk on Kerry James Marshall

Kerry James Marshall's artwork centers on correcting the historical absence of Black figures in Western art by placing them at the forefront of his large-scale paintings. His figures, often depicted with ultra-dark, chromatic skin, are shown engaging in everyday activities, celebrating Black life, and confronting historical injustices. A library art program about Marshall would be particularly timely and impactful because his current major UK exhibition, "The Histories," includes his monumental work Knowledge and Wonder, which was originally commissioned for the Chicago Public Library and is on loan for the first time.

September-February

Where dreams and reality collide

EXHIBITION: Sixties Surreal

Whitney Museum, NYC

Sept 24, 2025 – Jan 19, 2026

EXHIBITION:

Dreamworld– Surrealism at 100

Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia

November 8, 2025–February 16, 2026

PROGRAM IDEAS :

· Present an art talk on Surrealism

· Present a hands-on painting class using Surrealism as a topic

Rising from the ashes of World War I, Surrealism sought to liberate the human psyche by tapping into the unconscious mind and dreams. Its lasting legacy continues to be explored in major exhibitions, with the Whitney Museum's "Sixties Surreal" and the Philadelphia Museum of Art "Dreamworld: Surrealism at 100" showcasing how the movement's radical ideas continue to resonate and inspire new generations of artists.

September-February

Humanity from an artist’s

perspective

EXHIBITION: John Wilson

Witnessing Humanity

Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC

September 20, 2025– February 8, 2026

PROGRAM IDEA :

Host an art talk on black artists including John Wilson

“For over six decades, the

American artist John Wilson

(1922–2015) made powerful and poetic works that reflected his life as a Black American artist and his ongoing quest for racial, social, and economic justice. Wilson's art reflected and responded to the turbulent times in which he lived. His subjects included racial violence, labor, the writings of Richard Wright, the Civil Rights Movement, street scenes, and intimate images of family life, with a particular focus on fatherhood. Despite the power of his art and the continuing relevance of the themes he explored, Wilson’s work has not received the recognition it deserves.” -metmuseum.org

November

Indigenous culture takes front

& center

PROGRAM IDEAS :

Host an art talk on Native American Art in the 19th Century and its reflection on the historical events that occurred in America

Present an art talk on Native American

photography

November is the ideal time for public libraries to present arts programming on Indigenous people in America, as it aligns with National Native American Heritage Month. This offers a meaningful opportunity to honor and celebrate the rich artistic traditions and contemporary expressions of Native American communities. By doing so, libraries can foster greater understanding, appreciation, and respect for Indigenous cultures among their

patrons.

November-December

Americana as it was or should be ?

PROGRAM IDEA :

Present an art talk on Norman Rockwell

Norman Rockwell's iconic paintings captured the idealized essence of small-town America, often through heartwarming scenes of family life. His holiday illustrations, in particular, evoke a sense of nostalgia and tradition, portraying multi-generational gatherings, festive dinners, and the simple joys of the season. Through these works, Rockwell created a timeless visual narrative that celebrated community, connection, and the spirit of American holidays.

December

Holiday Season Redefined:

Home Alone & the Nutcracker

PROGRAM IDEAS :

Host a Home Alone watch party with discussion before the film

Host a film talk about holiday films

Host a ballet or ballet screening of the Nutcracker

Host a ballet performance of the Nutcracker

The orchestra's influence extends far beyond the classical masterpieces of Mozart and Beethoven, shaping our cultural landscape in profound ways. Its powerful and versatile sound is essential to the magic of holiday traditions, bringing to life the whimsical wonder of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker ballet. This same rich musical language creates iconic film scores, like John Williams' timeless soundtrack for Home Alone, making a memorable and emotional interpretation of holiday memories.

December

Holiday Season redefined:

Guy Lombardo & New Year’s Eve

PROGRAM IDEA :

Host a big band with a discussion on holiday music

Guy Lombardo's iconic rendition of "Auld Lang Syne" made him synonymous with New Year's Eve, as his annual radio and television broadcasts welcomed the new year for nearly half a century. A public library can celebrate this enduring holiday tradition by booking a concert about his music, offering a nostalgic and beloved program that connects generations.

December

Places to go and art to see

PROGRAM IDEA:

Host or create a talk on touring famous art museums for the fall and the holidays

New York City's art world is buzzing with the reopening of two of its most beloved institutions, the Frick Collection and the Studio Museum in Harlem. The beautifully renovated Frick Collection has restored its historic galleries while the Studio Museum's new David Adjaye-designed building will open its doors in November 2025. This holiday season, both museums offer compelling reasons to visit, with the Frick presenting its timeless collection in a refreshed setting and the Studio Museum celebrating Black art and culture in a spectacular new home.

January-February

Singing After Crying

PROGRAM IDEA :

Opera Talk: Marian Anderson: American Icon in lieu of MLK Day and Black History Month [operatalks.com]

Worried that she would miss an opportunity to lend her voice to MLK’s March on Washington, Marian Anderson cried as she was caught in the crowd. It was followed by a soul stirring performance of He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.

Your Arts World-Summer-Fall 2025

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 18:17:43 GMT

YOUR ARTS WORLD

Think Ahead: Arts-Related Programming Ideas for Summer-Fall 2025

Summer-Fall 2025 Edition

September

Vincent van Gogh looks into the “windows to the soul”...

PROGRAM IDEAS :

· Art Talk: Present a talk on the Vincent van Gogh portraits or a general overview of his art

An art talk on Vincent van Gogh can be a huge draw because Van Gogh’s fame can never diminish. His indelible famous works make him relevant. MFA Boston’s exhibit delves into his memorable portraits in the late 19th century.

EXHIBITION:

The Vincent van Gogh Portraits

Metropolitan of Fine Arts, Boston

March 30–September 7, 2025

"Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) once wrote, 'What I’m most passionate about…is the portrait, the modern portrait.' [Van Gogh’s] passion flourished between 1888 and ’89 when, during his stay in Arles, in the South of France, the artist created a number of portraits of a neighboring family—the postman Joseph Roulin; his wife, Augustine; and their three children: Armand, Camille, and Marcelle." -mfa.org

September

Edify the benefits of classical music

PROGRAM IDEAS :

· Concert: Present a classical music concert

· Classical Music Talk: Present a classical music talk on a famous composer or performer

Bring the benefits of Classical Music to the community with a concert, a live or virtual discussion or both. September is Classical Music Month and the American arts landscape opens their 2025-26 classical music season throughout major cities and beyond. The much anticipated appearance of star conductor, Gustavo Dudamel as the NY Philharmonic’s first Hispanic music director is exciting news. Why not bring the same excitement by creating or hiring someone to do a music talk on Gustavo Dudamel? It is a great subject that covers both classical music and Hispanic Heritage Month.

September- October

Beyond Frida Kahlo

PROGRAM IDEAS :

· Art Talk: Present an art talk on an array of Hispanic artists that include Frida Kahlo.

The Hispanic heritage in the arts is vast and connects to European and African influences. While Frida Kahlo is a towering figure to present during this time, you can connect her Mexican heritage to other artists that came before and after her time. Artists include Diego Rivera, Salvador Dalí and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

September-October

Ode to the Black Dandy:

Exploring black men in the arts

PROGRAM IDEAS :

· Art Talk: Black Artists like John Wilson

· Opera Talk: Black Men in Opera [operatalks.com]

· Black Dancers in Ballet: History of the Alvin Ailey Company

EXHIBITION:

Superfine: Tailoring Black Style

Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC

May 10–October 26, 2025

The star-studded Vogue MET Gala fundraiser made headlines celebrating the theme for The Costume Institute’s 2025 exhibition is Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. The exhibit was inspired by Guest Curator, Monica L. Miller’s Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity (2009). This theme highlights how “Dandyism” paired bold fashion and social possibilities in black men throughout the 19th and 20th century. Highlighting black men in fashion can also be connected to black men in the arts.

September-October

Autumn on a High Note

 PROGRAM IDEAS :

· Opera Talk: Present an opera talk featuring one of the trending operas of the fall season [operatalks.com]

· Present an opera concert for your audience to welcome the opera season

October

Dissecting what’s really scary for Halloween

PROGRAM IDEAS :

· Art Talk: Present an art talk on spooky art like Goya’s

“Los Caprichos” (1797-1798)

· Opera Talk: Present an opera talk on spooky opera plots

like Mozart’s Don Giovanni

Intrigue your audience by dissecting what makes things scary through art, opera or even classical music. The idea of Halloween seeps in all forms of the arts. From Goya’s horror filled “Los Caprichos” series to Mozart’s Don Giovanni, the idea of darkness and suspense involves creative technique. Perhaps your audience would appreciate an art talk dissecting suspenseful art or even a spooky opera talk with a cliffhanger.

October

Bring the rich enchantment of Italian culture to your audience for Italian Heritage Month

PROGRAM IDEAS :

· Art Talk: Present an art talk on famous Italian artists

· Opera Talk: Present an opera talk on famous Italian singers or famous Italian operas

Italian culture is always an enjoyable topic for the fall because of Italian Heritage Month. Since the death of the beloved Pope Francis on Easter Monday and the installment of Leo XIV, there’s a renewed interest in Italian culture. From history to art and culture, you can bring that ambiance to your community by booking a popular art talk on Italian painters like the famous Caravaggio or Italian opera superstar, Luciano Pavarotti.

October

It's supernatural...

PROGRAM IDEAS :

· Art Talk: Present an art talk on Japanese art

· Present a painting class on Japanese art

Exploring fantasy pairs well with October. You can lure your patrons to a fun and intriguing art talk on Japanese art that is supernatural. Another option is to offer a Japanese painting class using the same theme as the exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum. Both an art talk and a painting class can also work as a successful series.

EXHIBITION: Deities & Demons: Supernatural in Japanese Art,

 Seattle Art Museum

ONGOING

“Why are deer, foxes, and mythical creatures in Japanese art considered sacred? What is the long-tailed turtle or the six-armed ferocious demon? Japanese folklore, Shinto (an indigenous religion that reveres nature), and Buddhism have furnished fascinating subjects and ideas for imagery over many centuries. This installation of paintings, sculptures, prints, and textiles from the museum’s collection presents the rich visual culture of the supernatural in Japan. “

-seattleartmuseum.org

Your Arts World-Spring-Summer 2025

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 17:45:22 GMT

YOUR ARTS WORLD

Think Ahead: Arts-Related Programming Ideas for Spring-Summer 2025

Spring-Summer 2025 Edition

end of March- July

Kahlo, Chicago, Paris, Oh my!

Most times, we learn about Frida Kahlo through her dwellings in her native Mexico and her relationship with fellow artist, Diego Rivera. However, this pivotal exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago explores Kahlo’s relationship with avant-garde bookbinder Mary Reynolds during her first and only visit to Paris.

PROGRAM IDEA:

Art Talk on Frida Kahlo’s Month in Paris: A Friendship with Mary Reynolds

 Art Institute of Chicago

March 29- July 13, 2025

Art Talk: Frida Kahlo

March- late June

From NYC to London...

The exhibit: Siena: Rise of the Painting makes its debut in London after making a splash in NYC in late 2024. It is a timely subject about the rise of painting and its beauty before one of the deadliest plagues in history. At the dawn of the Renaissance, Sienese artists thrived using phenomenal innovation in painting and artistic styles. The exhibit is organized by both the MET Museum (who previously exhibited this art in late 2024 to the end of January 2025) and London’s National Gallery of Art.

PROGRAM IDEA:

Art Talk on Siena: Rise of the Painting- 1300-1350

National Gallery of Art , London UK

New Paragraph

April-July

Honoring America through

The classic lens of photography

The power of photography in America began in 1839 in between two of America’s major wars: The American Revolution and the Civil War. In this spring exhibit, the museum highlights early photographers: Josiah Johnson Hawes, John Moran, Carleton Watkins, and Alice Austen.

PROGRAM IDEA:

Art Talk on The New Art:

American Photography (1839-1910)

 MET Museum

April 11- July 20, 2025

Art Talk: American Photography

April-August

Parisian Elegance through

American eyes

Americana continues to be in vogue through the Met Museum’s exhibit on American painter, John Singer Sargent and his early days in the “City of Lights.” Along with other European locations, Paris became the place where Sargent developed as a prolific artist with a unique style that captured the realism and elegance of Parisian life. This combination lead to his famous and controversial painting of Madame X from 1884.

PROGRAM IDEA: Art talk on Sargent and Paris- MET Museum

Art talk on American artists in Paris

June

Ode to the Black Dandy–

Black Men in the Arts

The MET Museum recently announced that the upcoming theme for The Costume Institute’s spring 2025 exhibition is Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. The theme that will also be highlighted in the star-studded Vogue Met Gala is inspired by Guest Curator Monica L. Miller’s Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity (2009). This theme highlights how “Dandyism” paired bold fashion and social possibilities in black men throughout the 19th and 20th century. Highlighting black men in fashion can also be connected to Black men in the arts.

PROGRAM IDEA: Opera Talk:

Black Men in Opera [operatalks.com]

Black Dancers in Ballet: History of the Alvin Ailey Company

June-August

Bring out the champagne and the popcorn…

Movies are a great way to bring classical music novices and afficionados together. The practice of combining the classical music world with the film industry continues to be a great practice for programming because everyone in the audience is attracted to something familiar while learning something new at the same time.

PROGRAM IDEA:

Classical Music performance: Present a concert that features music from popular film

Music Lecture: Present a program about classical music and film soundtrack [Name that Opera: operatalks.com]

June-August

Sun, grass and music...

The Tanglewood Music Festival featuring the prestigious Boston Symphony Orchestra evolved from a rich history rooted in the tradition to present top classical music performance during the off season. Since the early 30’s notable attendees and performers presented historical performance etched in the minds of cultural deletants and classical music afficionados. Summer 2025 promises to be another great season with Puccini’s Tosca starring notable Latvian soprano, Kristine Opolais, Korean tenor Seok Jong Baek who made quite an indelible impression at the Metropolitan Opera and legendary bass-baritone, Bryn Terfel. Conducted by Andris Nelsons, this performance as well as others are not to be missed.

PROGRAM IDEA:

Classical Music Performance: Create a Tanglewood Festival of your own with outdoor concerts.

Classical Music lecture: Present a program highlighting famous classical music moments at Tanglewood.

Opera Talk: Present an opera talk on Tosca [operatalks.com]

July-September

A Promenade at the Proms

An annual celebration of classical music returns. Often labeled a significant event in British culture, the BBC proms is one of the definitive events for classical music. The eight week concert series is usually a huge highlight during the summer featuring classical music’s “Who’s Who” .

PROGRAM IDEA:

Classical Music Concert: Present a Classical Music Concert

Classical Music Talk: Present a classical music talks on the BBC Proms offering travel tips for those who would like to travel there themselves.

June-August

More than the Mona Lisa?

An 800 million dollar makeover for one painting made the news in January. The Louvre recently announced its plans to move the famous painting, the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci to a separate renovated room to create an ease for visitors to see it. However, the Louvre has more exhibits that are worth seeing along with the Mona Lisa like the famous sculpture of Aphrodite and Botticelli’s famous Italian frescos to name a few.

PROGRAM IDEA:

Art talk: Take your patrons to Paris with an art talk on the Louvre, Museum

June-August

A famous cathedral resurrected after 5 years

The spiritual center of Paris and even the world was resurrected in late 2024 after a devastating fire in 2019. The cathedral re-opened after years of renovation with a star=studded event. Located on the Île de la Cité, the cathedral still holds a rich history with rare artifacts. It is one of the top tourist destination in the world and will continue to be an international draw.

PROGRAM IDEA:

Art talk: Art in the Notre Dame cathedral

Art talk: Notre Dame history and architecture

August-September

An ancient Italian amphitheater delivers a memorable summer experience

Verona, Italy is opera’s epicenter in the summer because of the opera festival at the Arena di Verona. From creativity to controversy, this opera festival draws opera’s biggest stars and millions of arts fans from around the world. The use of stage makeup became the center of controversy in 2022 while opera’s young trending mezzo-soprano, Aigul Akhmetshina graced the stage with lengthy applause in 2024. 2025 promises to be just as exciting with opera stars returning to the opera stage connected to the two events. Opera titles apart of this year’s lineup are: Nabucco, Aida, La Traviata, Carmen and Rigoletto.

PROGRAM IDEA:

Opera Talk: Present an opera talk on Aida, Carmen or Rigoletto in the spirit of this Italian festival. [operatalks.com]

National Trends-Fall-Winter 2025-26

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 03:07:16 GMT

NATIONAL TRENDS

Dreaming East– The Indelible Trend in the Arts on the East Coast

Capture the current East Coast arts trend and discover how major events—from surrealism exhibits to iconic musical performances—are reshaping

American culture. Learn how your public library can align with these national moments to offer timely, dynamic, and diverse programming that transforms your space into a vibrant community hub.

Fall-Winter 2025-26 Edition

Dreaming East– The Indelible Trend in the Arts on the East Coast

As time moves onto the third quarter of 2025, echoes of the American arts continue to be the subject from concert halls to museums in America and even abroad. Gearing up for the 250 ^th Anniversary, the arts scene continues to offer Americana from many angles to reflect the continuous diversity and history of the United States. A great way to bring this ambiance into public library programming is to be aware of the unique offerings that currently are in the atmosphere. Connecting to major arts events like the surrealism exhibit in Philadelphia, Porgy and Bess in Houston, and the National Gallery exhibit in Charlotte this fall allows libraries to offer timely and relevant programming. These national trends provide a rich source for local inspiration, from hosting discussions on the subconscious inspired by surrealism, to workshops on American history and music tied to Porgy and Bess, or art classes emulating the styles of artists featured in the Charlotte exhibit. By aligning with these cultural moments, libraries can transform into dynamic community hubs, attracting new audiences and providing accessible, enriching experiences that reflect and celebrate the broader artistic conversation.

CHARLOTTE, NC

“Degas, O’Keefe and Thomas travel to the Queen City…”

"As part of the “Across the Nation” initiative, works by Edgar Degas, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Alma Thomas will be on display, offering a unique lens into the American experience through art. These iconic pieces explore themes of beauty, movement, and abstraction, providing a compelling dialogue on the nation’s cultural legacy. The Mint Museum is honored to be one of 10 institutions throughout the United States selected to participate in the unprecedented program." -mintmuseum.org

Exhibition:

Masterpieces from the National Gallery of Art

April 2, 2025 - March 22, 2027

Mint Museum

PHILADELPHIA, PA

“Experience the unreal at the PMA's Surrealism at 100 exhibition opening in November.”

"The Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) presents Dreamworld: Surrealism at 100, a major exhibition celebrating the centenary of the Surrealist movement, on view from November 8, 2025, to February 16, 2026. As the final stop in an ambitious tour organized with the Centre Pompidou in Paris—and the sole venue for this exhibition in the United States—the PMA will tell the story of Surrealist art, spotlighting the makers who sought out new expressive forms to expand the reach of the creative imagination." -philamuseum.org

Exhibition:

Dreamworld– Surrealism at 100

November 8, 2025–February 16, 2026

Philadelphia Museum of Art

MIAMI, FL

“Technology, landscape and feminism collide to make an intriguing show…”

“Miriam Schapiro: 1967–1972” features a concise selection of Schapiro’s monumental paintings, examining a crucial period of development in the work of the legendary feminist artist. The works on view from this time see Schapiro’s hard-edge geometric abstraction evolve into her gendered, anthropomorphic “central core imagery” and lay the groundwork for her explorations of collage and craft within the Pattern and Decoration movement." -icamiami.org

Exhibition:

Miriam Schapiro:

1967–1972

April 17- October 26, 2025

Institute of

Contemporary Art Miami

PHILADELPHIA, PA

“A major orchestra captures American stories through classical music…”

"The Philadelphia Orchestra’s story began in 1900, when a group of visionary musicians and civic leaders came together with a dream: to share the power of music with their city.
From those first concerts in the Academy of Music to groundbreaking moments that changed the course of orchestral history, the Orchestra has always been defined by bold ideas, a pioneering spirit, and a love of music that transcends borders. Today, under the leadership of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, that same spirit lives on as the Orchestra celebrates 125 years of inspiring audiences around the world. We invite you to explore some of the milestones that shaped the Orchestra’s journey, and discover how our history continues to guide the music we make today." -philorch.org

Concerts:

Philadelphia Orchestra: 125th Anniversary

Season

September 25, 2025–May 16, 2026

Marian Anderson Hall

HOUSTON, TX

“A great American composer creates a famous folk opera from black life in South Carolina…”

"It’s been 50 years since HGO first presented the Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, restoring the “folk opera” to its creators’ full original vision in a landmark production that earned HGO both a Tony and a Grammy. Now, audiences have the chance to again experience the cherished American classic that set HGO on its path as a trailblazer, presented in an acclaimed production from director Francesca Zambello."

-houstongrandopera.org

Opera:

The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess

Oct. 24 - Nov. 15, 2025

Houston Grand Opera

National Trends-Summer-Fall 2025

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:26:45 GMT

NATIONAL TRENDS

Summer-Fall 2025 Arts Preview: Road to the 250th Anniversary

Gear up for the 250th Anniversary of America with Na tional Events in the Arts that can inspire unforgettable programming.

Summer-Fall 2025 Edition

Road to the 250th Anniversary of the United States: The American arts scene is facing a shift in funding but does that affect its purpose? Libraries are an excellent place to give patrons a sense of the national front in the arts by offering educational and inspiring programming. The national ambiance is full of an appreciation for the American arts by reflecting its unique perspective from its diverse creators. American composers, visual artists and creators in other mediums continue to be a part of the fabric of the arts world from the summer to the fall.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

“Art that makes you unknowingly taste…”

“I believe very much in the tradition that art comes from art and nothing else” —Wayne Thiebaud

Wayne Thiebaud (1920–2021) became famous for his colorful paintings of American confections and buffets. He was also a self-described art “thief,” who openly drew ideas from and reinterpreted old and new European and American artworks. An influential teacher at Sacramento Junior College and the University of California, Davis, Thiebaud never stopped learning -famsf.org

Exhibition:

Wayne Thiebaud: Art Comes from Art

March 22 – August 17, 2025

Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco

NEW YORK CITY, NY

“An indelible expression of everyday black life…”

Amy Sherald: American Sublime brings together some fifty paintings by one of the foremost artists of our time. In her first major museum survey, Amy Sherald (b. 1973, Columbus, Georgia; lives and works in the New York City area) presents work from 2007 to the present, from her poetic early portraits to the incisive and moving figure paintings for which she is best known. Iconic portraits of First Lady Michelle Obama and Breonna Taylor—two of the most recognizable and significant paintings made by an American artist in recent years—are joined by early works, never or rarely seen by the public, and new work created specifically for this presentation.

-whitney.org

Exhibition:

American Sublime by Amy Sherald

April 9–August 10, 2025

Whitney Museum

MIAMI, FL

“Technology, landscape and feminism collide to make an intriguing show…”

Exhibition:

Miriam Schapiro:

1967–1972

April 17- October 26, 2025

Institute of

Contemporary Art Miami

NEW YORK CITY, NY

“Rich stories through quilts and vivid imagination…”

"Explore Woman on a Bridge #1 of 5: Tar Beach (1988), one of the most important works by Faith Ringgold, a renowned artist, writer, and activist. This monumental quilt, the first in a series of five, tells the story of a young girl who dreams of flying from her Harlem rooftop to celebrate her own freedom and self-possession.

This exhibition dives into Ringgold’s artistic influences and the lasting impact she has had on later generations of artists. Alongside Tar Beach, visitors will see works from the Guggenheim New York collection by European modernists such as Marc Chagall and Pablo Picasso , who inspired Ringgold, and contemporary American artists such as Tschabalala Self and Sanford Biggers, whose work reflects her legacy." -guggenheim.org

Exhibition:

Collection in Focus: The Reach of Faith Ringgold

May 9–September 14, 2025

Guggenheim Museum

PHILADELPHIA, PA

“A major orchestra captures American stories through classical music…”

Concerts:

Philadelphia Orchestra: 125th Anniversary

Season

September 25, 2025–May 16, 2026

Marian Anderson Hall

HOUSTON, TX

“A great American composer creates a famous folk opera from black life in South Carolina…”

-houstongrandopera.org

Opera:

The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess

Oct. 24 - Nov. 15, 2025

Houston Grand Opera

National Trends-Spring-Summer 2025

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 23:45:36 GMT

NATIONAL TRENDS

2025 Spring-Summer Arts Preview: People & Places to Remember in the Arts

A nation's summer of arts, from Shakespeare in Central Park to Asian art

in San Francisco, offers rich inspiration for library programming.

Spring-Summer 2025 Edition

The Summer Arts Season around the United States can be a source of inspiration when creating programming around the arts at your library. From New York to Los Angeles, cities are buzzing with many possibilities that explore artistry in theater, visual arts and even history. Shakespeare is in the air picking up from Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal’s sold out Broadway production of Othello with a grand re-opening in Central Park. American and Asian art become a center of inspiration in San Francisco and Philadelphia.

People and Places to Remember this Summer

Shakespeare in the Park ‘25 will be a season to remember with Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night starring Peter Dinklage, Lupita Nyong'o , Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Sandra Oh. Academy Award winning actress, Lupita Nyong’o will also be in the play with her real life brother, Junior Nyong’o.

Notable Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama is a testament of timelessness in one’s craft. Kusama’s art grew in popularity during her senior years. From fashion partnerships to appearances in museums worldwide, the 95 year old artist displays her memorable craft through her famous Infinity Rooms, polka dots and pattern filled gourds.

Philly, the “City of Brotherly Love” is having a memorable year so far with their NFL team, the Philadelphia Eagles winning Super Bowl LIX. Other than the Super Bowl, Philadelphia holds a plethora of historical landmarks and top notch arts venues including the famous Philadelphia Museum of Art

Program Ideas According to National Trends

PHILADELPHIA, PA

American Art takes a front seat in Philly

Exhibit:

Philadelphia Museum of Art:

Early American Galleries

ONGOING

"Trace the origins of our city’s extraordinary creativity in our new Early American Art galleries. The 10,000-square-foot space has been installed to tell the story of how Philadelphia became the young nation’s cultural capital, and how Black, Indigenous, and Latin American artists contributed to the development of American art."

philamuseum.org

PROGRAM IDEA: Present an art talk on American painters

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Yayoi Kusama transfixes with Dream Worlds

Exhibit

SF MOMA: Yayoi Kusama: Dreaming of Earth’s Sphericity, I Would Offer My Love

June 22, 2024–Fall 2025

Experience the kaleidoscopic world of Yayoi Kusama, one of the most iconic and globally celebrated artists working today. Kusama’s Dreaming of Earth’s Sphericity, I Would Offer My Love (2023), welcomes the viewer into a universe of multicolored light.

sfmoma.org

PROGRAM IDEA: Present an art talk on Yayoi Kusama

NEW YORK CITY, NY

A star-studded cast performs Shakespeare

Play

Shakespeare in the Park presented by the Public Theater

August 7–September 14

The Public Theater will celebrate the opening of the newly revitalized Delacorte Theater with a Free Shakespeare in the Park all-star cast of Public alumni in a production of TWELFTH NIGHT. Join us to revel in the midsummer madness as twins Sebastian and Viola survive shipwreck, revenge plots, and the trick doors of love.

publictheater.org

PROGRAM IDEA: Present programs connected to Shakespeare including a watch party and discussion, or a theatrical performance

Captivating Patrons: How Public Libraries Can Use Streaming and Programming to Boost Engagement

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 02:43:26 GMT

PROGRAMMING CORNER

Captivating Patrons: How Public Libraries Can Use Streaming and

Programming to Boost Engagement

After years building a core audience for arts programming, Tanisha explains the valuable lessons she

learned as a program coordinator and a program presenter.

Fall-Winter 2025-26 Edition

Streaming databases have become a popular tool for libraries to foster a connection between their patrons by offering music, audiobooks, and video. While the offerings seem tempting to try and purchase, librarians must not only consider if patrons would use the resource but also wonder if patrons will return to continue to use the resource. So far, library patrons check out books and audiobooks on digital platforms because the books are easily accessible when the book they want is checked out. While there are free book platforms for e-books and audiobooks, these free platforms may not offer the same options a library patron can get from a digital collection offered by their local library. When it comes to music and video, there’s another perspective. Since there are commercially available platforms like YouTube or Spotify, patrons think they already have free or low-cost options to stream music and watch videos. Where does this leave the public library? Public librarians must ask themselves: why would a patron use this over YouTube? This question is exactly where the marketing begins. Patrons must be encouraged to use library streaming platforms through engagement. Programming and marketing extensions of the library's available streaming products can offer ways to keep these platforms as options to use as much as mainstream streaming platforms.

The following bullet points are specific ways to engage patrons with library streaming databases. While some of these options are readily available, some options need to be cleared with the streaming company before offering the full product to the public for programming.

Virtual Concerts, Performances & Screenings:

Libraries can host live and/or pre-recorded concerts featuring local musicians, bands, or even national acts. This can be a great way to support local artists and provide cultural entertainment to the community, especially for those who may not be able to attend in-person events. Q & A sessions are another great way to continue the conversation about the performance and the streaming resource.

Film and Documentary Screenings:

Libraries can use their streaming services to host virtual movie nights, discussion groups, or documentary series. This provides a platform for community members to engage with thought-provoking content and discuss a variety of topics, from social justice to environmental issues. Libraries can choose documentaries that reflect the time of the year, a particular artist or icon or even current events. Film festivals can be an alternative for a series of programs with various films about a similar topic.

Create a Library Playlist:

Libraries can create playlists according to current events to send to their patrons via email blasts. Let’s say a popular artist announces a new album- this announcement is a great opportunity for libraries to connect that with previous albums by the same artist or related artists. The playlist can distribute through bookmarks, fliers, social media, websites and email blasts.

Music Appreciation and Education:

Ever partnered with the local school music department?

Libraries can use their music streaming platforms to create playlists for music appreciation classes, genre deep dives, or artist spotlights. They could also partner with local music teachers to offer virtual lessons or workshops on music theory or instrument basics. The classes can be offered in a hybrid setting so those who cannot attend in person can see what the class entails before committing to registering for the class.

Literacy and Storytelling Programs:

Libraries can use video streaming to enhance their storytelling programs for children. While they can create videos of librarians reading books aloud, or produce animated shorts based on popular children's stories, they can encouraged audiobooks or any kind of database that parents can use at home. Streaming story time videos can be curated by choosing videos with similar educational themes, characters or even stories for certain times of the day. This can help make reading more engaging and accessible, especially for younger audiences.

By combining library streaming resources with engaging programming, librarians can transform these

platforms from underutilized databases into dynamic community hubs. These programs—such as virtual

concerts, film screenings, and curated playlists—not only highlight the value of library offerings but also create

a compelling reason for patrons to return. This approach builds a stronger connection between the library

and its community, proving that library streaming is more than just a resource; it's a powerful tool for

engagement and lifelong learning.

5 Reasons Why People Don’t Attend Programs and How to Take Action

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 02:06:27 GMT

PROGRAMMING CORNER

5 Reasons Why People Don’t Attend Programs and How to Take Action

After years building a core audience for arts programming, Tanisha explains the valuable lessons she

learned as a program coordinator and a program presenter.

Summer-Fall 2025 Edition

Picture it: you learn about this great program that another library did or perhaps you create a program that you heard could be successful if tailored to your community. You book the program and do the necessary listing in the newsletter and provide flyers and a poster. You reach out to the custodians to tell them how to set up the room. The day of the program you or your colleague make sure that everything is ready for the crowd to attend. When the time of the program happens only one or two people show up. At the sight of the sparse crowd, you are left dumfounded wondering what happened. Year after year, libraries offer programs to serve their community and beyond. Highlighting topics that include cultural education, entertainment and hands-on activities, arts-related events bring people together. The notion of bringing people together online and in person is important especially during an epidemic of loneliness. While many libraries like to talk about their successful programs, there are many unsuccessful programs that take place. Libraries go above and beyond to serve populations of all sizes. But there is a longing for all programs to become popular and well attended to impress the attendees enough to return and for administrative approval.

Oftentimes, libraries would try two methods to safeguard their event from low attendance. First, they would require registration to see if people are interested so they have a “concrete” list of attendees. Some program contracts stipulate that if the registration is too low then the program is cancelled. The next option is to relax registration requirements and cross fingers to see if people will show up whether they register or not. While there is no surefire way to know how many people will show up, there are many ways to learn why people don’t attend programs. Once you know why people don’t attend you can create avenues that could take action to prevent low attendance.

Lack of Interest

In the advent of busy personal lives, streaming and social media, easy access to outside programming creates competition for library programs. Your library patrons have many distractions and hobbies, and you must create programs that connect them through continued education, themes, current events and personal interests. However, sometimes programs are not worth revisiting if you tried the program more than once and the attendance is still low. You must know when to persist and when to fold.

TRY: Offer the option to learn something new in a series of programming that gives patrons ownership when deciding if the library should bring it back. You can create this type of program to occur at the same time every month for continuity. It can be a “program test” segment where participants can vote on whether it’s worth revisiting.

Lack of Awareness

While newsletters reach residents, they may not be enough to grab someone’s attention. Library users must see the program advertisement multiple times before deciding to attend it. The newsletter coupled with email blasts, social media, flyers and other video content creates a content machine that communicates what the program will offer along with its benefits. Keep in mind, timing is everything when promoting an event. Diligently study how, where and when people respond to advertising so you can create the right time to promote an upcoming event.

TRY: Promoting the event as early as possible can acquire interest. Marketing the program during the event on social media can show followers what they are missing. A recap of videos or images after the program took place can also show patrons what they missed and could encourage them to attend next time.

Wrong Timing or They Forgot

As mentioned earlier in the article, there are many competitive forces that grab the attention of your attendees that compete with a library program. Life can get busy so multiple reminders can really help to remind the patron about their registration.

TRY: Try to be aware of outside programs in the area and popular events or holidays so you do not book an event at the same time. You can also collaborate with your Publicity Department to set up multiple reminders via text, email and social media.

Bad Weather

In the years before the pandemic, I’ve had many experiences with good programming happening during unpredictable weather conditions. There’s nothing worse than hard work curtailed by a storm that prevents patrons from coming to the library. A blessing from the pandemic is the ability to offer hybrid or virtual programs. Technology awareness helps libraries to meet their patrons exactly where they are anytime. Nowadays, when there’s a storm and if it’s safe for a program to function in the library, I would offer virtual or hybrid programming as an option. I can attest that one instance I had twenty people attend a concert in person during a rainstorm while fifty people attended online.

TRY: Library workers including librarians have to stay active in creating multiple ways for users to access programs by practicing many ways to set up hybrid equipment and software that can simultaneously be streamed on platforms like Zoom or YouTube

5 Worst Times to Book an Event in the Arts

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 03:02:24 GMT

PROGRAMMING CORNER

5 Worst Times to Book an Event in the Arts

After years building a core audience for arts programming, Tanisha explains the valuable lessons she

learned as a program coordinator and a program presenter.

Spring-Summer 2025 Edition

Serving the community and beyond is the most important experience that public libraries want to offer. Successful programming enhances that experience because it draws people together online and in person and creates a conversation and an exchange of questions and ideas. But what happens when a program coordinator or librarian puts together a quality program and it doesn't seem to connect to the community? With the advent of streaming, social media, digital communities and live social events, libraries have a lot of competition when attracting an audience. There are many steps to create proper marketing for programs covered in a previous article in the last edition. Another factor is that libraries within a proximity compete and there can also be competing programs within the same library happening at the same time. To add to the levels of competition there can be a lack of comprehensive marketing. Gone are the days when newsletters were the only way to promote programs or perhaps online bulletins or websites. Without awareness of many competitive factors, a program especially one that is arts related can be a miss. One of the most pivotal roles in offering events is timing. While the following times are voted as the worst in my experience, there's always an exception to the rule. The biggest exception is that you can create an event during an unconventional time if you connect with the attendees and give the event time to grow through consistent programming in that time slot.

5. On Holidays

Not booking events on a holiday is obvious because most libraries and public locations are closed but there are examples that are not so obvious. While we recognize major holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving other cultural events can apply to the community where your library is located. If you live in a community with a large ethnic population that celebrates a certain holiday during a time outside of the popular holidays, it is best not to book programs on those dates. A way to take advantage of these holidays outside of popular holidays is to offer programs that educate and entertain about these holidays leading up to the holiday date.

4. During Bad Weather

Bad weather is something no one can control. However, if a library is technically efficient and ahead of the curve, they can shift programming to offer easier access. Imagine creating a great program with excellent response and the dreadful feeling after hearing that the weather will be terrible that day. While I have experience with crowds coming in a storm to see me present opera, I know bad weather can be an easy indicator that an audience may not show up. If you have a presenter who is flexible and technically proficient then moving the program online or creating a hybrid experience could be a better bet for your patrons so there is easier access.

3. Weekends or Special Weekends

Weekends can be quite tricky depending on the type of community your library is located in. The questions you want to answer are: which places in the community are usually filled up on Saturday and Sunday? Does my community attend church regularly? The answers to these questions would allow you to plan accordingly. Saturday morning may not be a good fit for an arts program if patrons usually go food shopping or clean their homes on Saturday. Perhaps a Saturday afternoon would suffice because it lines up with patrons being finished with personal errands. While Sunday afternoons are optimal times, whether patrons go to church or not, you may be in competition with another local event. Programs held on special weekends that revolve around National events like the Super Bowl or other sports related events can be a challenge for attracting an audience. Any outside event that contains heavy publicity leading up to the weekend may be the worse time for you to book the program because patrons are preparing for the popular event. A solution can be to use the event to craft programming around it so patrons can relate to it and learn something new at the same time. An example can be an arts program around the Super Bowl that highlights the history of the Halftime show or artist who performed the Star-Spangled Banner in the past. I bet those ideas would easily attract patrons if it was held at a time leading up to the Super Bowl. Heavily marketed events offer an opportunity to create something around them.

2. During a popular local event within the community or in the same library

The worse scenario of booking a program in the arts is seeing empty seats because another event is happening at the same time in the town or in the library. Attendees may be interested in your program but have another event to attend that is just as convenient. While you cannot control what outside local organizations do, you can stay on top of local calendars online to see any events happening that may conflict with what you are booking. Libraries who have multiple departments may compete even if both programs are geared to a similar audience. It is best to check to see what else is happening in the building to see if the program may conflict with yours because the other event could attract potential audience members. Sometimes it doesn't matter if the programs are not alike because patrons have varied interests and may want to attend both programs.

1. On Monday

Booking an arts program on Monday morning can be an inconvenience because patrons are going to work or have a family with children who go to school. Retired patrons who are grandparents would also be affected by this if they are involved in babysitting their grandchildren. Monday is usually a time to focus on the week ahead and any practical tasks that need to be handled for work. Personal errands are also handled on a Monday so planning an arts program may not be heavily attended. The exception to the rule is if you start a series that occurs on the same Monday of every month that consistently happens. While an event like this would take time for the public to get used to, they would make time for it if they truly loved the experience and are aware that the program will not go away if they skip it from time to time.

6 Ways to Maximize Your Audience

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 02:53:38 GMT

PROGRAMMING CORNER

6 Ways to Maximize Your Audience

After years building a core audience for arts programming, Tanisha explains the valuable lessons

she learned both as a program coordinator and a program presenter.

Winter-Spring 2025 Edition

Since 2015, I had the opportunity to hire performers and art lecture presenters for a public library on Long Island. With experience working at a library and creating programming at the Metropolitan Opera and former Met Guild, I learned about the cross section between the arts and the public. Oftentimes, arts programs at their highest quality can be costly if a patron attends them in the city or far from home because of the cost of tickets, travel and meals. Libraries serve as a safe place for patrons to discover the arts and ask questions in a casual setting. This is valuable so they can learn more before they buy a ticket or experience a museum or performance. When booking programs, I am inspired not only to entertain the audience but to also educate the audience. Over the years there were hits and misses with audience attendance. Sometimes the program was good but too esoteric for the community or didn’t get the proper marketing to reach the right people. Other times, the program succeeded in bringing many people to the event who left inspired or with further questions. Subsequently, I realized that sometimes the program either needs time to grow a core audience or that the audience may not be interested. With constant experimentation using technology, marketing and imagination, I was able to build a core audience that attends the arts programs at the library and a robust virtual audience online due to the pandemic shutdown. While you can’t win them all- there are many steps you can take before the program to create a core audience who would attend and bring a friend or two.

1. Start Marketing Early

The earlier you know that a program is happening- the better off you are at promoting the program. In this busy world full of social media, emails, and snail mail, print newsletters are not enough anymore. With the help of library staff, I begin marketing programs months before they begin by connecting it to other programs currently happening. Email blasts and social media are great ways to use this concept. Another way is announcing upcoming programs at the beginning of a current program whether online or in person.

2. Create an Echo Chamber with Content

Believe it or not, we are in a world full of content. The content that relates to a person sticks with them. Content can revolve around the time of the year, a particular holiday, or a demographic. All types of content can be used to promote an arts program. I often use social media or email blasts to tie in an event with a graphic or a theme. Book displays are also a great way to promote a program because if the books or materials garner interest- the patron would be interested in attending the program.

3. Partner with local businesses

The library is part of the community’s ecosystem. Local businesses are high traffic areas that can offer great partnerships with libraries. The business can do a giveaway or a sponsorship that creates visibility for themselves and the library. A library can also attract people who don't live in the community and knows someone in the community. There were many instances when a patron attended my program who lived in another town and invited someone who lived in the town. The local patron was so surprised that the library offered such quality programming that they returned to other programs in the library.

4. Create a theme for multiple programs

Oftentimes themes are applied to health and wellness programs. However, the arts contain many layers of performance, history and cultural content that relate in ways that may interest your community. For many years, I applied themes to the “arts season” to get people excited about what to expect in the classical music concerts, art lectures etc. before attending them. Themes also help me to create content to promote the programs and the library collection.

5. Continue virtual or hybrid programs

I’ve seen many libraries do away with virtual and hybrid programming because they want people to come in the library. While I understand the reason, I disagree with this notion because virtual and hybrid programs market to audiences who live in the community but don't come to the library. Although not all programs may not work online, choosing a few is a great way to do outreach in the beginning of the program. After the pandemic shutdown, I’ve had many audience members in various locations tell me that they decided to attend a program in person after attending programs online.

6. Partner with other libraries

Partnering with other libraries is a great way to maximize your audience online or in person. One library may have a better space versus the other library who may have better technology equipment for broadcasting. Partnering with other libraries also helps the budget if both have limited resources to present a high-quality arts program.

Your Arts World-Winter-Spring 2025

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 02:29:54 GMT

YOUR ARTS WORLD

Think Ahead: Arts-Related Programming Ideas for Winter-Spring 2025

Winter-Spring 2025 Edition

March

Singing After Crying

Worried that she would miss an opportunity to lend her voice to the MLK’s March on Washington, Marian Anderson cried as she was caught in the crowd. It was followed by a soul stirring performance of He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.

PROGRAM IDEA: Host an opera talk on Marian Anderson for Women’s History Month in March [operatalks.com]

March

Two Divas with Oscar Buzz

With March roaring in, the Oscars are abuzz with many predictions. However, the top whisper is Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of famous opera diva, Maria Callas. Directed by Pablo Larraìn, the 2024 film will be released on Netflix in December.

PROGRAM IDEA: Host an opera talk on Maria Callas so your audience can be familiar with the legendary singer portrayed by Angelina Jolie for Women’s History Month.

April

A famous American music master synthesizes jazz, blues and classical music

Who said that classical music is rigid? American composer, George Gershwin had the gift of combining Jazz and Classical Music that keeps the listener on their toes.

PROGRAM IDEA: Create or present a program highlighting George Gershwin for Jazz Appreciation Month in April.

April

The Look of Love…in the Spring

Like Burt Bachrach and Hal David’s hit: The Look of Love (1967) is all over art and opera. Famous love duets in the arts include: the Kiss by Klimt, the Act 1 opera duet from Puccini’s La Bohème and Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake.

PROGRAM IDEA: Present an Art Talk on famous art that depicts lovers

Opera Talk: Love Duets at the Opera [operatalks.com]

April

To be or not to be, really?

William Shakespeare’s famous works influenced the arts in a myriad of ways. From art to opera to classical music, you can show appreciation for this famous playwright through other arts mediums like ballet, art or opera.

PROGRAM IDEA: Present an art talk on how Shakespeare influenced art or an opera talk on opera’s influenced by Shakespeare in April.

May

Expand the Chinese New Year to Pan Asian American Appreciation

Prolific black artist, Derrick Adams has an exhibit at the Parish Museum through January 5th. Adams along with artists, Kehinde Wiley, Amy Sherald, Kadir Nelson and Simon Leigh represent a few black artists shaping the artistic cultural landscape through media and high profile festivals.

PROGRAM IDEA: Present an art talk on black artists highlighting for Women’s History Month or Juneteenth

June

5 Black Artists to Know

PROGRAM IDEA: Present an art talk on black artists highlighting for Women’s History Month or Juneteenth

June

Ode to the Black Dandy–

Black Men in the Arts

PROGRAM IDEA: Opera Talk:

Black Men in Opera [operatalks.com]

Black Dancers in Ballet: History of the Alvin Ailey Company

National Trends-Winter-Spring 2025

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 02:54:07 GMT

NATIONAL TRENDS

Winter-Spring 2025 Arts Preview: A Season of National Inspiration

Explore key programming from Charlotte to Washington, D.C., showcasing Impressionism,

Modern Art, and defining moments of the 20th Century.

Winter-Spring 2025 Edition

The Spring Arts Season around the United States can be a source of inspiration when creating programming around the arts. Each city presents a myriad of ideas that reflect the national and international arts climate. The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra examines Impressionism in music through Debussy’s La Mer. La Mer is an excellent piece to usher in the warm weather. The nation’s capital has two inspirational programs reflecting the 20th century: Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess at the Washington National Opera and the 70’s photo exhibit at the National Gallery of Art. Both ideas can bring nostalgia to the audience. The MoMA honors a trailblazing advocate who used her personal collection that reflected what we call “Modern Art.”

CHARLOTTE, NC

IMPRESSIONISM FILLS THE SOUTH WITH MUSIC IN THE SPRING

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

Debussy’s La Mer

April 25-26, 2025, 7:30 PM

“Resident Conductor Christopher James Lees leads the CSO in a colorful and impressionistic program culminating in Debussy's cherished symphonic portrait of the sea, La Mer.” - charlottesymphony.org

PROGRAM IDEA: Present an art talk or music performance program on Impressionism

WASHINGTON, D.C.

OPERA, JAZZ AND BLACK CULTURE COME TO A FULL CRESCENDO IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL

Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess

Washington National Opera

May 23 - 31, 2025

“It’s summertime, and the livin’ is easy” in Catfish Row, a working-class fishing town in South Carolina. When a murder shakes the community and tempts Bess to return to her drug-filled past, Porgy becomes her unlikely refuge.” - wno.org

PROGRAM IDEA: Present an opera talk on Porgy and Bess for Jazz Appreciation Month

THE NATION’S CAPITAL REMEMBERS A GROOVY AND TURBULENT DECADE

National Gallery of Art

The ’70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography:

October 6, 2024 – April 6, 2025

“ The 1970s was a decade of uncertainty in the United States. Americans witnessed soaring inflation, energy crises, and the Watergate scandal, as well as protests about pressing issues such as the Vietnam War, women’s rights, gay liberation, and the environment.” - nga.gov

PROGRAM IDEA: Present programming on photography, art or music created in the 70’s.

NEW YORK CITY, NY

A TRAILBLAZER IN MODERN ART IS HONORED JUST IN TIME FOR WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

MoMA, Lillie P. Bliss and the Birth of Modern

Through March 29, 2025

“MoMA would not be what it is today without Lillie Plummer Bliss. In 1929, after years of advocating for modern art in New York, Bliss, together with Abby Aldrich Rockefeller and Mary Quinn Sullivan, founded The Museum of Modern Art. Lillie P. Bliss and the Birth of the Modern brings together 40 works from Bliss’s collection, including paintings and works on paper by Paul Cézanne, Odilon Redon, Georges-Pierre Seurat, and Pablo Picasso.” -moma.org

PROGRAM IDEA: Present an art talk on modern art for the spring