Go Big Goals

[ahockenberry]

Howdy all, 

I am looking for general ideas about what sort of things we do that are big and/or unique. I am looking to put together a goal of something big but doable. I live in little ol' Wyoming so we have plenty of room to grow. Any ideas welcome.

Audrey Hockenberry
Bookmobile Librarian
she/her
Albany County Public Library
Laramie, WY 82070
(307) 721-2580 x 5432

[Mike Cleaves]

After so many years on the bookmobile, it’s easy for the work to feel routine. But when I talk with friends and family, I’m reminded that what we do is anything but ordinary.

What other job sends you out just to make kids smile and spark a love of reading? Or lets you be a friend to someone in assisted living who needs connection more than a book? We bring the library to forgotten towns, parks, farmers markets, even ballgames, sometimes I catch myself thinking, am I really getting paid for this?

Just being a bookmobiler is weird, unique, and absolutely a big deal, especially for the people who need us most.

If you’re aiming for big, lofty goals, one of the best places to start is by building numbers. I’m not an advocate for chasing stats just for the sake of it, but setting goals to break circulation or visitor records pushes you to maximize your impact. It looks great when you’re making the case for more resources because it's time to get even bigger! 

The key is to show up everywhere and build connections. Parades, civic events, music festivals, sports games, show up at a popular trail head on an Saturday morning, even cars-and-coffee or a local rodeo. These are all opportunities to shine. Big community events not only boost your numbers, they also reach people who might never have thought of the library otherwise. And to me, that’s the biggest win of all.