Policy: Outreach

A. Purpose

Fayetteville Public Library (FPL) is committed to strengthening our community and empowering our citizens through free and public access to knowledge. Library outreach extends resources beyond the main library, ensuring equitable access for individuals and groups who may experience barriers due to service awareness, transportation, digital literacy, and economic hardship. Through outreach programs, outreach events, and outreach services, FPL actively promotes literacy, lifelong learning, and digital inclusion, while fostering meaningful community engagement.

The goal of library outreach, including FPL on Wheels, is to provide library resources, services, and collections to new and existing library patrons, particularly to those who may be experiencing barriers to access. Library outreach prioritizes services to youth, adults, and aging seniors in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods, while also supporting key community gathering places like city parks and local festivals.

Library outreach efforts seek to:

1. Promote literacy and lifelong learning for people of all ages and abilities
2. Introduce non-users to library collections, resources, and services
3. Provide fun, interactive experiences that encourage bookmobile and library use
4. Increase community-wide visibility of the Fayetteville Public Library

B. Outreach Definitions

B.1 Outreach Program
An ongoing or recurring library-led initiative designed to educate, engage, and/or provide library services to the community.

Examples include:

1. Storytimes at schools, daycare centers, or community centers
2. Technology training
3. Bookmobile visits
4. Literacy-focused initiatives
    

B.2 Outreach Event
An one-time or special library appearance at a community gathering, festival, or public space to promote library services and connect with new audiences or existing library patrons.

Examples include:

1. Library book at a city festival or farmer’s market
2. Participation in community fairs or literacy days
3. Pop-up library activities at local businesses or events
    

B.3 Outreach Services
The broader category of library resources and support offered outside the main library to reach the community.

These may include:

1. FPL on Wheels bookmobile service
2. Delivery of library materials through our Lending Hands service
3. Mobile Wi-Fi access and technology support
4. Partnerships with local schools and organizations to extend library access

C. Outreach Activity Guidelines

All outreach activities will align with the library’s mission “to strengthen our community and empower our citizens through free and public access to knowledge.” Programs and events should support literacy, lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and equitable access to library resources.

D. Outreach Activity Guidelines

Outreach activities may take place in a variety of locations, including but not limited to:

1. Low-to-moderate income neighborhoods
2. Schools, daycare centers, senior living facilities, rehabilitation centers
3. Parks, public squares, and recreational facilities
4. Local businesses and civic organizations
5. Festivals, farmer’s markets, and special events

Locations must be safe, accessible, and provide a welcoming environment for community engagement. FPL of Wheels service locations must also meet requirements for safe staff travel, parking accommodation, and accessible space for community members.

E. Approved Outreach Locations

By focusing on connecting with people in ways that align with FPL’s mission, outreach activities include: 

1. Circulation of library materials during Bookmobile visits, pop-up libraries and/or community events
2. Engage one-on-one with attendees, answering questions and promoting library programs and services
3. Offer registration for library cards, Summer Reading Club, and other initiatives
4. Distribute materials like brochures, calendars, and branded giveaways that help people stay connected to the library
5. Showcase library services through hands-on demonstrations of digital resources, maker tools, library programs, story times, and other offerings.
6. Sharing library information at designated tables during community gatherings

The library does not advocate or endorse the content or viewpoints of presenters, programs, or partners through outreach. Additionally, the library does not endorse specific viewpoints or causes at community events.

F. Outreach Activity Approval

Outreach initiatives must be approved by the Community Engagement Manager, in coordination with relevant library departments.

All outreach activities require prior approval from the Community Engagement Manager or Library Services Director, depending on the scope of the event or program.

Requests for participation in community events or partnerships are evaluated based on:

1. Alignment with library priorities
2. Staff availability
3. Resource allocation

Code NL

Date Approved 04/21/25