How to Promote Library Programs to Increase Attendance at Your Events

Your library events deserve full rooms. You want to hear kids laughing, families talking, and parents thanking you. But instead, you plan great programs… and the turnout falls flat. Parents scroll right past your posts. Kids choose other activities. Your events don’t get the excitement they should.

The answer is not “send more flyers” or “post more often.” The real solution is a smarter plan. When you understand what families want—and you clear the obstacles in their way—you can finally boost attendance in a big way. In this guide, I’ll show you how to promote library programs so families notice them, care about them, and actually show up.

Step 1: Survey Families to Learn What They Really Want

Guessing leads to low attendance. Asking leads to packed events.

Create simple surveys and share them everywhere:

• QR codes at checkout

• Email newsletters

• Social media links

• Paper forms at the front desk

Keep the questions short and focused so families answer quickly.

Smart survey questions include:

• What days and times work best for you?

• What topics excite your kids the most?

• What stops you from attending?

• How much time do you need to plan an outing?

• Where do you usually see event info?

Look for patterns. If most families prefer Saturday mornings, that’s your sweet spot. Build your schedule around real data—not guesswork.

If you want more ideas about timing and planning, this post explains another angle:https://www.annlincoln.com/post/why-spring-is-the-perfect-time-to-book-a-library-entertainer

Step 2: Schedule Events Around Family Routines

Even the best event fails if the timing is wrong.

Working parents have tight schedules. Kids have homework and sports. Dinner and bedtime routines take over evenings.

Good windows for families include:

• Weekend mornings (10 AM–12 PM)

• Early evenings (5:30–7 PM)

• Mid-mornings during summer break

Avoid dinner hours and late nights. And always check school calendars, testing weeks, local festivals, and sports seasons so you’re not fighting a bigger event.

Step 3: Remove Barriers That Stop Families from Attending

Most families want to come—they just hit roadblocks.

Barrier	Solution
Cost worries	Clearly state “FREE event—no fees or costs.”
Registration stress	Offer walk-in AND sign-up options.
Kids with different ages	Plan multi-age activities or split spaces.
Food needs	Keep snacks allergy-safe or let families bring their own.
Parking confusion	Give simple parking directions.
Accessibility needs	Highlight wheelchair access, sensory tools, and quiet spaces.

Parents scan for reasons not to attend. Remove those reasons upfront in every announcement.

Step 4: Build Events That Are Easy to Share

Parents love sharing moments from great events. Kids love talking about what they did.

Design programs that spark conversations:

• Hands-on crafts kids show off later

• Therapy dogs, magicians, or science presenters

• Interactive challenges or scavenger hunts

Create simple photo spots with a backdrop, props, or displays of kid creations. Parents who take photos share them online—and their friends see your library in action.

Add your social handles on signs. Use a short event hashtag. Like and comment on every tagged photo to build community.

If you want ideas about seasonal timing for event planning, here’s a helpful guide:https://www.annlincoln.com/post/why-spring-is-the-perfect-time-to-book-a-library-entertainer

Step 5: Partner With Organizations Families Already Trust

Partnerships expand your reach fast.

Team up with:

• Schools and PTAs

• Daycares

• Pediatric clinics

• Local museums and parks

• Counseling centers

• Recreation departments

Also connect with family-friendly businesses like toy shops, bookstores, and kid-friendly restaurants.

Offer something in return: display their flyers, share their programs, or co-host events. When trusted groups promote your programs, families pay attention.

Step 6: Promote Events Across Many Channels

Relying on one method means many families never hear about your event. Use a mix of digital and physical outreach. Strong promotion is a core part of how to promote library programs effectively.

Start promoting 3–4 weeks before the event:

• Send email newsletters

• Post on your library website

• Share on social media

• Create eye-catching flyers

• Put posters in grocery stores, schools, coffee shops, and community boards

• Use backpack mail if your district allows it

• Lay postcards at the circulation desk

Promotion Timeline

• 4 weeks out: First big announcement

• 3 weeks out: Partners share the event

• 2 weeks out: Reminder posts, highlight photos

• 1 week out: Daily countdown posts

• Day before: Final reminder

• Day of: Morning “happening today!” post

Customize the message for each channel. Social media should be short. Emails can be detailed. Website listings should have every FAQ answered.

Step 7: Create Predictable Series Instead of One-Off Events

Families love routines. A single event is easy to skip. A series builds habits.

Examples:

• Weekly storytimes

• Monthly craft nights

• Monthly STEM challenges

• Seasonal reading clubs

Consistency—same day, same time—makes attendance automatic. Kids form friendships. Parents connect. Families look forward to it.

Brand your series with a fun name and matching visuals so it feels like a real “program,” not a random event.

Step 8: Collect and Share Testimonials From Families

Parents trust other parents more than any flyer.

After each event, ask attendees:

• What did you enjoy most?

• What helped your family?

• Would you recommend this event?

Ask permission to share their words.

Use their testimonials on:

• Flyers

• Social media

• Email newsletters

• Bulletin boards

• Your website

If families are willing, short video clips are even better. Authentic beats polished every time.

Step 9: Follow Up and Turn One-Time Attendees Into Regular Visitors

Turning a new family into a repeat family multiplies your success.

Collect email addresses during registration. Within 48 hours, send a thank-you message. Include:

• A quick survey

• A photo from the event (if allowed)

• A link to your next similar program

Match suggestions to interests:

• Science event → promote your next STEM workshop

• Storytime → highlight your reading challenge

• Art day → invite them to the next craft event

Create a children’s programming email list. Send updates every 2–4 weeks.

Step 10: Measure What Works and Improve Over Time

To grow attendance, track results and adjust your approach.

Useful metrics include:

• Total attendance

• Registration vs. actual turnout

• New vs. returning families

• Age ranges

• How people heard about the event

• Satisfaction scores

• New library card signups

Keep everything in one spreadsheet. Review quarterly. Notice patterns. If a program consistently struggles, rethink it. If something shines, expand it.

Gather staff feedback too. They see what kids enjoy, when families lose interest, and which activities hold attention longest.

Test small changes—timing, format, promotions—one at a time so you know what truly makes the difference.

For another look at planning strategy and timing, you can explore this related resource:https://www.annlincoln.com/post/why-spring-is-the-perfect-time-to-book-a-library-entertainer

Conclusion

You can fill your library events with excited families—not by working harder, but by working smarter. When you learn what families want, plan around their lives, remove barriers, and promote across many channels, you make it easy for them to say “yes.”

Use these steps to master how to promote library programs and transform your turnout. With steady effort and small improvements, you’ll build a strong, loyal audience of families who love your events and keep coming back.

Want the best library performer in the area? Check out Ann Lincoln's programs today!