Written by Kent Mulcahy, Reference Librarian, Downtown Main Library and Chris Oaks, Branch Manager, Oakley Branch Library
Forget stuffy networking events or LinkedIn DMs. Did you know that the Library has its own meet up for emerging professionals? Index is the Library’s group for engaging and providing resources to working adults.
While the Library supports many different age groups in different ways, from storytimes for children, afterschool programs for teens, and technology assistance for older adults, reaching younger adults with jobs and often young families has historically been a challenge for libraries. After all, with kids' school drop off and pick up, after-hours work functions, and the general daily grind, schedules fill up quickly.
Started in 2018, Index curates events for emerging professionals. Unlike many young professional groups that are often primarily for professional networking, Index offers something different.
First, Index focuses on creating interesting programming that offers balance to work and life. Secondly, because the Library tends to be known for our cultural and literary offerings, many of our events are quirky and light-hearted but still informational.
For example, Index participants had a blast at our recent Bad Art Night II: Bad with a Vengeance event held at 3 Points Brewery. Pamela Kravetz, one of Cincinnati Enquirer’s 2017 Women of the Year and indisputable local art cornerstone, shared a humorous “mini-lecture” on the topic of bad art (if such a thing really exists). Then she turned attendees loose with art supply leftovers to demonstrate their most glorious artistic shortcomings, glitter and all.
Index also hosts very popular weekend series called “Oakley Library PlayDate.” Most of our storytimes happen during the week, which means working moms and dads often can’t join their kids for these library-staple programs. Thanks to this monthly event that takes place at our Oakley branch, working parents now have the option to take part in the classic Library storytime ritual. Oh, yeah...and good coffee and breakfast snacks are provided!
A good portion of Index events take place outside of the library itself. Some examples include a Retro Video Gaming night, a discussion of the ArtWorks murals, a mini-lecture on the history of the Reds’ uniforms in partnership with the 1869 Red Stockings, and MakerNights featuring various equipment from our MakerSpace. We hope to see you at our next event!
For more info, email index@chpl.org and be sure to sign up for the Index monthly newsletter for news, events, and more!
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