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G2S Project Code: 2014-CT-73091
State: Connecticut
Fiscal Year: 2014
Grantee
FERGUSON LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Elizabeth Joseph
Director Phone: 203-351-8224
Director Email: ejoseph@fergusonlibrary.org
General Information
Title: Life Story Writers - Ferguson
State Project Code:
Start Date: 07/01/2014
End Date: 06/30/2015
Abstract:

In response to the results of a community survey, the Ferguson Library in Stamford planned a monthly lecture series around subjects in the humanities and offered a ten-session writing workshop to culminate in the publication of a family history book written by each participant. The library also acquired circulating library materials to support topics of the humanities lecture series.



State Goal: Literacies and learning
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$5,000.00
$0.00
$8,550.00
$13,550.00
Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Writing project
Narrative: In the summer of 2014, the library issued an invitation for participants in the life story writers project. Initially, fifteen people attended the monthly sessions on techniques and the style of writing a memoir or biography, but as the project progressed, several writers dropped out due to personal circumstances.

Over the course of the year, the library offered professional instruction on the writing process as well as lectures on copyright and book design. Participants formed weekly writing circles to offer each other feedback and support in between meetings with the writing instructor. The library hired a designer to layout the book interiors and design covers, and they used a print-on-demand service to print the books in hardcover. The project resulted in the publication of 10 books. The library launched the books with a celebration for the authors, who brought family and friends, with close to eighty people in attendance. Each author received a copy of their completed work, and additional copies are available in the library's local history reference collection and circulating collection.



Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 180
Number of sessions in program: 10
Average number in attendance per session: 12
Number of times program administered: 1


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Suburban
For what age groups: 50-59 years
60-69 years
70+ years
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: No


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: FERGUSON LIBRARY
Address: ONE PUBLIC LIBRARY PLAZA
City: STAMFORD
State: CT
Zip: 06904
Activity Details
Title: Monthly programs
Narrative: The Humanities lecture series of five programs explored a range of topics such as the family portrait in American art, the legacy of Dr. King, the composers of American Songbook, and reading poetry for its nuances. Programs were held at locations around the city and during the day, which made it easier for older adults to attend.



Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: In-person


Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 75
Number of presentations/performances administered: 5
Average number in attendance per session: 30


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Suburban
For what age groups: 50-59 years
60-69 years
70+ years
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: No


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: FERGUSON LIBRARY
Address: ONE PUBLIC LIBRARY PLAZA
City: STAMFORD
State: CT
Zip: 06904
Activity Details
Title: Items for the library collection
Narrative: The library purchased fifty large print non-fiction titles to support the  humanities lecture series. These titles became a part of the library's "visiting book collection" which circulates to senior housing facilities and addresses the reading needs of residents. Many of the senior housing residents commented positively on these new titles. The library also serves as a book discussion advisor to two area nursing homes – many of these titles were suggested and shared for possible book discussions. The circulation figures of the large print collection saw a surge due to the infusion of new and high interest materials.


Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Physical


Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 0
Number of software acquired: 0
Number of licensed databases acquired: 0
Number of print materials (books & government documents) acquired: 50
Number of electronic materials acquired: 0
Number of audio/visual units (audio discs, talking books, other recordings) acquired: 0


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Suburban
For what age groups: 50-59 years
60-69 years
70+ years
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: No


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: FERGUSON LIBRARY
Address: ONE PUBLIC LIBRARY PLAZA
City: STAMFORD
State: CT
Zip: 06904
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important findings or outcomes from your project:
98% of the participants at humanities lectures had a positive experience and learned a great deal from the lecture they attended.
Please briefly describe importance of findings:
The topics in the humanities lecture series brought in many non-users. The grant funds allowed the library to present various points of view on a given subject.
What methods did you use to determine your findings? Check all that apply:
Survey
Participant Observation
Based on outputs, outcomes and/or other results, explain any significant lessons learned from these findings for either the SLAA or others in the LIS field:
The library staff gained many valuable insights from this project. As a first time publisher, there were many costs in the publishing process that library staff were unfamiliar with, and they were startled by the high costs of professional speakers, instructors and graphic artists. The staff also had to spend a significant amount of time assisting the authors with using Microsoft Word, scanning, editing and embedding photos, and copy editing.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort:
Yes: Future humanities programs and book purchases will be funded from the library's budget.
Do you anticipate any change in the project's scope:
Yes: The library will continue to offer humanities lectures and add large print items to the circulating collection, but it will not continue the life story writers group.
Do you anticipate any other changes in the project:
No
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: Older adults