View Project

G2S Project Code: 2023-OH-93858
State: Ohio
Fiscal Year: 2023
Grantee
MT VERNON & KNOX COUNTY, PUBLIC LIBRARY OF

Project Director
Director Name: Jamie Lyn Smith-Fletcher
Director Phone: 740-393-2665 ext. 259
Director Email: knoxwrites@gmail.com
General Information
Title: Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County - An Enemy of the People Theater Project from America's Hometown
State Project Code: L-28-24
Start Date: 01/01/2024
End Date: 08/31/2024
Abstract: The Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County, in partnership with Kenyon College, Mount Vernon Arts Consortium, and Theater of War Productions, presented two performances of excerpted scenes from Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People; one at Knox Memorial Theater in Mount Vernon, and one in Oden Hall at Kenyon College in Gambier. Performances featured a number of acclaimed actors (including David Strathairn, Elizabeth Marvel, and Bill Camp) performing alongside local community members and leaders. Audience participation was encouraged as all attendees were invited to grapple with timely and challenging topics such as public health and the role of the free press. Each performance concluded with a guided audience discussion that allowed for robust conversations and real community connection.
State Goal: Building Community Capacity and Engagement
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$13,527.00
$0.00
$32,147.00
$45,674.00
Intent(s)
Improve users’ ability to participate in their community.
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Civic Affairs
Activities
Activity Details
Title: An Enemy of the People: A Theater Project from America's Hometown
Narrative: The Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County, in partnership with Theater of War productions brought together acclaimed actors, elected officials, scientists, journalists and local community members to present dramatic readings and guided community discussions around excerpts from Henrik Ibsen's play, "An Enemy of the People". Two performances were held in Mt. Vernon and simultaneously streamed online via Zoom. The play offered content that was both timely and relevant, and the interactive components offered participants plenty of chances for discussion and engagement.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to participate in their community.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: Combined in-person & virtual


Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 180
Number of presentations/performances administered: 2
Average number in attendance per session: 396


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: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: MT VERNON & KNOX COUNTY, PUBLIC LIBRARY OF
Address: 201 N. MULBERRY ST.
City: MT. VERNON
State: OH
Zip: 43050
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
The Public Library of Mt. Vernon and Knox Country reports that post-program survey responses were overwhelmingly positive. Further the program was successful in creating an event where all members of the community had the chance to learn and participate. Core project leads and stage crews featured a wide range of people and reflected the entire population the library serves. It was important from the start of planning to include panelists and participants who were from different work backgrounds, socioeconomic backgrounds, cultural and religious backgrounds and lived experiences so that all the perspectives of the community could be seen and heard. Further, by including civil servants, elected officials, experts in public health, and journalists in the presentation the event was able to show exactly how contemporary Ibsen's themes are. While each person in attendance had their own experience it was clear that event like this offer a real opportunity to hold public conversations and bring communities together in a shared experience.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
These findings are critical to the Library’s plans for future projects and events, particularly as the library plans programs that can help create a sense of community and shared understanding. Libraries hold a unique place in the communities they serve, and events like this underscore they have the ability foster connection outside of their physical location and beyond traditional library services. These findings will continue to inform the library as they plan for future large public events, such as the NEA Big Read. It offers the chance to hone outreach and engagement strategies to reach patrons experiencing barriers to participation.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
The library learned that area audiences are eager for opportunities to gather, to talk to each other, to share lived experiences and learn more about the people in our shared communities. It's notable too though survey results that many, many attendees were first-timers: they had not attended a Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County event before. This provides an opportunity to reach a previously untapped reserve of new/prospective patrons to connect with in the form of future library programs, resources, and promotion.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
No
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
Yes
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: Yes
Exemplary NarrativeIn addition to being an ambitious and visionary undertaking, this project really did bring the community together in meaningful and unexpected ways. It offered the chance for all who attended to learn and connect, not just through the performances, but from one another too. Further, from the project coordinator's initial grant inquiry through to the final reporting, this project was well organized, well presented, and well executed.
Project Tags: