Event Registration - Northeast Ohio Regional Library System
Podcasts as Programming: Reaching Busy Parents on Their Time Competency: Programming and Innovation 04/14/26 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM The Patchogue-Medford Library in New York has transformed traditional parent education programming into an accessible podcast format, expanding their reach from an average of 5 in-person attendees to an average of 26 listeners per episode. The PML "Adventures in Parenting" podcast delivers expert content and resource guides to busy parents while maximizing staff time and programming budgets.
The model is surprisingly simple: pair librarian hosts with local experts, focus on evergreen parenting topics, and create accompanying online resource guides. Librarian-parents bring authenticity to conversations, while expert guests provide authoritative content. This format eliminates common barriers with in-person parenting programming like scheduling conflicts and childcare needs while extending the Library's reach beyond service hours and physical boundaries.
The impact has been remarkable. Beyond the 400% increase in engagement, the Patchogue-Medford Library is reaching patrons who never attended in-person workshops. Download metrics show listening peaks during commute times and late nights - exactly when our physical spaces are least accessible.
Ready to reach your busiest patrons? Podcasts as programming might be the answer you've been looking for!
Learning Objectives:
Demonstrate how podcasts can be used as an innovative programming format to reach busy parents and other hard-to-reach demographics with on-demand, expert-led content.
Identify the key steps in creating a library programming podcast, including choosing topics, finding experts, recording episodes, and developing accompanying resource guides.
List the benefits of podcast programming, such as increased engagement, budget efficiency, community responsiveness, and flexible access to library resources.
Presenter:
Jessi Bouchelle, Carnegie Branch & Youth Services Manager, Patchogue-Medford Library, New York