In a previous post I looked back on my first scanning event in Brooklyn to try and determine why it had such a low turnout. One of my takeaways was that I hadn’t done enough to reach out to the library’s regular patrons, a mistake I wouldn’t make while preparing for my second event at the New Lots branch. One of the first things I did was to create a sign-up sheet to leave at the branch’s front desk, asking patrons to leave their name and contact information to receive a reminder three days before the event. I was also able to attend the library’s Friends of New Lots meeting to hand out fliers and explain the project in greater detail.
One of the topics raised at the Friends meeting was that the group had an interest in creating a small local history archive to be housed at the branch. While I wasn’t in a position to create a whole archive I was able to create a small exhibit using items from the Brooklyn Public Library’s Brooklyn Collection to be displayed the day of the event. I pulled photos and articles dating back to 1844, showing New Lots as a small independent farming community. I was able to advertise this exhibit in conjunction with the digitization, hoping it would draw in additional donors.
Wilda Smith, photographed in East Flatbush, 1971. Donated by Farrah Lafontant.
In the weeks leading up to the event I also kept better track of the senior centers, churches and community organizations I reached out to. A detailed spreadsheet allowed me to make sure I was reaching every part of the neighborhood and a diverse group of potential donors. I also spoke to the Brooklyn Public Library’s Immigrant Services and Services to Older Adults departments to take advantage of their existing community contacts.
Senior pin from Junior High School 218 James P. Sinnott, 1973. Donated by Cheryl M. Lowry.
Did these changes increase turnout? Yes! Our community scanning event at New Lots collected a total of 35 items from 7 donors. Although the sign-up sheet didn’t get as many names as I would have liked, 3 of the people who signed up came to the event. I would also credit the Friends group with helping us spread the word; a few even stopped by the event just to say hello! People also really enjoyed the exhibit. It drew quite a few people over to our table, 2 of whom then went home to collect things for us to scan.
Eric Lafontant holding his daughter Farrah Lafontant in Flatbush, 1979. Donated by Farrah Lafontant.
A sign-up sheet, small exhibit and meeting with the library’s Friends group are small changes that had a big impact. Going forward I’m interested to see if these additions will continue to attract donors at our upcoming events.