In small and rural communities, libraries are much more than book lenders – they are lifelines for connection, education, and services. Yet with limited staffing, funding, and resources, small libraries often struggle to meet growing community needs alone.
This session explores how meaningful partnerships with schools, health providers, local businesses, and civic organizations can dramatically expand a library’s reach and impact – without overextending staff or budgets. Participants will hear real-world examples of successful collaborations: from hosting community health clinics with local providers, to co-creating arts programming with nonprofits, to launching book clubs in local bars that bring in new audiences. We’ll also highlight the power of working with Rotary Clubs and other civic groups to co-sponsor events, fundraise, and build awareness. Whether your library has one staff member or ten, smart partnerships can help you amplify your mission.
Presenter: Tara Filiatreau, Assistant Director, Nelson County Public Library, Bardstown, KY.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
- Nov. 12 – There’s Always Something Happening at the Library: Becoming a Daily Destination for Your Community
- Nov. 19 – Summer Reading Program 2026: Unearth a Story
- Nov. 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Internet Librarian 2025 Highlights
- Dec. 3 – Social Media Show & Tell!
- Dec. 17 – Best New Children’s Books of 2025
- Dec. 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech
- Jan. 7 , 2026 – Best New Teen Reads of 2025
- Jan. 14, 2026 – Navigating New Building Projects
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
NOTE:This episode of NCompass Live will be presented online using Zoom. Login instructions will be sent to registered attendees after registration has closed. The Registration End date is listed on each session page, but usually closes on the Monday night before the date of the session.
