NCLA Con 2025

Join us for an inside look at Wake County Public Libraries' Kit Services, a dynamic initiative designed to engage readers of all ages and meet the evolving needs of our community. Our Kit Services provide carefully curated collections that foster literacy, discussion, and connection, supporting patrons in a variety of ways. From Book Club Kits for Kids and Adults to Memory Care Kits designed for individuals experiencing memory loss and their caregivers, our offerings provide valuable resources that enhance learning, spark meaningful conversations, and promote community engagement. Libraries are continuously evolving to meet new demands, and Kit Services represent a powerful way to extend access to high-quality materials in a flexible and user-friendly format. Book Club Kits allow groups to explore literature together, making it easier for schools, community organizations, and book clubs to facilitate discussions without the burden of tracking down multiple copies of a title. Meanwhile, our Memory Care Kits serve a specialized need, providing resources tailored to individuals with dementia and Alzheimer's, along with their caregivers. These kits incorporate books, activities, and sensory tools that encourage reminiscence, engagement, and cognitive stimulation, supporting both individuals and their families. Developing and managing these kits requires thoughtful planning and ongoing assessment. Our team carefully selects materials based on community needs, circulation data, and emerging trends in reader engagement. We will share insights into our selection process, including how we balance popular titles with diverse and inclusive options to ensure broad appeal. Additionally, we will discuss the logistics behind maintaining, tracking, and refreshing our kits to keep them relevant and in excellent condition for patrons. Distribution and accessibility are also key considerations in Kit Services. Ensuring that kits are easy to find, request, and borrow requires a seamless workflow that integrates with existing library systems. We will outline our approach to organizing, cataloging, and circulating kits across our library system, including how we manage reservations and track usage to optimize availability. By streamlining these processes, we enhance the overall user experience and ensure that as many patrons as possible can benefit from these resources. Promotion and outreach play a crucial role in maximizing the impact of Kit Services. Effective marketing strategies, staff training, and community partnerships help spread awareness and increase engagement with these valuable resources. We will explore different ways to promote kits both inside and outside the library, including collaborations with local organizations, digital outreach efforts, and programming that highlights the benefits of using kits for group learning and discussion.