Recent renovation saw the library losing walls and gaining flexible space in which to program, create and exhibit, inviting more organic and sometimes unexpected customer engagement. In searching for a traveling exhibit, we selected “Once Upon a Time...Exploring the World of Fairy Tales,” from The Magic House St. Louis Children’s Museum, for its life-sized multicultural tales and the opportunity to tie them into library priorities: early literacy, learning through play, STEM, serving growing diversity, and supporting school curriculum. The challenge was to extend the learning and experience to tween, teen and adult audiences through community partnership and creative, interactive programs.

Creating a truly engaging community experience meant inviting many audiences individually while also imagining events to bring them together in celebration of the centerpiece exhibit. Children chose from a catalog of programs and storytimes with fairy tale twists; a Play Engagement pilot invited volunteers to lead fairy tale STEM activities; and outreach welcomed schools to customized tours. Tweens through adults connected in hands-on activities; community collaborations included creative pursuits, such as Fractured Fairy Tale Theatre school partnership program and performance; author visits extended elements of literacy and creativity; while a multi-generational Fairy Tale Gala saw all-ages celebrate imagination and play.

While the intentions of AHML’s Fairy Tale experience were many, focus remained on creative use of space while creating a community-wide experience around literacy. Bringing the exhibit to life with a multi-layered approach shifted perceptions for current customers and welcomed new ones. Customer reach manifested numerically, while added value was shared anecdotally.

We celebrate many elements of impact:

• Rich literary connections were made, some demonstrated through increased circulation of fairy tale books.
• The high engagement provided created an emotional connection for many children.
• High visibility in the community elevated community expectations of the library.
• Families came together, including extended families.