Reimagining Library Events Through Pre-Shows
Toronto Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
Toronto Public Library's pre-show initiative transforms author events into immersive community experiences. Launched post-pandemic to boost attendance, these themed interactive activities revealed profound community desire for social engagement. Curated pre-shows—from Scottish cocktail hours to zine-making workshops—create meaningful connections between attendees while deepening appreciation for main presentations. These consistently sold-out activities turn passive audiences into active participants, fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment. What started as an attendance strategy evolved into an institutional approach demonstrating how libraries can shift from content providers to catalysts for social interaction, revolutionizing our programming model and building stronger community relationships.
Challenge/Opportunity
Post-pandemic, TPL faced a significant challenge: while virtual programming remained popular, in-person attendance was slow to return in 2023. We identified several key challenges:
- Reluctance to return to in-person events
- Social anxiety and disconnection
- Limited interaction between attendees
- Minimal opportunity for hands-on engagement
- Barriers to meaningful connection between strangers
We saw an opportunity to transform these challenges by creating pre-show experiences that would:
- Incentivize early arrival and in-person attendance
- Provide structured activities encouraging interaction
- Develop themed experiences enhancing main events
- Build community through shared experiences
- Ease social anxiety through guided engagement
The overwhelming response - with every pre-show selling out - revealed that our audiences weren't just seeking content; they were hungry for connection.
Key Elements of Innovation
Our pre-show initiative introduces several innovative elements to traditional library programming:
- Thematic Integration: Each pre-show activity directly connects to the main event's content, creating a cohesive experience
- Interactive Design: Hands-on activities encourage active participation rather than passive attendance
- Structured Socialization: Carefully designed activities help overcome social barriers
- Flexible Engagement: Multiple participation levels accommodate different comfort zones
- Cross-Cultural Connection: Activities bridge diverse communities and interests
- Skills Development: Workshops teach practical skills while building community
- Local Partnerships: Collaboration with local artists and experts enhances programming
- Scalable Model: Framework can be adapted for various event types and sizes
Achieved Outcomes
Quantitative Results:
- 100% pre-show sell-out rate
- 40% increase in early arrival at main events
- 80% increase in main event attendance
Qualitative Impact:
- Transformed post-pandemic attendance challenges into engagement opportunities
- Enhanced community connections
- Increased event engagement
- Significant increase in post-event lingering and discussion (anecdotal)
- Deeper understanding of presented content
- New skill development
- Strengthened social bonds
- Improved program accessibility
- Greater audience diversity
- Increased participant confidence in social situations
What began as a strategy to boost in-person attendance has evolved into a fundamental shift in how we approach programming, leading to the development of a comprehensive engagement strategy that will shape future library services. The consistent sell-out of pre-shows demonstrates our community's deep desire for structured social interaction and hands-on engagement opportunities.
