Curtis Rogers Consulting, LLC

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August in the Library: Preparing Our Communities for a Successful Fall

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Dr. Curtis Rogers

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As August arrives, many people think of it as simply the end of summer. For libraries, however, August represents something much more important—it’s a month of preparation, opportunity, and renewed engagement with the communities we serve.

Whether you’re working in a public library or an academic library, August offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect with patrons, promote valuable services, and prepare for a busy fall season.

Public Libraries: More Than Back-to-School

While many families are shopping for school supplies, libraries are helping prepare students and parents for academic success in ways that often go unnoticed.

August is an ideal time to promote services such as:

Homework help and online tutoring resources
Library card sign-up campaigns
Digital collections, including eBooks and audiobooks
Study rooms and collaborative spaces
Technology classes and computer assistance
Career development resources for job seekers
Programs for preschool children before the school year begins

It’s also a great time to remind your community that the library is a year-round destination—not just during Summer Reading.

Academic Libraries: Welcoming a New Semester

For academic libraries, August marks the beginning of another exciting academic year. New students are arriving on campus, faculty are preparing courses, and returning students are looking for familiar support.

This is the perfect time to promote:

Library orientation sessions
Research consultations
Information literacy instruction
Technology lending programs
Makerspaces and innovation labs
Citation management workshops
Quiet and collaborative study areas

First impressions matter. Every interaction with a new student is an opportunity to demonstrate that the library is an essential partner in academic success.

Tell Your Story Before Someone Else Does

One challenge facing every library is that many patrons simply don’t know everything the library offers.

If we don’t tell our story, someone else will tell it for us—and they may not tell it accurately.

August is an excellent month to increase communication by:

Posting regularly on social media
Highlighting staff expertise
Sharing success stories
Featuring new materials and services
Promoting upcoming fall programs
Recognizing community partnerships

Consistent communication builds trust and reminds people that libraries continue to evolve to meet changing community needs.

Don’t Forget Your Staff

As activity begins to increase, August is also a wonderful time to invest in your employees.

Consider offering short training sessions on topics such as:

Customer service excellence
Effective communication
AI tools that improve productivity
Marketing and public relations
Photography for library promotion
Inclusive customer experiences

When staff members feel prepared and confident, patrons notice the difference.

A Great Time to Evaluate

Before the busy fall season begins, take a few moments to walk through your library with fresh eyes.

Ask yourself:

Is our signage clear and welcoming?
Are displays inviting?
Is our website up to date?
Are our social media accounts active?
Can new visitors easily find what they need?
Are we promoting our digital resources effectively?

Sometimes small improvements create significant impacts on the patron experience.

Looking Ahead

August reminds us that libraries are constantly evolving. Every new school year, semester, and season brings opportunities to welcome new users, strengthen relationships, and demonstrate the incredible value libraries provide.

As library professionals, we have the privilege of helping people learn, discover, create, and connect. By taking time in August to prepare thoughtfully, we set the stage for a successful and impactful fall.

Let’s continue telling our stories, serving our communities, and reminding everyone that libraries remain one of the most valuable resources any community or campus can offer.

How are you preparing your library for the fall? I’d love to hear what initiatives, programs, or services you’re highlighting this August. Every library has a story worth sharing.

Dr. Curtis Rogers Avatar

About the author

    Dr. Curtis Rogers is a library consultant who has worked in the library and information science field for over 35 years. He has worked at the Union (SC) Carnegie Library, and the Charleston County (SC) Public Library, and retired as the Communications Director of the South Carolina State Library. He has also taught courses at the University of South Carolina School of Library and Information Science. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Geography, a Master of Library and Information Science, and a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Carolina. In 2001, he completed the University of the Azores Summer Study Course in Azorean Portuguese Culture and Language and in 2002 completed the Certified Public Manager credential. In 2008, he was President of the SC Library Association. Rogers developed a national library survey on library use of social media for public relations and presented this survey’s results at the 2009 German Library Association Conference and at the State and University Library of Hamburg. He has served as secretary of the board of the Library Marketing and Communications Conference and as secretary of the SC Academy of Authors, as well as chair of the USC School of Library and Information Annual Literacy Leaders (ALL) Awards Committee. He has also served on the Friends of South Carolina Libraries (FOSCL) board and is a member of the ALA CORE Library Consultants group. He is a recipient of the 2015 F. William Summers Outstanding Alumni Award from the USC School of Library and Information Science.