I’ve written before about libraries, but I continue to be impressed with how they have reinvented themselves. Instead of a stodgy, quiet place with a bunch of dusty, old books, libraries today are vibrant, interactive places for people of all ages. Books aren’t even their centerpiece anymore.
In Boston, a large space is dedicated to a “teen room” where those over a certain age aren’t even allowed to enter (unless you’re from out of town and beg to take a peek!). It features a giant game room where youth can come to play their favorite computer games on the latest equipment and other groups can gather for socializing. It’s colorful, modern, inviting, and well-used — nothing like libraries of yore that only attracted serious scholars.
Instead of asking “How can we better serve our current clients?”, take a page from the library and ask “How can we serve those who aren’t currently our clients?” You may end up with an answer that looks nothing like your present offerings, but it may become a bestselling idea for your organization.
