Lifelong learning classes at the library

The Salina Public Library in Salina, Kansas, has for two years offered a schedule of between 45-70 community classes each "semester." These classes are from a broad range categories including health and wellbeing (tai chi, reflexology, healthy eating, for example), books and literature (book discussion groups, topic discussions, writing classes), dance and music (ballroom dance, folk harp), languages (Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, sign language), food and cooking (vegetarian cooking, Indian cuisine) and much more.

The classes are a popular offering and encourage library users to learn in a new way -- through working with individuals in the community with skills to share. Our class website changes as each semester begins (in January and September) and throughout the semester as classes fill or after they have happened (http://www.salpublib.org/Class/schedule.htm). We charge reasonable fees for these classes to pay for the program costs. Most instructors are volunteers. We pay professionals to share their skills (dance, languages, etc.), and we pay for materials used in the classes so participants pay only one simple fee.

Our classes range from free to $125, with an average fee of a bit less than $30 per class. This has been a popular program and has brought new vibrancy to the library. We are referred to by those who participate as a "cultural center" because of the range of activities we now encompass -- free computer classes, traditional storytimes for children, and now lifelong learning classes for adults.