Hi,

The Westland Public Library has hosted 2 successful Mini-Golf programs.  The first was several years ago (2016) and the 2^nd was just this summer.  Here are some details:

1. All 18 holes were created by staff, individually or in teams, or TAB members.

a. We had bricks donated to use as the “borders” this year for the holes that weren’t down an aisle.  (Previous years we used reference books)

b. We used a lot of materials we had on hand and many teams used items from home to create holes.

c. Holes cost a total of $215.00 for all materials/supplies for all 18 holes.

2. The program was on a Friday night from 6-8.

a. The Library Board approved an early closure (2 hrs early) to get ready.

b. We got pizza for staff staying to help at the program.

3. We borrowed golf clubs and balls from the same local putt-putt business both times.

a. Be sure to post that the items were “Generously provided by __________!”

b. You can give one adult and one child putter to each family to share – not everyone needs their own putter!

4. We advertised it as a Family Event and provided food/drink (optional)

a. A local market donated cookies.

b. Same market gave us a discount on mini-sandwiches.

c. Lemonade in a jug or mini-waters are popular drinks.

d. Food ran a bit over $500 this year.

Pros:

- Staff had fun making the holes! 

- The TAB members got to work collaboratively, both making holes and volunteering at the event.

- Patrons really loved the free evening out!

- We continued collaboration with area businesses and advertised for them in return.

Cons:

- Getting rid of the bricks wasn’t easy.  I would suggest using the edges of reference books like we did last time, if you have enough on hand.

- We had a couple teams do two holes, but in a future event we could just do ONE 9-hole course if needed.

- The food was costly and it was difficult predicting how many would attend.  I would suggest pizza rather than sandwiches because you can always order a couple more pizzas IF you begin to run low.  Or, you can skip the food entirely?

The easiest way to see the holes our staff made (and the families having fun) is to check out the pictures on our Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.5325262010891726&type=3.  If you do end up doing the program and want some pics of the holes closer up for inspiration, feel free to contact me off list.

Hope this helps!

Cari Fry

Youth & Teen Services Department Head

William P. Faust Public Library of Westland

6123 Central City Parkway

Westland, MI  48185

734-326-6123, ext. 2844

cari.fry@westlandlibrary.org

From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> On Behalf Of Jean Fellows via Michlib-l
Sent: Friday, September 16, 2022 10:18 AM
To: Maggie McKeithan <mmckeithan@sllib.org>
Cc: Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org>
Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Mini-golf at the library?

I think this sounds like a great idea-- would love to hear more!

On Fri, Sep 16, 2022 at 10:11 AM Maggie McKeithan via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> wrote:

My Friends group is exploring the idea of mini-golf through the stacks as a fundraiser. If you've done this before, I would love any pros/cons about it. 

I'm also looking for recommendations for a company that would come in to set up the course, provide the putters/balls, etc. or if you did it yourself. 

Any resources would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks!

Maggie

Maggie McKeithan

Library Director

she/her

(616) 846-5770 x1161

123 E. Exchange, Spring Lake, Michigan 49456

sllib.org

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--

Jean Fellows

Programming Coordinator

Grand Ledge Area District Library

131 E. Jefferson St.,

Grand Ledge, MI 48837

517-627-7014