Participants in the Missouri River Regional Library's new millennial program went on a treasure hunt of sorts Monday night.
The group of seven went geocaching - a seek-and-find adventure that uses a smartphone's global positioning system to discover hidden containers full of knickknacks. It was the library's fifth event specifically designed for millennials, a population larger than baby boomers, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Various industries are making attempts to appeal to this age group, ranging from 18 to 34 this year, and the local library is no exception.
The MRRL Millennial Program started in March in an attempt to attract more residents in their 20s and early 30s to the library, said Lisa Sanning, adult services librarian. To appeal to their interests, the library has held different events: book-themed cupcake wars, a 1990s retro night, a bad movie night in which patrons took enjoyment in the poor film quality and geocaching. Sanning said the program is in a testing phase and she is evaluating what events attract more people. Because the program is in its infancy, she's had no more than 10 participants and it will take a year or two to develop consistent interest.
Millennials make up a large percentage of library members at 30 percent, Sanning said. Of those, however, 20 percent are active. This age group, which grew up with the rise of the Internet, is technologically literate and utilizes the library's web-based services such as e-books and online book reservations, Sanning said. The strategy with the program is to keep them in library longer and diversify their library use.
"(Millenials) are a typically under-served age group," Sanning said. "Young adults without children don't necessarily come in and use the library, but they come in once they have kids."
Jessica Luebbert, 26, and her husband, Nick, 27, took part in the geocaching event Monday evening. As regular geocachers, the event attracted their interest, Jessica said, and it was their first time attending the program. The couple is no stranger to the library, however. They've used the library's children's program while babysitting and checked out books regarding hobby farming, e-books and sign language videos to teach children.
"I like that the library is introducing something for our generation and getting more people involved in different activities," Jessica said.
Stephen Strobel, 25, Jefferson City, is also an active library user participating in the millennial program. Monday was his second time, and he said the program gives him an opportunity to try different activities, learn new skills and meet people.
"I've been coming mainly for the social aspect," Strobel said. "I was looking for a way to reach people my own age."
The MRRL Millennial program is every fourth Monday of the month. For more information, go to mrrl.org.