Outreach & Partnerships

Outreach in the Community

Outreach brings Library staff into the Plano community to share information about Library resources, with a special emphasis on non-users and under-served communities. Career development, early learning, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) and senior learning opportunities are cornerstones of our commitment to lifelong learning for all.

Scheduling a visit from the Library outreach van for your organization or event provides participants the opportunity to meet Library staff, interact and learn about the resources and services available at the Library, and register for a Library card.
Submit a request

In Library Small Group Classes

Come to the library for learning! Small groups can learn about reading readiness, robotics, career development, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math), Genealogy, eBooks and more!
Class descriptions / Submit a request

Tours

Explore the library with a staff-led tour: library services and resources or Genealogy Center
Tour descriptions / Submit a request

Hands-on Learning Lab

Discover many ways the library is #morethanbooks! Experience innovative technology like 3D printing, robotics, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) kits. Learn about language resources, art programs and downloadable apps.
Suitable for larger groups like schools and organizations.
Submit a request

Partnerships

The Library connects with the community by partnering with dozens of local groups and nonprofit organizations. Partnerships enhance opportunities to reach diverse audiences and extend our capacity to provide vital information and resources. Partners engage in Library activities in a variety of ways; teaching classes, promoting Library resources within the community and underwriting performers and unique programs.

Partnership info: Kristin Linscott

Programs

The Library is interested in program ideas. The Library plans programs 6-12 months in advance.
Program proposal

Volunteer

Volunteers are vital to the Library! Community needs for Plano Public Library’s educational, recreational and informational services are continually increasing. Working together, volunteers and paid staff are meeting these increased demands within a limited budget. Last year, 534 volunteers contributed 10,963 hours providing services such as shelving, book mending, genealogy assistance, language learning and math tutoring. Volunteers acquire new skills, meet interesting people and experience the satisfaction of sharing their talents with others.

To volunteer: Corina Sadler

Summer Learning Partners

Each summer, local businesses donate coupons and/or gift certificates that are distributed as incentives during our summer learning program.
To participate as a summer learning partner, contact us.

A huge thank you to our 2019 summer kick-off sponsor: Medical City Children's Urgent Care. We appreciate their support!

Thanks to our fabulous partners for supporting Summer Learning at Plano Public Library!

Adventure Playcare
Benihana
Crayola Experience
Dairy Queen
LEGOLAND Discovery Center/SEA Life Aquarium
McDonald's (O'Reilly Group)
Medieval Times
North Texas Performing Arts
Sip 'n' Button
Susie Cakes
Whataburger

Program Partners

Programs presented by local organizations and volunteers allow the Library to offer a wide range of beneficial programs to the public without cost to the Library.

AARP – provides volunteer tax assistance annually February to April
Collin County Elections Department – organizes use of the Library as voting locations
Collin County Genealogical Society – provides genealogy programs
Genealogy Friends of Plano Libraries, Inc. – provides genealogy programs
Heart of Texas Therapy Dogs – provides volunteers and dogs for children’s reading program
More Than a Teacher – provides SAT preparation programs for teens in spring and fall
UT Dallas/IntelliChoice, Inc. - provides volunteers for individualized math tutoring at Harrington Library
SAI Group – provides volunteers for individualized math tutoring at Schimelpfenig Library