• Pick day (check with local schools to avoid holidays, sporting events, days off, etc.).
  
  
• Choose the time of the event (evening? weekend afternoon?).
  
  
• Choose the most convenient library location.
  
  
• Order multiple copies of the book to be read and discussed.
  
  
• Send a letter to school principals announcing the "Coffee House" discussion/panel open to participants age 12 through adult.
  
  
• Send a letter to the English/Language Arts departments of the local schools. Follow up with a call. Suggest extra credit for students who attend the discussion.
  
  
• Encourage local educators to attend.
  
  
• Prepare fliers advertising the discussion and send to the schools.
  
  
• Prepare posters to display at all library branches.
  
  
• Send information on the discussion to the local papers.
  
  
• Make sure other staff members are aware of the discussion program and encourage them to help in the promotion.
  
  
• Stress the need to READ the book before attending the discussion.
  
  
• Take reservations for the discussion if there is a room capacity limit. Have a central location for sign-up.
  
  
• Set up card tables and chairs around the room for a "coffee house" effect.
  
  
• Provide podium, microphone, stool, etc. for moderator/speaker if needed.
  
  
• Provide refreshments (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cookies).
  
  
• Have staff members (perhaps 2) moderate the discussion. The moderator would need to have discussion questions ready.
  
  
• The moderator should read the rules (stress attention while others are speaking, no cell phones, pagers, etc.).
  
  
• If the program is long, provide time for a break.
  
  
• Depending on the format, have attendees pick numbers from a box when entering. The number would determine the order in which the participant would speak.
  
  
• Keep the program informal.

ALTERNATIVE: Readers Theatre Coffeehouse

• Pick day (check with local schools to avoid holidays, sporting events, days off, etc.).
  
  
• Choose the time of the event (evening? weekend afternoon?).
  
  
• Choose the most convenient branch location.
  
  
• Order multiple copies of the book.
  
  
• Send a letter to school principals announcing the ?Coffee House? reader's theatre open to participants age 12 through adult.
  
  
• Send a letter to the English/Language Arts departments of the local schools. Follow up with a call. Suggest extra credit for students who attend the discussion.
  
  
• Encourage local educators to attend.
  
  
• Prepare fliers advertising the discussion and send to the schools.
  
  
• Prepare posters to display at all library branches; send information on the discussion to the local papers.
  
  
• Make sure other staff members are aware of the discussion program and encourage them to help in the promotion.
  
  
• Suggest that participants sign up in advance and READ the book before attending the discussion.
  
  
• Set up card tables and chairs around the room for a "coffee house" effect.
  
  
• Mark passages/pages in the book to be read aloud by the teens. If there is a play version, you could assign roles to attendees and have them perform parts of the play.
  
  
• Ask for volunteers to read-- or draft them! Try to involve as many teens as you can.
  
  
• Provide refreshments (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cookies).