Identification of the Extra Services in the Public Libraries of Kermanshah Province and their Role in Attracting and Retaining Children and Adolescents

The purpose of this research is to identify and explain the extra services of libraries affiliated with the public libraries of Kermanshah province and their role in attracting children and adolescents to the library and retaining them in it. In this study, a mixed methods has been used. To collect the research data, a questionnaire, a check list, and an interview with librarians were utilized. The content validity of these tools were confirmed by the experts' opinions and the reliability of the questionnaire was obtained by Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.86). The statistical population included the members and librarians of public libraries in Kermanshah province. The sample size consisted of 100 library members and 10 librarians who were selected by both cluster sampling and quota sampling. SPSS software and Strauss & Corbin coding methods (open, axial, and selective) were used to analyze the data. The results indicated that Quran teaching, storytelling, reading and drawing competitions, celebrations and religious ceremonies, summer study, literary center, book fairs, and exhibitions of newly published books are among the extra and ancillary programs implemented in public libraries. There is no movie, music, or reading group in any of the libraries. The level of satisfaction with the painting program, reading competitions, storytelling and Quran teching, and book fairs is higher than the level of satisfaction other services. The most important barriers to providing ancillary services are lack of funds and facilities, lack of adequate space and lack of human resources.  The provision of extra/ancillary services in the public libraries of Kermanshah province has a positive and influential role in shaping the personality of children and adolescents. Furthermore, these programs play an important role in the optimal use of leisure time and the encouragement of cultural-artistic activities for the cultural development of society. Given the specific geographical and cultural context of Kermanshah, applying these findings can prepare the ground for better educating and training the children and adolescents and highlight the role of public libraries in this process