Frances A. Gregory Library – 2026 Community Events and Activations

Project Overview

The DC Public Library Foundation engaged Bayne LLC to provide comprehensive event planning, production, and community engagement services for a series of public programs at the Frances A. Gregory Library in Ward 7. The initiative was designed to strengthen community connections, expand access to educational and recreational programming, and position the library as a welcoming destination for residents and families.

Bayne served as the event management partner, responsible for planning and executing three major community activations: the Women's Empowerment Forum, Discover Summer Kick-Off/Spring Fest, and Back-to-School Community Event. The engagement required event production, program development, talent coordination, vendor management, staffing, audiovisual services, and community outreach.

Scope of Services

Community Event Planning and Production

Bayne successfully delivered three community-centered events in 2026:

• Women's Empowerment Forum – Finding Herstory (March 28, 2026): Produced an empowerment event attended by approximately 150 participants, featuring a livestreamed panel discussion with Symone Sanders and Erin Blaine, hosted by Britt Waters. Programming included a financial wellness workshop, vendor marketplace, flower bar, jewelry-making, and interactive activities.

• Discover Summer Kick-Off / Spring Fest (June 4, 2026): Planned and executed a family-focused celebration serving approximately 200 attendees. The event featured Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington, youth basketball activities, DJ entertainment, inflatables, face painting, balloon twisting, and library summer programming promotions.

• Back-to-School Community Event (August 15, 2026): Produced a large-scale community event attracting more than 400 attendees. Bayne coordinated the distribution of 300 backpacks, food and refreshments for approximately 300 people, STEM activities, live entertainment, inflatables, a petting zoo, and community resource vendors.

Event Management and Community Engagement

Bayne provided end-to-end planning, production, and logistical support across all three events. Services included:

• Developed event plans, budgets, production schedules, and run-of-show documents.

• Coordinated performers, celebrity guests, moderators, speakers, vendors, and community organizations.

• Managed event staffing, vendor contracting, site logistics, setup, breakdown, and attendee flow.

• Coordinated audiovisual production, livestreaming, photography, videography, and event documentation.

• Supported promotional activities, event branding, community outreach, and participant engagement.

• Managed catering, interactive activations, educational workshops, and family entertainment.

• Prepared post-event reports documenting attendance, program outcomes, and contract performance.

Results and Impact

Bayne successfully delivered three major community activations, creating meaningful opportunities for education, recreation, empowerment, and family engagement in Ward 7.

Key accomplishments included:

• Three community events successfully planned and executed.

• More than 750 total attendees across the three events.

• 300 backpacks distributed to local students preparing for the school year.

• Approximately 300 residents served food and refreshments during the Back-to-School Event.

• Coordinated high-profile talent, including Symone Sanders, Britt Waters, and Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington.

• Delivered educational workshops, community resource marketplaces, livestreamed discussions, youth activities, and family entertainment.

• Successfully managed event operations, vendors, staffing, and multiple simultaneous activities without reported major safety or operational issues.

Through this engagement, Bayne demonstrated its ability to produce high-quality, community-focused events that combine entertainment, education, and meaningful public engagement. The initiative strengthened the library's connection with Ward 7 residents while demonstrating Bayne's capabilities in event production, stakeholder coordination, talent management, and community activation.