Speak Up for Your Library
Introduction
The primary goal is to educate patrons about the value and impact of the public library in their community, and in turn to build a base of support that can be called up when the need arises. Over the course of the next year, our plan is to create a toolbox of advocacy resources for member libraries to help tell their story. These resources will include information about library advocacy, marketing and public relations, and sharing the importance and value of libraries.
The First Step
We are creating the IFLS Advocacy list as a means of communicating with library patrons and mobilizing them on behalf of their local library, and libraries across the system and state. This list will be created with the assistance of local libraries in partnership with IFLS. We will supply member libraries with posters, bookmarks and postcard registration forms to encourage participation.
Once the list has been created, we will send out brief monthly emails with information about the importance and value of libraries. Libraries will also be able to request that we send out specific advocacy information to their supporters.
This monthly email is important for two reasons: first, it lets us educate list members about the value of libraries; and second, it lets us know the condition of our list.
We believe it is important to arm these patrons with information they can use to start talking about the library in their community, which in turn expands the base of support. We know that libraries have direct, positive impact on the lives of patrons, and through this campaign, we are turning that goodwill into action.
The Next Step
IFLS has developed an advocacy and marketing kit. All sections are available for you to download from our website.
Share Your Story!
People all over Western Wisconsin use their public libraries for many different reasons. Now they can share their stories or comments on this easy-to-use webpage. IFLS is gathering these stories for use in library advocacy and support. Add a link to your website or facebook page now! http://speakup.iflsweb.org/shareyourstory.php
For more information about library advocacy, contact John Thompson.