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Beverly J. Obert, Executive
Director
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Telling the Library Story
- Part 5
A new year is beginning; time for resolutions and goal
setting for the coming year. I challenge you this year to make a list of all
the different ways to tell your library’s story. What has your library
accomplished this past year? What have you wanted to try but have never
seemed to make the time? Have you seen something another library did and
wanted to try it? Take some time to think about your library and what you
want people to know about your library.
Here is a list of some ways you can tell your library’s
story —
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Weekly articles in the local newspaper about happenings
at the library.
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Feature article in the local paper when there is a
special event or program.
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Through the library webpage, and if you do not have
one, read Part 3 of this series
again.
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Though the library newsletter if you have one.
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If in a school or special setting, is there a
newsletter that goes to the parents or employees that will include library
information?
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Create a new brochure detailing the services of the
library.
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Make a presentation to the city or town council,
township board, school board, administrators, etc.
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Call the local radio and TV stations and find out their
guidelines for submitting items for the community calendar; then submit one
item this year.
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Call the local cable TV franchise and learn about any
public access channels available for community use and create a program to
be broadcast.
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Learn about writing a press release and when to use it
effectively.
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Create an annual report about the library. Detail the
activities of the past year, include statistics, stories of how the library
changed a person’s life or helped someone complete a project. Include new
things to look for in the coming year.
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Develop special bookmarks that can go to everyone that
checks out items from the library. They can give the contact information for
the library or advertise an upcoming event.
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Schedule a speaking engagement with a local
organization, Lions Club, Women’s Club, church group, teachers, etc.
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Don’t forget to write thank you notes to people who
have helped you to tell your library’s story.
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I am sure there are many other ways that you can think
of to tell your library’s story. Pick out one or two new ideas from the
above list and use them during January, February, or March. We would like to
know what you are doing. Send us copies of any brochures, bookmarks, or
articles from the local paper.
Keep telling the story over and over again. They say
you have to tell someone seven times before they remember the message. So
find seven different ways to tell your library’s story.
Rolling Prairie Library System
A Library for Librarians
Helping Libraries Serve Illinois Citizens |