John W. Berry writes:\”@ your library, The Campaign for America\’s Libraries, has just wrapped up its first year, and what a year it has been! The Campaign for America\’s Libraries continues to present opportunities for libraries of all types across the country- public, school, academic and special — to remind the public that libraries are changing and dynamic places of opportunity that bring you the world.
Perhaps the greatest accomplishment of the campaign is the level of participation we\’ve seen. Libraries in all 50 states were involved in the campaign before it even kicked off to the public during National Library Week last April with the help of First Lady Laura Bush.
John W. Berry writes:\”@ your library, The Campaign for America\’s Libraries, has just wrapped up its first year, and what a year it has been! The Campaign for America\’s Libraries continues to present opportunities for libraries of all types across the country- public, school, academic and special — to remind the public that libraries are changing and dynamic places of opportunity that bring you the world.
Perhaps the greatest accomplishment of the campaign is the level of participation we\’ve seen. Libraries in all 50 states were involved in the campaign before it even kicked off to the public during National Library Week last April with the help of First Lady Laura Bush.
Libraries have discovered just how easy it is to participate in the campaign and are getting on board @ your library for all types of reasons. They are using the campaign to develop new publicity materials that range from brochures to billboards; to help promote special events; train staff in library advocacy; and even create statewide public awareness programs. We have heard from libraries from Alaska to Florida, Maine to California, that the campaign\’s free promotional materials are terrific tools to help them share their stories in their communities.
The campaign\’s Web site at www.ala.org/@yourlibrary has received nearly 35,000 hits since its launch last January and we continue to develop new materials that you can download at no cost. Among the new tools available are:
* Closed-captioned television public service announcements featuring actors Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins and other promotional videos
* Artwork in English and Spanish featuring catchy @ your library slogans
* Brochure copy in English and Spanish that libraries can customize to their needs
* Sample press materials that libraries are welcome to localize for their media
All of these materials can be found at www.ala.org/@yourlibrary/tools.cfm. But there\’s more. Libraries can sign up for an email discussion list to get the very latest updates on the campaign. Interested in @ your library pens, mugs, t-shirts, mousepads? ALA Graphics is the official sponsor of campaign merchandise and there is a link directly to those products in the ALA Online Store from the Web site. There is information on library advocacy, what new partnerships have been developed, and you can also find out what your colleagues around the country are doing.
If you are already involved in The Campaign for America\’s Libraries, thank you for support. If you are not, I encourage you to learn more about this historic public education campaign about the value of libraries and librarians in the 21st century. Check out the Web site, sign onto the discussion list and see for yourself just how easy it is to participate. Please note that libraries do not need any prior permission to take advantage of the campaign\’s array of resources. If you have any questions, please contact the campaign via email at [email protected] or call toll-free 1-866-4-LIBRARY.
The Campaign for America\’s Libraries is an unprecedented opportunity for our diverse profession to come together under one umbrella program to showcase how libraries nationwide make a difference in their communities. Please join us and come see what\’s new @ your library.
Sincerely,
John W. Berry
President
American Library Association
\”
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