Thursday, April 11, 2019
My hometown library is the Beloit Public Library, and I would not be who I am today if it weren't for my library. Not only did the Beloit Public Library give me one of my first jobs that led me to this career, but it also provided me resources growing up in poverty and was the only safe space I knew. My story is not unusual. Library stories like mine tell why people use and value their library, crossing all demographics, showing the power of libraries to improve and change all lives.
I am grateful that our country has this institution dedicated to open access to information, ideas, and experiences. Think about your reasons for using and appreciating your library, then share your story!
This week the American Library Association introduced the #MyLibraryMyStory initiative, a social media campaign that aims to mobilize library professionals and library advocates to create and share digital content about their libraries to engage stakeholders such as city leaders, nonprofits, and community members.
Post photos, videos, or text on social media telling your library story, and ask your community to post what they love about your library. The creator of one randomly selected story posted during National Library Week (April 8 – 13) will be chosen to receive a $100 VISA gift card. Post to Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #MyLibraryMyStory for a chance to win. The promotion ends Saturday, April 13, 2019, at noon.
Beyond this social media campaign, I urge you to share your community’s library stories with elected officials at all levels. These stories demonstrating library value at a personal level can have a tremendous impact on community decision makers, and even generate proactive power to protect libraries from future jeopardy. I implore you to get involved!
Librarians can reach out to legislators to offer library space for listening sessions which delight legislators and their staff. Having listening sessions at your library is an excellent opportunity to talk about library funding initiatives and engage legislators’ support by showing them in person how powerful and essential libraries are in the lives of their constituents!
If you want to take more action for libraries or keep up to date on library legislative happenings, please visit the ALA Legislative Action Center and the Wisconsin Library Association Library Development and Legislation Committee pages.
Guest post written by Sherry Machones, Director of the Northern Waters Library System, ALA Chapter Councilor, WLA President-Elect, and WLA Federal Relations Coordinator.
For questions about this information, contact Sherry Machones (715) 682-2365.