Get Your Geek On - Public Library Advocacy Campaign

Public Libraries in Georgia and Iowa have introduced an advocacy program called "Get Your Geek On". It is open to all states and public libraries. The page first quizzes you a series of short questions about public libraries, leading the reader to become a public library advocate (or not).

The geekthelibrary website features geeks and invites viewer to type in what they "geek".  When you type in your topic (like "reading" or "music" or whatever... a new page comes up and says: "No matter what you geek, the library helps you explore your passion."

The "Get Your Geek On" campaign also has a shop (Customize your own Geek Gear) and social networking accounts:  Facebook, Flicker, YouTube, and Twitter pages for supporters to follow.  Very interesting approach to building advocacy.  I like it!  Pass it on.

Banned Books Week Machinima Contest -- A Second Life Event

News item from AL Direct:
"Calling all filmmakers! As part of its celebration of Banned Books Week in Second Life, the Office for Intellectual Freedom is inviting everyone to take part in a Banned Books Week Machinima Contest. Machinima is filmmaking within a real-time, 3-D virtual environment like Second Life. The inspiration for your machinima entry should be “Think For Yourself and Let Others Do the Same,” this year’s BBW theme. Submissions will be accepted through September 25. Get a free robot (right) from the ALA Island Main Stage while you are there....OIF Blog, Aug. 19 "


OIF Blog: Free People Read Freely -- love the subtitle.

Read.Know.Grow - Campaign for Strong School Libraries Bookmark

This school year, I've added a spot of color -- school bus orange and yellow -- to my Read. Know. Grow. artwork.  These might be good for bookmarks, posters, or bulletin board art.

Every time I look at my art, I tend to change a few things, like the mix of books, technology, and words.  Enjoy.

The American Dream Starts @ Your Library

So appropriate! A public library is sooooo much friendlier a place for a ceremony. What a great idea, "The American Dream Starts @ your Library."

Seventy public libraries in 21 states were selected by the American Library Association (ALA) to receive $5,000 grants as part of “The American Dream Starts @ your library®” literacy initiative, which is funded by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. According to the Dollar General Foundation, "For more than a century, public libraries have been a cornerstone of the American Dream, providing equal access to information of all kinds. Libraries are among the first American institutions immigrants turn to for help in learning how to read, write and speak English. The libraries participating in the American Dream Starts @ your library can be found in all kinds of communities - from large cities and rural towns across the country."

Here's an example. The Bentonville, Arkansas Public Library hosted a United States Naturalization Ceremony to mark the beginning of The American Dream Starts @ your library grant program. Wonder why no California libraries went after or received the grants. Maybe next year.

Phone Booth Library -- smallest community library

Introducing... the grand opening of the smallest public library in the United Kingdom: A restored phone booth library. It has well-stocked bookshelves, loyal customers, and a volunteer librarian.

Masters of Library Science Croquet Tournement

What a kick! Check out this video. It is a fun introduction to library staff, departments, and books. This could be a good example for an introductory library video contest for most any library.

"...dramatic play-by-play (5:17) of the 87th MLS croquet tournament at the New Hanover County Public Library in Wilmington, North Carolina, serves as a clever introduction to the library’s services and staff. Library Assistant Bratis Roseboro (right) comes out the winner against Director Harry Tuchmeyer, Library Associate James Hudson, Reference Librarian Susan Wood, and others. A Melville Dewey Production.

NY City Library - Advocacy Video

Celebrity dog "Tillman" skateboarded in the NY Public Library to advocate for the library. Tillman is an English bulldog from SoCal who set the world dog-skateboarding record in 2009 by rolling 100 meters in 19.6 seconds. He came to help save New York Public Library from the worst cuts in its history. The skateboarding bulldog is featured in this NYPL public service video (1:50) in the style of an old-time newsreel

"Think Big About Advocacy" -- YALSA Contest

ALA's Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) members who have hosted a successful advocacy program, activity, or event can enter the division’s Thinking Big about Advocacy Contest and win up to $500 for advocating for their young adult or school library program. The contest is part of Kim Patton’s 2010–2011 YALSA presidential theme, “Think Big.” Applications are due February 1, 2011.
YALSA, July 23

Eligible applicants must have the following:

• Focus on advocacy for library services to teens
• Effectively reach key audiences, such as administrators, elected officials or parents
• Are creative
• Incorporate youth participation
• Incorporate key advocacy messages and talking points, such as those found at Add It Up
• Demonstrate a positive and meaningful impact

Authors as Advocates -- New ALA President's Initiative

ALA's new president Roberta Stevens of the Library of Congress launched her “Our Authors, Our Advocates” presidential initiative when she took office in Washington, DC. For the past ten years, Roberta Stevens worked with the organizing committee of the hugely successful National Book Festival and with Librarian of Congress, Dr. James Billington. This is an excellent development, given Roberta's experience, connections, and enthusiasm.

National Library Symbol

The American Library Association now has a number of formats available for the National Library Symbol. This symbol is used primarily for public libraries.

Today, the wireless laptop library symbol seems more appropriate for all libraries.