Promoting Loan Star Libraries
Loan Star Libraries is a state program that provides funding directly
to eligible public libraries in Texas. In its second year of funding,
525 libraries will receive a combined $2.9 million in grants.
Learn all about the Loan Star Libraries program, including program
description, grant awards for 2003, and more
The Loan Star Libraries grants make a difference in Texas! Even
the smallest grant award improves local library services and benefits
the whole community. This is something to talk about!
Getting the Word Out
Announce your award
Issue a press release to your local media
Sample
press release to announce your award and the benefits to the community
Notify local legislators
Tell your local legislators about the award and how you will use
it to benefit the community. Give your legislator a Fact Sheet about
the program. Modify the Fact Sheet to include local information.
Fact
Sheet for Loan Star Libraries
Use the Loan Star Libraries logo
Include the Loan Star Libraries logo on publications, newsletter
articles, and other communications relating to the program to increase
awareness of the program.
Download
the Loan Star Libraries logo
Plan an event
If your grant will be used to purchase something tangible for the
library (new materials, computers, furniture, etc.), consider planning
a community program when the items arrive. For example, if children's
materials were purchased, plan a special storytime that uses the
new books, props, etc. Don't forget to include your Friends organization,
who may be able to provide a reception or another service that will
make your event a success.
Plan a check ceremony that involves your local leaders and legislators.
See the State Library's model for planning a ceremony
at your library
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Submit an opinion column
Send an op-ed article or Letter to the Editor to your local newspaper
describing the value of your library to the community.
Sample op-ed articles, adapted from the American Library Association's
Campaign for America's Libraries
These op-ed articles can also be used to promote the online resources
available through the library.
Get more ideas from the Campaign
for America's Libraries Web site, an initiative of the American
Library Association. Under PR
Tools and Materials, resources include sample Letters to the
Editor, op-ed articles, quotable quotes and national library facts.
Publicize the Loan Star Libraries grant
program in your printed materials
Make note of the grant award, and what it will accomplish at your
library, in your library's newsletter or on your Web site.
On printed materials related to the grant, such as bookplates,
program notices, newsletter articles, Web sites, etc., please credit
the Loan Star Libraries program with the following recommended statement:
Funding for this [name or service description] is provided by a
Loan Star Libraries grant from the Texas State Library and Archives
Commission, made possible by the Texas Legislature.
Document your success!
Maintain a file documenting the benefits the funding has brought
to your patrons. Take photographs! Record instances in which patrons'
needs were met as a result of your grant purchases. Record patron
comments about the library's services.
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission would like to raise
awareness of the success of the program and the value of libraries
in Texas. Individual library success stories will be used as the
basis for articles in newspapers, trade journals, and newletters.
Send us your success story and photographs:
Public Information Office
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
PO Box 12927
Austin, TX 78711
Email the
Public Information Office
A note on photographs: Be sure to write the date, location/event,
and any names of individuals on the backs of photographs. If possible,
ask individuals to sign a photo release form, and send the form
to us with the photograph.
Download
the photo release form (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader, a free
plug-in)
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Host a grant check presentation ceremony
Throughout 2002, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission
and libraries throughout Texas hosted check presentation ceremonies
to include Texas legislators, city and/or county governments, and
local Friends organizations. Visit
the Loan Star Libraries 2002 recap and photo gallery.
click the picture for a high quality image
To plan your own check ceremony, follow these easy steps.
1. Contact your state representative or senator and invite him
or her to participate. Jointly, set a date for the ceremony.
Find
out who your legislators are
2. Have a presentation check printed. The Public Information Office
can design the check for you with your local information--we'll
provide the electronic file you can take to your local printer.
Contact
the Public Information Office
3. Contact the Texas State Library and notify us of your event.
We can provide background materials for the media, legislators,
and others. Perhaps a State Library commissioner or the state librarian
can attend the event.
4. Issue a press release announcing the event. Contact your local
media and invite them to attend.
Sample
news release about your event
5. Invite your mayor and city council; library advisory board members;
city department heads; library systems staff; library patrons; and
other local organizations and businesses who have supported the
library.
6. Don't forget your Friends group! The Friends may be able to
sponsor a reception after the event, or help you make arrangements.
7. The day before the event, followup with the media and encourage
them to attend.
8. Be prepared with talking points for anyone who might speak during
the event, or just in case someone has forgotten their speech, etc.
9. Give the legislator and other visitors a tour of your library.
Highlight both the exciting things you are accomplishing and the
challenges you face.
Model agenda
a) Library director welcomes visitors
b) State officials speak (State Library commissioners, legislators)
c) Local officials speak (mayor, city council members)
d) Photo-op
10. After the event, send thank you letters and photographs of
the event to the legislator's office and other city leaders who
attended.
11. Document your success! Send copies of newspaper clippings and
photographs to the Texas State Library Public Information Office.
If your event was covered on TV or radio, send us the name of the
station and the date and time it aired.
Public Information
Office
Texas State Library & Archives Commission
PO Box 12927
Austin, TX 78711
512-463-5514
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