For immediate release | June 15, 2012
New promotional tools help send message of belonging to GLBT community
CHICAGO — Libraries looking to market their services to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community can now access new promotional tools, thanks to the Sacramento Public Library.
New posters, transit signs and window clings are now available on the Campaign for America’s Libraries website. These tools were originally created by the Sacramento Public Library as part of its promotion for National Library Week 2012.
As the winner of the 2012 Scholastic Library Publishing National Library Week grant, the library received $3,000 to develop its public awareness campaign using the National Library Week theme, You belong @ your library.
The library used the You belong @ your library theme to reinforce that the library is a place where everyone belongs. The library worked with a local GLBT photographer to produce the images used in the promotional suite, with the library’s communications department then creating print and electronic ads that were placed in local and GLBT publications and on buses and in bus shelters throughout Sacramento’s public transit system.
"We wanted the GLBT community in Sacramento to know that the library is a safe and welcoming space to discover they are not alone, and the theme of 'You Belong @ your library' was the perfect message for this community," said project leader and branch supervisor Jessica Zaker, also known as the "Lipstick Librarian" to Sacramento roller derby fans.
"The photos that were taken and the materials produced for this initiative were designed to be warm, winsome and welcoming to our entire community, but especially for those in the GLBT community who are often overlooked," said director Rivkah Sass. "We hope our library colleagues will find that the materials are helpful in engaging the gay and lesbian communities in their own service areas."
Librarians can download customizable files at the Campaign for America's Libraries website.
The Scholastic Library Publishing National Library Week grant, sponsored by Scholastic Library Publishing, a division of Scholastic Inc., the global children’s publishing, education and media company, awards $3,000 annually for the best public awareness campaign in support of National Library Week. The grant is administered by ALA Public Awareness Committee.
A copy of the winning proposal is available online at ala.org/nlwgrant.
The Campaign for America’s Libraries is ALA’s public awareness campaign that promotes the value of libraries and librarians. Thousands of libraries of all types – across the country and around the globe - use the Campaign’s @ your library® brand. The Campaign is made possible by ALA’s Library Champions, corporations and foundations.
Contact:
Megan McFarlane
Campaign Coordinator
Public Information Office (PIO)
mmcfarlane@ala.org800-545-2433 ext.2148
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