NYLA Library Advocacy Days & Digital Campaigns

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Annual Library Advocacy Day

Click HERE to learn about 2021 Virtual Library Advocacy Day!

 

Each year library advocates from across New York State converge on Albany to voice their support for funding and policies that benefit libraries.  Their efforts have resulted in over $11M in additional library aid since 2011. To get the basics, including information on security, hotels, and directions click here.

Please note that the information below is subject to change.  Contact us if you have any questions!

 

Summary of the 2020 Event

Most activities will take place in the Legislative Office Building (LOB). The LOB is most easily accessed from the Concourse, or through the Capitol Building.  Prepare for airport-like security while entering the building.  NYLA 'Base Camp' will be available in LOB 120 beginning at 8:00AM for packet pick-up and sign-in.

Advocacy Day Packets
Materials are distributed to Library Advocacy Day attendees to use in their meetings with legislators and staff, and can be picked up in room 120 of the Legislative Office Building.

2020 Materials

The Rally for Library Advocates - 12:00 PM
Gather on the stairway in the "Well" at 11:45AM for a group photograph before we kick-off our annual event at the Advocate Rally at noon.
Join fellow Library Advocates and plan to make your voices HEARD!

Owl Cowls
An Owl Cowl is a large loose light yellow (lemon) scarf, to represent the MLS cowl.
Keep your advocacy based knitting going. Help library advocates stand out in the crowd!  

Not a knitter? WEAR YELLOW to designate yourself as a library advocate!

Legislative Office Visits
Meetings with individual legislators (or their office) are coordinated by library systems, or regional coordinators.  NYLA will have a listing of all the legislative office visits that we have been made aware of at the NYLA Base Camp (LOB120).
Please be sure to review the NYLA Legislative Priorities prior to your meetings.

Please tell us about the visits you have scheduled - HERE.

READ Posters
Members of the Legislature have been invited to have their photographs taken for READ posters between 8:30AM – 2:00PM.
 

Click here for a map of the Empire State Plaza (PDF)

Who will benefit from this advocacy?

  1. ALL NY libraries and citizens.
  2. ALL libraries and systems which receive direct state aid.
  3. Many libraries and systems which receive indirect state aid in the form of cooperative services and shared programs from their library system.
  4. Legislators who need to understand how libraries can help them.

What can I do now to support this effort?

  1. Call your legislator's office, either at his or her district office, or in Albany.
  2. Tell him/her how important your library is to the community—and its voting citizens.
  3. Tell him/her that increased funding for libraries is ESSENTIAL and CRITICAL.
  4. Use our helpful advocacy tools to help shape your personal message.
  5. Can't attend Library Advocacy Day? Join in virtually! Post to your Facebook wall, Tweet about Library Aid, or add a button to your library’s website.
  6. Interested in bringing your students? Click here for guidance from our Youth Advocacy Committee. 

Coming Back for #NYLALAD20

Real People. Real Dollars.
Real People. Real Dollars is an effort to drive more library advocates to the NYLA Online Advocacy Center and increase awareness of Library Advocacy Day.  For the second year, we’re calling on libraries from across the state to participate in the Real People. Real Dollars. campaign. Investing in libraries has a big return on investment for the communities they serve, help us tell that story in pictures as we prepare for Library Advocacy Day!

Getting There

Directions & Logistics

Find a Bus Near You!

Pre-Advocacy Day Activities

Travel to Albany one day early (Monday, February 24)and partake in some top notch professional development, the Library Advocates Luncheon, and more!

Complete details on Pre-Advocacy Day 2020

Virtual Library Advocacy Day

Can't make it to Albany on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 for Library Advocacy Day?  Not to worry!  There are many other ways you can contribute to the effort and speak out for libraries.

Click here for tweets and pictures!

Library Advocacy Day Sponsors

Interesting in being a Library Advocacy Sponsor? Please fill out this form and email it to marketing@nyla.org or contact NYLA Marketing for more information.

Archives

Take Your Child to the Library Day

When is it?
What can I do?
And why bother?!?

When is Take Your Child to the Library Day (TYCttLD)?
TYCttLD is the 1st Saturday in February.

When and how did TYCttLD begin?
Nadine Lipman, the retired Head of Children's Services at the Waterford (CT) Public Library, came up with the idea for TYCttLD. TYCttLD was first held in 2012, but [thanks to listservs!] librarians across the country began to join in for TYCttLD 2013.

Why should you participate in TYCttLD?
Regardless of population or economic status, your library serves children in your community. Take advantage of the positive PR this nation-wide celebration provides as you do more of what you already do so well!

What can you do to celebrate TYCttLD?
The possibilities are pretty much endless. Many libraries opt to have a special event, but you can simply highlight a program that you already do – or even just show off your library space. No matter your budget or staffing, there are many ways for your library to participate. And don't forget that you can Hold a Signing of the 'Declaration to the Right to Libraries!'

 

Oh, the Possibilities!

Not sure what you can do for TYCttLD? Here are some programs/activities you could try!

Author visit
Invite a local author [or a few!] to read to kids and/or to have an author meet & greet.

Book character visit
Rent an elaborate costume or create your own at home.

Bookmarks
Have a bookmark design contest or set up a DIY bookmark station in the Children’s Area.

Games
Play board games, do Book BINGO, or set up a video game system… No matter the type of gaming, you’re likely to score big points with intergenerational gaming programs!

Goodies
Order a cake. Bake some cookies. Put together a fruit and/or vegetable platter. Invite the Friends of the Library to have a bake sale... We all know, “If you feed them, they will come!”

LEGO Club
Patrons can be very generous if you announce you’re seeking LEGO donations! Clean LEGOs, store them in bins, and schedule a “LEGO Club Meeting” where kids can free-build. Post some pictures via social media and/or display their creations in the library after they’re done.

Giveaways
Clean out leftover summer reading incentives, donated books, and book-related swag that you’ve collected at conferences.

Library Card Sign-Up
Encourage parents/guardians to get children their own library cards during this celebration.

Make & Take Crafts
Purchase supplies to create specific crafts, or use this as a chance to clean out the dregs of your craft supplies closet/bin!

Museum Visits
Host a museum visit to encourage Common Core/STEM learning and to announce the SRP theme. Use this as an opportunity to build or strengthen museum partnerships!

Performers
Roving performers like clowns and magicians are great if you don’t have a meeting room, but family concerts, jugglers, magic shows, and ventriloquists can bring in large groups if you have the space available.

Reading Dog Visit
Certified therapy dogs are good non-judgmental listeners for kids who are learning to read!

Scavenger Hunt
Print copies of the official TYCttLD bunnies and hide them around your library. Hand out clue sheets and encourage families to try to find all the bunnies. Offer prizes to families who finish.

Storytimes
Family storytimes (all ages) are a great way to celebrate TYCttLD, and Saturday storytimes can help accommodate working parents throughout the year. This is an excellent opportunity to try having a Saturday storytime if you haven’t yet!

 

Take Your Child to the Library Day in 6 Easy Steps:

1. Decide where you’re celebrating.
Meeting room? Children’s Area?Don’t forget to book your space!

2. Plan your celebration.
Are you doing your own event? Hiring a performer? Both?

3. Arrange for goodies!

4. Advertise – via press releases, on social media, announcements at YS programs, in your newsletter, and with in-house posters.

5. Register with the TYCttLD blog

6. Download materials
Downloadable graphics are housed here on the Connecticut Library Consortium site: CT Library Consortium
Promotional Flier (PDF)
Promotional Poster (PDF)
Post Card for use on TYCttLD - 'My family goes to the Library because we' (PDF)
Post Card for use on TYCttLD - 'Today at the Library' (PDF)

 

TYCttLD Resources

CT Library Consortium
TYCttLD history, press releases, official logos, acceptable use guidelines, and resources like the TYCttLD blog and Facebook page.

DEMCO
Order official TYCttLD bookmarks & posters.

NYS Performer Database
Choose your region & search by category or keyword for performer contact information, program descriptions, and prices.

Pinterest
Find activities via keyword search and then “pin” ideas to your virtual bulletin boards to go back to later.

 

For more information contact the YSS President

 

 

#NYLibraryWeek

April 19th - April 25th, 2020

 

It’s National Library Week 2020 – and it is one like no other.  This year finds nearly all of the physical libraries in NYS shuttered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And while the buildings are closed, the libraries serve on. Join us in remembering all the good our libraries do – still do – and will continue to do throughout the week in our own rendition of National Library Week statewide – #NYLibraryWeek.

During #NYLibraryWeek, we have created a calendar of themed days with easy ways to get involved in the campaign. Throughout this page, you will find ways to participate for each day of the campaign with template social media copy language, customizable graphics, and headers. We know you're busy serving your communities so we encourage you to pick and choose which days you want to join in celebrating #NYLibraryWeek. Together we can call out the bright spot that is libraries during these difficult days.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Christina at marketing@nyla.org or Briana at advocacy@nyla.org. We can't wait to see your posts throughout the week!

Want to download this? Click Here.

Want a copy of our full toolkit to share with others? Click Here.

How Can I Get Involved?

 

Monday - #OnceUponALibrarian

For the first day of #NYLibraryWeek, we are telling the stories of why our librarians joined the profession across the state!

Check out below a few quick and easy steps to engage in the first day of the #NYLibraryWeek campaign:

  1. Either record a short 30-60 second video of you telling your #OnceUponALibrarian story or take a photo with you holding the #OnceUponALibrarian sign.
  2. Head over to your personal social media page or your library's and post your video or photo using our Social Media Copy Templates.
  3. Feel free to personalize the copy language below, but do NOT forget to add the #OnceUponALibrarian hashtag!
  4. Encourage your network to share/retweet your post or challenge another librarian friend to post their #OnceUponALibrarian story!

That's it! Do you have any questions? Please don't hesitate to reach out to Christina at marketing@nyla.org!

 

Social Media Bank

#NYLibraryWeek Facebook Header

 

#NYLibraryWeek Twitter Header

 

#OnceUponALibrarian Sign

 

Sample Social Media Copy

It's #NYLibraryWeek! I became a librarian because.... [INSERT BRIEF REASON HERE]. Want to get involved in #NYLibraryWeek? Head over to NYLA's #NYLibraryWeek Campaign Page here: https://bit.ly/NYLibraryWeek #OnceUponALibrarian 

Tuesday - #NYLibraryWorkersDay

It's Day Two of #NYLibrary Week! We are celebrating all #NYLibraryWorkers who go above and beyond to serve our libraries and communities.

Check out below a few quick and easy steps to take part in #NYLibraryWorkersDay:

  1. Either record a short 30-60 second video thanking your #NYLibraryWorker at your library or use our customizable #NYLibraryWorkerDay Social Media Frames to post a photo of the person you are honoring!
  2. Head over to your personal social media page or your library's and post your video or photo using our Social Media Copy Language.
  3. Feel free to personalize this language, but do NOT forget to add the #NYLibraryWorkersDay hashtag!
  4. Encourage your network to share/retweet your post or challenge another friend to thank a #NYLibraryWorker!

Easy, right? Please don't hesitate to reach out to Christina at marketing@nyla.org if you have any questions!

 

Social Media Bank

#NYLibraryWeek Facebook Header

 

#NYLibraryWeek Twitter Header

 

#NYLibraryWorkersDay Social Media Frame

 

Sample Social Media Copy

Happy #NYLibraryWorkersDay! On this day, we are honoring the library staff to Friends groups to administrators that go above and beyond to support our library community. I want to give a special shoutout to [INSERT NAME HERE] because [INSERT REASON HERE].  Join me in celebrating #NYLibraryWeek and head over to  NYLA's #NYLibraryWeek Campaign Page to learn more: https://bit.ly/NYLibraryWeek 

Wednesday - #NYLibrarySpotlight

Do you have a news article about the amazing work your library is doing? Has your library created a new innovative program or resource you want to share? Well, that is exactly why we have a day dedicated to every #NYLibrarySpotlight across the state!

Check out below a few quick and easy steps to make sure your #NYLibrarySpotlight is seen:

  1. Share a photo, short video and/or news article that highlights one of the innovative programs or resources your library has created on your personal or library's social media page!
  2. When posting, make sure to use the #NYLibrarySpotlight hashtag!
  3. Encourage your network to share/retweet your post or challenge another librarian friend to post their own #NYLibrarySpotlight!

It's as simple as that! Have questions? Please don't hesitate to reach out to Christina at marketing@nyla.org!

 

Social Media Bank

#NYLibraryWeek Facebook Header

 

#NYLibraryWeek Twitter Header

 

Sample Social Media Copy

On this day of #NYLibraryWeek, we are sharing the extraordinary work our library does to better serve the needs of our community. In light of the #COVID19, our library staff has developed [INSERT NEW PROGRAM OR RESOURCE]. Thank you for your dedication to those we serve! #NYLibrarySpotlight

Thursday - I Am A #NYLibraryAdvocate

It's our #NYLibraryAdvocate Day! After celebrating librarians to library workers to the amazing ways our libraries serve their communities – we call on YOU to speak out about why you are a #NYLibraryAdvocate!

Check out below a few quick and easy steps to take part on #NYLibraryAdvocate Day:

  1. Post a photo or a short video about why you are a #NYLibraryAdvocate!
  2. Do you have NYLA's Library Advocate sunglasses? Make sure to wear those in your photo or video!
  3. Head over to your personal social media page or your library's and post your video or photo using our Social Media Copy Language and graphics!
  4. Feel free to personalize this language, but do NOT forget to add the #NYLibraryAdvocate hashtag!
  5. Encourage your network to share/retweet your post or challenge another friend to share why they are a #NYLibraryAdvocate.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to Bri at advocate@nyla.org if you have any questions!

 

Social Media Bank

#NYLibraryWeek Facebook Header

 

#NYLibraryWeek Twitter Header

 

#NYLibraryAdvocate Sign

 

#NYLibraryAdvocate Social Media Frame

 

Sample Social Media Copy

I am a #NYLibraryAdvocate because [INSERT YOUR REASON HERE]. I'm proud of my library and the work we do each and every day. Join me in celebrating #NYLibraryWeek and share your story on why you are a #NYLibraryAdvocate. Need some inspiration? Head over to NYLA's #NYLibraryWeek Campaign Page: https://bit.ly/NYLibraryWeek 

Friday - #ILoveNYLibraries Day

It's the last day of #NYLibraryWeek and today we are dedicating to all the reasons why we love our New York Libraries!

Check out below a few quick and easy steps to celebrate #ILoveNYLibraries Day:

  1. Share a photo or a short video of your reasons why you love your libraries on your personal or library's social media page.
  2. Do you want to show off your library card? Feel free to include your library card in your post!
  3. Do you have any NYLA swag? Make sure to wear it in your photo or short video!
  4. When posting, make sure to use the #ILoveNYLibraries hashtag.
  5. Encourage your network to share/retweet your post or challenge another friend to create their own #ILoveNYLibraries post!

Thank you for participating! Have questions? Please don't hesitate to reach out to Christina at marketing@nyla.org!

 

Social Media Bank

#NYLibraryWeek Facebook Header

 

#NYLibraryWeek Twitter Header

 

#ILoveNYLibraries Sign

 

#ILoveNYLibraries Social Media Frame

 

Sample Social Media Copy

#DYK It's the last day of #NYLibraryWeek? Today, library advocates across the state are sharing the reasons why they love their library. So, I wanted to share mine! #ILoveNYLibraries because [INSERT REASON HERE]. Please join me in sending your library some love and check out NYLA's #NYLibraryWeek Campaign Page: https://bit.ly/NYLibraryWeek 

Social Media Tips & Tricks

Are you nervous about posting on social media? No fear! We have some Social Media Tips and Tricks for you below.

And, as always, please reach out to Christina at marketing@nyla.org with any questions!

 

How do I make sure NYLA staff can see my #NYLibraryWeek Posts?

Answer: Before posting, make sure your post has at the end the hashtag (#) for the day (ex: #ILoveNYLibraries for Friday). If you are posting from your personal Facebook account, make sure your post is set to "Public" rather than to your "Friends." If your personal Facebook post is set to "Friends," NYLA staff won't be able to see your post and re-share! Also, don't worry, this won't change your privacy settings forever. You can easily change it back to protect your privacy using the same steps. See below how you can change this setting.

If you are posting from your personal Twitter and/or Instagram that is set to private, make sure you are following NYLA and still use the hashtags! We will make sure to follow you back and we will ask before re-sharing your posts to our public social media pages.

 

What is the difference between "tagging" someone and using a "hashtag"?

Answer: When you "tag" someone (ex: @NYLA_1890), you want them to read your tweet specifically – basically it is "tag" you're it. When you use a "hashtag" like our hashtags we have provided, you want others to join your conversation! We want you to utilize our hashtags, rather than just tagging NYLA's Twitter or other social media account, because we want our posts to open up a larger conversation with fellow librarians, library workers, libraries, and library advocates across the interwebs!

 

Still a little lost? We get it. Contact Christina at marketing@nyla.org with any questions we didn't touch on.

Thank you for participating in NYLA's #NYLibraryWeek!

We appreciate each and every one of our members across the state! Without your dedication to our state's libraries, we wouldn't have the community we have. Thank YOU!

Please note that Christina and Briana from NYLA will be monitoring the hashtags and re-sharing posts throughout the week on NYLA's social media pages.

The Archives

**Soon to be populated with past digital campaigns