Happy New Year, everyone! I hope that 2014 is a stellar year for you and for your library.
Now is the time that many of us are engaging in New Year’s resolutions. They no doubt run the gamut from dropping that last five pounds to taking up a new hobby or making a trip to that exotic locale that you’ve always wanted to visit.
I would like you to consider another resolution. What about making one related to advocacy and the services you provide for the children of your community? Think about something you would like to accomplish with regard to advocacy during this year. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming; it can be something small. Many resolutions fail because people set the bar too high and give up in frustration. For example, instead of planning to walk two miles to work each day, a person would be better off deciding to get off the bus two stops early and walking those last four blocks. A reasonable goal provides a better chance of success and can even energize you to do more.
So instead of planning to write and implement a half million dollar grant with little or no help, look for something small and practical that can make a difference. For instance, you might:
- Meet with adult services staff to talk with them about how important they are to the success of children’s services. Let them know what is happening so that they can share with adult patrons.
- Prepare that elevator speech with three or four points about how important library children’s services are for your community.
- Pick one organization that you are not working with, make note of some services and resources that you offer that support their mission, or that you could easily implement, and make an appointment to talk with them.
- If you have volunteers, let them know that they are also library advocates. Provide them with some talking points and encourage them to share them with their friends and neighbors.
There are many more ways that you can advocate for children’s services in your library. For additional suggestions and ideas, I encourage you to become familiar with the ALSC Everyday Advocacy web site at www.ala.org/everday-advocacy . It is a wonderful resource for anyone in children’s services.
Finally, remember that what you do every day advocates for services to children. The fact that you assist young people in finding information, provide reader’s advisory to help them discover the perfect story to read, create community-responsive programs and ensure a welcoming, child-friendly atmosphere in your library builds relationships and support across your community. You are already an advocate, so use a New Year’s resolution take it one small step farther.
Happy 2014!
Toni Bernardi
Chair, ALSC Advocacy and Legislation Committee