In our advocacy work, as librarians, we learn, share, create, publicize, organize, promote, advocate and make a difference. One way that we make a difference is by building relationships with our communities. The library gains much needed visibility by partnering with elected officials and various agencies in our local neighborhoods. Sometimes, however, the idea does not originate with us.
A local Prince George’s County Maryland, County Council representative became passionate about an issue affecting his community located in the southern region of the County. He saw young children with time on their hands and without involvement with the branch of their public library. He saw hard working parents without transportation and a lack of financial resources to take their children to the library. He thought of the old fashioned bookmobile of his youth to correct the problem. He approached the director of the public library system, and through continued negotiating and advocating for a mobile library in the community, he touched a chord.
What started out as a simple idea evolved into a meaningful part of the Transforming Neighborhoods Initiative. The County Executive’s objective for this major project, is to support not just one, but six neighborhoods that face significant challenges, and the vision is for great schools, safe neighborhoods, quality healthcare and an economy that thrives within each.
The public library now partners with County government agencies and the six inside the beltway neighborhoods. The “Curiosity Cube” a colorful cube shaped car with child oriented animals and cartoons is a fixture in the neighborhood that the County Council representative was initially passionate about, and the other neighborhoods. The vehicle is used to promote library services at family resource centers, community fairs, and day care centers, to name a few. Because of the visibility of the “Curiosity Car” in the neighborhood, a strong impression has been created, and a lasting relationship will be the result for the library.
In building relationships, we have to remember that it may not always be our idea, consequently we have to:
- Stay open to new ideas
- Be patient
- Share the enthusiasm
- Say yes, if in line with library priorities
- Look for opportunities to negotiate
- Focus on collaboration
What methods do you use to build relationships? Share your ideas in the comments below.
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Today’s blogpost was written by Barbara Spears, a member of the ALSC Advocacy and Legislation committee. Barbara worked for over 30 years in the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System as a children’s librarian and as a manager in three of its branch libraries. Currently retired, a passion for children and libraries is still a driving force in her activities. Having recently completed her dissertation, Barbara will graduate with an Ed.D in organizational leadership in June 2014.