Friends of the A. Included in the project were a newly designed logo and brochures, new tote bags, and updated rate schedule for membership levels and fees, and a social media campaign including a new website, Facebook page, Twitter account, and the introduction of eBay sales of antique and collectible books. Invitations were sent to the pre-K educators in the community, and local newspapers published information about the event.
Using Eventbrite, the Friends sent more than email invitations. A board member was interviewed on a local country radio station, and the interview aired several times during October. More than a dozen member volunteers worked as greeters, setup and cleanup crew, and hospitality staff.
Sanders gave presentations and signed copies of their books. Taking the opportunity to roll out their new publicity materials during the week helped result in increased membership and great visibility in the community. Popular radio host Don Neagle hosted the two on his daily morning Feedback program. Those proclamations were framed and displayed at the circulation desk in the library. The result was a positive news article and photographs highlighting the organization and the celebration of the Friends week.
A sign announcing the special week and how to sign up as a Friend of the Library greeted them just inside the door. They Friends also sponsored a basket giveaway during the week. Some Friends volunteers attended both sessions for story time that day and helped read stories to the children. Then they went outside on the patio and everyone decorated pumpkins for Halloween.
This was one of many activities for children the Friend sponsored during the week. Friends brought baked goods as a token of their gratitude for all that the staff does for the library. The staff and the Friends of the Library were excited about the week and the enthusiasm carried over to the patrons.
