The Modern Book Discussion

Meets at the bar

Who I am

• Leah L. White

• Head of Popular Materials

• Ela Area Public Library

• @leahlibrarian

• www.leahlwhite.com

Who I am not

That's great but...

http://bit.ly/GVhiJd

The Plan

• Making the pitch

• Location, location, location

• Marketing and branding

• Facilitation and execution

• Beyond book clubs

Making the Pitch

Get stuff done

What isn't pictured

http://bit.ly/NU0tLT

Northbrook Public Library

http://bit.ly/1gvfEyb

Relentless Enthusiasm Your mantra

The importance of positivity

Step 1 - start researching

Step 2 - start writing

• Start jotting down ideas

• Possible locations

• Possible names

• Demographic info

Step 3 Find your allies

http://bit.ly/1gUrfEH

Step 4 - start talking

Step 5 - diffuse anxiety

http://www.nataliedee.com/

Step 6 - take action

http://www.themarysue.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/dany-like-a-boss.jpg

Proposal Writing

• Mission statement/purpose

• Stakeholders & target demographics

• Plan of Action

• Timeline

• Associated costs (including staff time)

• Evaluation criteria

Purpose

Purpose

• Provide programming for an under served population

• Attract new patrons and cardholders

• Update/modernize the image of the library with taxpayers

On wording

Questions so far?

http://blog.beeriety.com/wp-content/uploads/beerbooks4.png

Location, location, location

The fun part

Where in the world?

http://www.carmensandiego.com/files/content/sites/carmen/files/where_in_world_cs_dos.png

Research

The best part

Meet with the management

Work out the kinks

Questions so far?

Marketing and Branding

aka the story of LitLounge

LitLounge's Tale

http://bit.ly/1a1qY1u

Epic Fail

Attack of the terrible logo

Re-branding

• Simple

• Modern

• Fun

• Work with a professional (if you can)

• Never ever ever put your target demographic on the advertising

Books on Tap logo

Work with your partners

Think outside the newsletter box

Communication AND advertising

Attitude

Questions so far?

Facilitation and Execution

Different how?

Be loud

Be flexible

Be sociable

It takes two, baby!

Mix it up

Questions so far?

Beyond Book Clubs

That's right! There's more!

Appy Hour

Senior Center book talks

Trivia nights

All things considered

• Resistance is futile...when you write proposals

• Location is key

• Create a thoughtful brand

• This isn't your grandmother's book club...so don't run it that way

Thank you.

• Questions?

• Twitter @leahlibrarian

• www.leahlwhite.com