It takes time to build an awareness in your community, but starting out with a bang helps. Make launch of the awareness campaign a big deal—one that encourages the entire community to get involved.  

Launch

Plan your launch event outside of the library, if possible, and make it a community-focused campaign from day one!

• Hold an informal press conference or have a party, or have a booth at an existing local event where members of the community and the media are going (e.g., high school athletic games and festivals). Invite community leaders such as elected/appointed officials, business owners and local celebrities. And don’t forget the media!
• Tell people how the campaign will show up in the community and how the public can engage. Give away materials and take the opportunity to tell people about the campaign and the important role your library plays in your community.

Launching in the library

• 

  If you have your launch event in the library, give people in the community a reason to attend. Make it a party and decorate!
  
• Promote the launch on your Web site and social networking Web sites.
• Create a geek board or wall for attendees to share what they geek, or to answer other targeted questions for engagement.
• Use a digital photo frame to display the campaign images and key messages.

Introduce the awareness campaign in the media

• Prior to launch, write an editorial article and submit to a local newspaper or magazine. Introduce the campaign, and explain how they can take part.
• Contact local media to explain the awareness campaign and what to expect in the coming months. Be sure to invite them to the launch!