Now is the time to provide some news for your local press and social media! It’s an emergency and public libraries are here to help!
Below is a start for you – a draft press release for your library to edit, add to, and send.
Here’s a press release that Stratford Public Library sent out today:
We’d love to collect your’s here at FOPL (sabram@fopl.ca)
Although Physically Closed, [NAME OF PUBLIC LIBRARY] is Virtually Open for Business
March 24, 2020
With the current pandemic [NAME OF PUBLIC LIBRARY] is required to close its branch[es] to members of the community. However, [NAME OF PUBLIC LIBRARY] is still virtually open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering a stunning array of services and resources for people of all ages here in the community.
A lot of public libraries’ interactions with Ontario residents and library members are digital (despite growth in physical gate-count and circulation), and this continues during this emergency period in nearly all libraries in the province.
[NAME OF PUBLIC LIBRARY] is doing all sorts of things to help keep the public both informed and entertained during this difficult time. We have been getting library cards into the hands of residents who may not have had one, or who have had theirs expire, so that they can take advantage of some of our e-resources, including e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines, and e-learning. [For those who might not be familiar or comfortable with using digital resources, [NAME OF PUBLIC LIBRARY] has a “virtual desk” staffed by trained librarians during our normal working hours, on hand to answer questions via email or social media.]
We are still buying new books for people to read, with new e-books being added to Overdrive so that there are more selections available for patrons to enjoy from the comfort of their home.
We are hard at work hunting down the best digital experiences and resources for kids and adults who are at home and looking for free and interesting things to do. [These great finds are available on our website and on our social media like Facebook and Twitter.] We’ve got lots for kids to do online while our schools are closed, too, so parents should check out [WEBSITE OR RESOURCE].
[Our Children’s staff are performing or posting virtual story times since we recognize that for very small children, hearing a nice story during a time of uncertainty can be tremendously reassuring.]
[INCLUDE OTHER LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS]
We are always coming up with ideas to serve our residents, and we are eager to hear from our patrons here in [COMMUNITY] about what they’re looking for as they do their part and take part in physical distancing. We are here to help you find the information you need, and help you stay entertained. Most of all, we look forward to remaining an important part of your daily life here in [COMMUNITY] welcoming you back through our doors in the months ahead.
[IF YOU CAN PROVIDE A COOL PICTURE THAT’S GREAT TOO (ONE LIBRARY SHOWED A CROWDED PARKING LOT USING THE WIFI!)]
[ADD YOUR USUAL CONTACT INFORMATION HERE]”
Newmarket PL’s is already in the media:
Good Luck and Be Well!