We push the idea that you should be out there talking about your library to candidates, elected officials, and other stakeholders.

But what are you supposed to say? That part can be kind of tough.

But it doesn’t have to be a problem. Anyone in any library has a ton of possibilities to talk about with anyone who might want to learn more about the work you are doing!

Most people have no real idea of what goes on in a library. They understand we have books, they know that public libraries read to teeny kids, but that’s about it.

Generally people will be surprised by the extensive list of things that happen in libraries:

• overseeing compliance with federal Copyright laws for an school or other parent organization
• teaching people how to download eBooks and audio books
• helping both kids and adults learn about Information Literacy so they can recognize valid and reliable sources of information, and avoid online traps and lies
• provide computer, printers, 3D printers, VR machines
• create Maker Spaces, stocked with items as diverse as glitter and glue, markers, yarn and needles, welding torches, metal cutters, and computer software
• set up recording booths for podcasts and video recordings, as well as teaching people how to use them

All of this kind of stuff (and So Much More!!) is available through libraries. And all of that is on top of the “everyday” stuff we provide:

• books in all formats
• computers – and help in learning to use a computer
• programs for people of all ages and interests

Just that stuff would be enough to blow the minds of many people you will talk to about library work. And once you get into the specifics of what you are actually doing in your individual library – people will be amazed.

So never worry that you don’t have anything to say. Or that you are not the right person to talk about your library.

You do, and you are.

Go tell someone a library story today! And let’s try to keep them all working toward the same ending: They all lived happily, and well-funded, ever after.