NLS Operations Alert
no. 11-01
corrected version
DATE : January 10, 2011
TO : Network Libraries
FROM : Jane Caulton, Head, Publications and Media Section
Subject : NLS 80th anniversary–corrected version
As many of you know, 2011 will mark the 80th anniversary of our free talking-book and braille library program. We are planning events across the country to promote our new digital talking-book service and to generate excitement about the program at the national and local levels.
Four events will take place in select markets (TBA) between January and February 2011 and will lead up to the anniversary celebration in Washington, D.C., on March 2, 2011. The intended audiences for these events include patrons and caregivers, the general public and, of course, the media. While events will vary by market to reflect the unique personality of each local library and its patrons, possible elements may include:
• NLS representatives
• Public officials
• Membership organization representatives
• Narrators to give a reading from a popular text
• The author of that popular text to talk about his/her book
• Program patrons from around the country with compelling stories
To keep the celebration going throughout the year, we are also encouraging network libraries to host 80th anniversary events in their own communities. To assist in this process, we will distribute event toolkits to all network libraries via the Network Library Services website in late February. These toolkits will supply your library with resources to host local 80th anniversary events, including:
• 80th anniversary flyer for distribution to the general public, patrons, and caregivers
• Template press release for promoting the 80th anniversary and digital talking- book service to media in your local area
• Event ideas/suggestions (e.g., narrator panel, author talk, reading)
• Template media advisory for promoting your event and digital talking books to the local media
Be on the lookout for more updates on the 80th anniversary in the coming weeks. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at [log in to unmask]
For more information contact:
Jane Caulton
Head, Publications and Media Section
(202) 707-0521