The Spring 2019 LEARN Meeting will be at Skokie Library on April 16 from 2-4 p.m.

The topic will be how to market or promote our ESL, citizenship, and related collections. Rather than a presentation, the meeting will follow more of a discussion format. Below are some examples of marketing that have been discussed in the past. If you have examples of these or other types of marketing, please be ready to share them with the group. If you are new to the group, please bring your questions.

1. Market to your staff. Promote the Library’s ability to serve this clientele during staff meetings. Show what kinds of materials you have in the collection so they can direct patrons to the appropriate service desk.
2. Text Tips. Keep any text in plain fonts like Arial or Times New Roman. Fancy letters and fonts are hard to read for someone who doesn’t know the language.
3. Pictures are helpful. Keep language as simple and clear as possible — it will be easier for the relative or friend who may need to translate it.
4. Bookmarks, Posters, Brochures, Signs, Exhibit Cases. Use words and language your intended audience will understand or recognize.
5. Special Events. Promote literacy and ESL through special events. September 8 is International Literacy Day, April 30 is El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros (Children’s Day/Book Day), National Library Week, Family Reading Night, etc. Send a press release to the local newspaper.
6. Train your staff on conducting a reference interview with this clientele. Have some sample scripts on hand, if necessary.
7. Communities of Faith. A letter or brochure describing resources available at your library. Encourage their members’ help in identifying and referring neighbors to your library.
8. Host a program for an agency serving your area. Examples include a tutor training workshop or a conversation café!
9. Area schools, community colleges, social service agencies. Promote services and resources to these and other community groups, encouraging them to make referrals to your library.
10. Links on Website. Provide links to literacy and ESL resources on library’s website. Begin with links to LEARN and agencies serving your area.
11. Library Newsletter. Use your newsletter to raise awareness among your patrons, promoting literacy and ESL resources, services or events.
12. Do promotion at schools
13. Set up table at local fest or events
14. Post flyers in library, park district, grocery stores, email to schools, downtown shops, etc.
15. Contact ESL programs in your area and invite them to your library for a tour.
16. Collect emails to send reminders
17. Reflejo newspaper
18. Local newspaper.
19. Facebook, Twitter, etc.
20. Chamber of Commerce/Businesses