Colorado Library Lobby Day: Libraries Mean Business

I am at the Colorado State Capitol today (lunch break!), with scores of other librarians and library lovers. We are pointedly not asking for money today. Instead, we are talking about how “libraries mean business” and help boost local economies. In keeping with Colorado’s BHAG Public Library Advocacy Initiative, we are making the most of storytelling.

JCPL's eTrain

I’ve been focusing on four main talking points, and peppering the conversation with stories from my work in libraries:

1. Libraries help build small business. We help folks learn how to start -and sustain- their own business. An example from Douglas County Libraries.
2. Libraries help people find jobs and access/learn essential 21st Century technologies. Jefferson County Public Library’s eTrain mobile computer and career training center is parked right in front of the Capitol today, and we’re giving tours.
3. Libraries drive traffic to downtown areas. For example, a local Chamber of Commerce study shows that the Philip S. Miller Library is the number one reason people visit downtown Castle Rock. And when they visit, they spend an average of $20 in area businesses.

My boss had some good advice for me today: be shameless. And that’s what I am doing. I love libraries, and I want to make certain they continue to be a part of our lives. If that means approaching strangers to tell stories about libraries, I’ll do it. Libraries are definitely worth it.

Libraries Mean Business Booth, Colorado State Capitol, April 14, 2010

Libraries Mean Business Booth, Colorado State Capitol, April 14, 2010