Promotion
'If you build it, they will come.'
They might, but if you want to be more sure, a promotional plan would be an excellent idea.
Teens need to be targeted where they live, metaphorically. The more ways (visually, word-of-mouth) they see/hear about the space, the more likely they are to retain the information. Billboards are large and hard to miss, if you can afford one and think it worth the expense. They are just as likely to see signage at the library, flyers at school, and on billboards at local coffeehouses or grocery stores.
Other possible avenues for promoting your new teen third space:
Publicity is important to get the word out that you have this great new space, but just as important when you are planning the space. If you have plans to build or re-purpose, letting decision makers know what you are planning is a first step to getting funding for the project. If no-one knows what's being planned, they can't very well volunteer, donating time, materials or money. This will need to be coordinated with the library's overall community outreach and publicity arms. You will also want to verify the library policy on donations; it won't help to look for donations if a policy counter to it exists.
They might, but if you want to be more sure, a promotional plan would be an excellent idea.
Teens need to be targeted where they live, metaphorically. The more ways (visually, word-of-mouth) they see/hear about the space, the more likely they are to retain the information. Billboards are large and hard to miss, if you can afford one and think it worth the expense. They are just as likely to see signage at the library, flyers at school, and on billboards at local coffeehouses or grocery stores.
Other possible avenues for promoting your new teen third space:
- word of mouth - get the teens involved, have them spread the words to their friends, etc.
- Facebook friends - library website/teen page link
- radio
- flyers at schools
- partner with churches that have teen groups - flyers, announcements
- partner with local teen boards
- possibly local access tv - have teen board create skit/ad
- post an ad/event on Craigslist
Publicity is important to get the word out that you have this great new space, but just as important when you are planning the space. If you have plans to build or re-purpose, letting decision makers know what you are planning is a first step to getting funding for the project. If no-one knows what's being planned, they can't very well volunteer, donating time, materials or money. This will need to be coordinated with the library's overall community outreach and publicity arms. You will also want to verify the library policy on donations; it won't help to look for donations if a policy counter to it exists.