Librarians and library supporters have an opportunity to participate in the public library advocacy course, Turning the Page 2.0.
Participants choose an advocacy goal for their library and are guided through the creation of an Advocacy Work Plan. Highly interactive units cover topics such as creating and telling the library story, building relationships with key decision makers, project management and making the all-important ask. Read what previous participants have to say about the structure and content of the course.
Six sessions of Turning the Page 2.0 trainings consist of:
• In-person kick-off
• Facilitator-led virtual classroom sessions;
• Independent assignments to create an Advocacy Work Plan;
• Personalized facilitator feedback;
• Online community.
Participants should expect to spend time talking with their library leadership and community supporters about a plan of advocacy for the library. A certificate of completion will be awarded following the submission of an Advocacy Work Plan.
Turning the Page training is described in detail at the South Carolina State Library's website: http://statelibrary.sc.libguides.com/turning-the-page.
The upcoming September-October sessions will begin with an in-person workshop on either September 18 (Charleston) or September 19 (Columbia). Registration for this training is free and is open to all public librarians, library staff and library supporters, including board members, Friends groups and local officials. Libraries are encouraged to complete Turning the Page 2.0 with an advocacy team that works through the program together.
The program was created by the Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the American Library Association. PLA's core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve. Its mission is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services.
For more information about the program, please contact Kathy Sheppard at the South Carolina State Library at ksheppard@statelibrary.sc.gov or 803-734-8653.
