Set for September 17-18

On September 17–18, the University of Nebraska at Kearney will host the Thirteenth Nebraska Book Festival, sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book and the Nebraska Humanities Council. Co-sponsors include the Nebraska Library Commission, University of Nebraska Press, Kearney Public Library and Information Center, and Kearney Hub.

Special activities will focus on the featured book, A Different Plain: Contemporary Nebraska Fiction Writers, edited by Ladette Randolph with an introduction by Mary Pipher, and published by the University of Nebraska Press. Sessions throughout Saturday will offer the opportunity to meet many of the authors, hear them read, and ask them questions. Libraries interested in participating in book discussions prior to the Festival can receive a special purchase discount by contacting Jeanne Saathoff, Kearney Public Library & Information Center Director, 2020 First Avenue, Kearney NE, 68847-5306, 308-233-3280, e-mail: jsaathoff@kearneygov.org.

Friday features a day-long writing workshop for high school students, as well as an evening reception and showing of the movie, Tully (open to the public). All activities except the meals are free of charge.

For more information see www.nebraskabookfestival.org or contact Susanne George Bloomfield, Nebraska Book Festival Director, 74064 L Road, Holdrege NE 68949, 308-995-8547, e-mail: bloomfields@unk.edu.

Nebraska librarians are urged to use this exciting new campaign to help promote the value of your library during September: Library Card Sign-up Month, and beyond. Sponsored by the Public Library Association/American Library Association (PLA/ALA), this campaign will provide sample press materials, posters, downloadable art, and other promotional materials to help get public attention and reach out to key community groups. Downloadable oversized library cards in English and Spanish are available.

This campaign is all about libraries and the services they make possible. Everyone who works in libraries has a role to play. The Nebraska Library Commission has asked Governor Mike Johanns to launch the campaign in September and will provide a Tip Sheet and materials to help to get local library staff, Board Members, and Friends involved in the campaign. PLA has made a multi-year commitment to the campaign and will focus on one or two key external audiences each year. For the initial year these audiences are:

• Influentials: Funders, Policymakers, Business, and Community Leaders 
• Families

PLA will provide resources to help librarians reach other key external audiences.

• Gen Y: 20-30 year-olds (parents and non-parents)
• Seniors/Baby Boomers
• New Americans

PLA encourages library staff to:

• Be included in media relations materials—let PLA know that you are participating in the launch.
• Reach out to a local elected official (mayor, city council member) and set up a photo opportunity with an oversized library card featuring the new Smartest Card logo and the local public library.
• Send a copy of the photo to PLA for possible use in a future issue of Public Libraries and American Libraries magazines.
• Develop and distribute a short press release announcing that “Mayor Joan Smith has the Smartest Card—Do You?” and sharing information about the campaign and the local public library (send a copy to PLA).
• Send stories, press releases and photos to PLA at e-mail: pla@ala.org, subject line: September Launch Story; or fax: 312-280-5029.

For More Information see the PLA Web site at www.pla.org. Giant "Smartest Cards," bookmarks, and posters can be downloaded at www.ala.org/ala/pio/piopromotions/smartestcardart.htm. Smartest Card @ your library™ artwork in English and Spanish can be customized with local library information. For more information about Nebraska's Smartest Card Campaign contact Mary Jo Ryan, 800-307-2665, 402-471-3434, e-mail: Mary Jo Ryan.