Telling the right stories to drive action November 2018 Deborah Hakes | Director of Communications | Georgia Public Library Service dhakes@georgialibraries.org

What we’ll cover Why storytelling is important How to identify stories for your organization How to reach and motivate your audience Creating a culture of storytelling

A story about growing community and gaining confidence Tower gardens in public libraries are engaging young and old, as the initiative addresses local food insecurity and teach people how to garden.

A story about rebuilding a life An innovative library program empowers homeless individuals to improve their lives. Computer and resume workshops have reduced barriers and helped people find jobs. Through the program, Stan Jones has improved his health and engaged in lifelong learning: “I learned how to research credible resources on the internet. For example, I applied for a medication discount card online, so now I can afford medicine to address my health issues.”

Elements of a story A real person, with details. A problem. Library intervention. A resolution. A fact/stat. A key general message.

Key messages Public libraries are learning centers that empower their communities. Four American Library Association messages Libraries transform lives. Libraries transform communities. Librarians are passionate advocates for lifelong learning. Libraries are a smart investment.

Potential Piedmont Library messages “The mission of the Piedmont Regional Library System is to provide services and materials which will empower people, raise their aspirations, enhance their employability, and build active citizenship and quality of life in the community.” GOALS CREATE YOUNG READERS: EARLY LITERACY Children from birth to age five will have programs and services designed to ensure that they will enter school ready to learn to read, write, and listen. CONNECT TO THE ONLINE WORLD: PUBLIC INTERNET ACCESS Residents will have high-speed access to the digital world with no unnecessary restrictions or fees to ensure that everyone can take advantage of the ever-growing resources and services available through the Internet. LIFELONG LEARNING: SATISFY CURIOSITY Residents will have the resources they need to explore topics of personal interest and continue to learn throughout their lives.

Potential Piedmont Library messages Piedmont Library empowers people to improve their lives. Piedmont Library helps you meet your goals. Piedmont Library helps children discover the joy of reading. Piedmont Library connects you to the online world, potential jobs and lifelong learning.

Finding the right story What are your key priority projects, programs or initiatives this year? What is the action you want someone to take? Who is your target audience? Where is your audience? What does success look like?

Building character Main character - Knowing the purpose of your story, why did you choose this person? Be able to describe your main character. Can you meet them and interview them? Appearance, personality, emotions, etc. Details. What setback or transformation did your character go through related to the topic? Supporting characters - library staff, character’s friends, family etc

Showing transformation What are the starting, mid-way and ending points of your story? What are the intended emotions? Map out how the story will be told. Gather details.

Improving storytelling in your organization Can staff share stories about people they have come across – monthly meetings, etc? Surveys (example Summer Reading Program) with question if you can contact patron. Expand skills with professional development - photography, interview skills, writing, etc Are there resources in organization to help? (eg, a camera, photo editing software, etc) Do you have an organized system to store collected assets and stories so staff can access? (on your website, Google Drive, etc) Do you track potential impact? Will require continual follow up and asks, as well as listening in meetings.

Any questions for me?

Deborah Hakes Director of Communications Georgia Public Library Service dhakes@georgialibraries.org Deborah Hakes