Describe Project and Impact:
Sell MLS-branded merchandise to increase awareness in the community and excite regular library-goers.
Project Description and Expected Outcomes:
Provide MLS-branded merchandise to sell, particularly T-shirts. Have a contest where our members get to vote on which design(s) win(s). Promote the shirts by asking members to post selfies wearing their new T-shirt, publish people wearing the shirt in the Info magazine, or have a week where people earn a fine waiver for wearing their shirt to the library or can get a discounted Friends membership. People should be able to browse products (bags, shirts, maybe even a cleverly-worded mug or library PENCIL!). We should make it clear that any proceeds go to, say, funding children's programming to allay any concerns about the library profiting from selling merchandise.
Why should we select this project?:
I live .7 miles from one of our libraries. Several of my neighbors--who have lived there for over a decade--were unaware there was a library in the area. Increasing visibility of and excitement about our libraries seems like a pretty good idea.
Constraints, Limitations, or Dependencies:
There may be some legal issues regarding Oklahoma libraries selling stuff. Also, this will probably prove so dang popular we won't be able to keep up with demand, and we'll have pitchforked mobs demanding soft cotton tees. :)
Partner/Supporting Departments:
Information Technology
Marketing
