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A Young Adult staffer at my library recently asked me about different ways to market her storytime and other programs for young children. Do you have any resources on this you can share?

From Ask Amigos support consultant, Lynne Craddock: As a former managing librarian, I know firsthand that marketing is a key component to having successful programming events. Here are a few techniques I have used to attract new and frequent users to library youth programs:

• Get to know your neighborhood institutions, i.e., daycares, local schools, churches, community centers such as YMCA/YWCA and recreation centers. See Simple Promotion of the Work you Do/Services You Offer.
• In marketing your program, be willing to build a partnership and provide storytime in their facilities if possible. You may be able to work out a rotating schedule. I found that most institutions are amenable to this type of arrangement. The following article provides tips and techniques for successful library outreach: The M Word – Marketing Libraries
• Word-of-mouth is a very good marketing tool. See Contagious Marketing; how libraries can get more word-of-mouth buzz, by Peggy Barber.
• Make sure you have contact with every parent who brings in their child and let them know what your library has to offer. Putting a face to your programs by greeting patrons really makes a difference.
• Reaching out to your colleagues in other libraries and professional organizations to get ideas for different and interesting programs will help raise awareness and popularize your storytime. For example, Paw Pals Storytime and therapy dogs are very popular with children’s activities. Use Pinterest to get fun ideas for storytime and marketing tools: http://www.pinterest.com/texasdogmom/library-marketing-ideas/.
• Try using some of the techniques from Bouncing Babies!: Born to Read Lapsit Storytime Marketing Plan in a marketing plan.