Eco Friendly Promotional Products for National Library Week, Summer Reading Programs and More
This year’s National Library week is April 10-16 and the theme is “Libraries Transform,” celebrating the changing role of libraries.
Libraries today have so much more to offer than just books and free internet access. Libraries have e-book and video game lending, in-house iPads loaded with educational apps for children, technology classes and more. Last year, the Sacramento Public Library launched a Library of Things, a free lending program that goes far beyond books. Technology items available for use include GoPro cameras, 3-D printers and a DLP Projector.
Eco-friendly promotional products play a big role in library promotions. Most libraries have a variety of branded merchandise available for purchase at all times. A popular promotional item available for purchase at libraries is a reusable tote bag for carrying books. Another standby is a branded USB for library users to take their data home with them.
Over the course of the year, libraries have many programs and events that require promotional products. Special events include youth and adult summer reading programs, School Library Month and Preservation Week in April, Library Card Sign-Up Month and Banned Books Week in September and National Friends of the Library Week in October.
While tech products may not be as eco-friendly as a recyclable library tote bag, there are plenty of green promotional products for 2016 National Library Week. When selecting eco-friendly tech products, it’s always important to consider product safety, the lifespan of the item and how the product will be used. If a product is dual purpose, it saves people from having to buy a second item.
Eco friendly promotional products that fit the “Libraries Transform” theme include dual purpose stylus pens, branded USB drives, custom reusable microfiber cloths and the very popular mobile phone stand that even has a pocket for a library card!
Libraries also rely on giveaways to incentivize children to sign up for youth summer reading programs. Children typically get incentives for singing up, at various check points during the program and for completing the program. These incentives range from local restaurant coupons to pencils and bookmarks. Libraries should not miss the branding opportunities during these programs. Instead of ordering wholesale blank pencils and bookmarks, choose affordable branded promotional products kids will love like recycled pencils or custom bookmarks made from seeded paper. Program participants will enjoy receiving these unique items and libraries can show their commitment to being green by keeping gimmicky junk out of landfills.
Make your library an eco-friendly library and make the switch to eco-friendly promotional products.