Advocacy Support
Tools and Resources for Parkland Regional Library System Advocates
Building relationships with funders, stakeholders, and the community we serve is an important aspect of library trustee’s work. Staff supports the board and reinforces a consistent message that demonstrates the vital role libraries play in each community and across the region. We define advocacy as the actions individuals or organizations undertake to influence decision-making at the local, regional, and provincial level that help create desired policy or funding in support of public libraries.
Municipal funding plays a huge role in keeping the library operational and allowing it to meet the diverse needs of a community. It’s important to advocate for the library to your Municipal Council and Parkland has developed a host of resources to help you do so. As you scroll down this page, you’ll find a variety of resources meant to help library staff, board members, and patrons to promote and advocate for the local public library. Additionally, you can request help from Parkland Staff for training, campaign building, council presentations, and more to help you get started.
Municipal Advocacy Tools
Storytelling for Change
- Guide to Storytelling for Library Advocacy
- Library One-Page Take Away Document Template
- My Library (A Powerful Story in Communities) Social Media Post
- Vote for the Library Social Media Post
- Gathering Support During a Municipal Election Press Release Template
- Presenting Your Library Budget to Council Tip Sheet
Letter Templates
- Municipal Candidate Meeting Request Letter Template
- Councillor Welcome Letter Template
- Library Statement of Value Letter Template
Additional Advocacy Resources
- Election Advocacy Strategies for Trustees
- Provincial Advocacy Takeaway Document
- Provincial Advocacy Guide
- Your Guide to Building Rapport With Administration and Council
- Municipal ROI Documents
- Advocacy Training Videos
- Ontario Library Association’s Advocacy Resources
- The Alberta Library’s Advocacy Resources
- PRLS Advocacy Webpage
Library Managers have access to more regional advocacy tools on Parkland’s Q Drive. We’re here to help, wherever you happen to be on your advocacy journey. Contact us with questions or to request training for your board.
Marketing Support
Communicating what you offer and marketing specific services is important to grow your membership base and fill your programs. It is best to have a marketing strategy and keep a close eye on your goals. Measurement is key. Like advocacy, marketing is a long game. The more consistently you put the word out about your services the more quickly brand recognition will grow, which equals more cardholders and engagement with your library!
Along with marketing materials available to library staff on the Q Drive, here are some marketing resources to help get you started:
- 2026 Content Calendar
- Social Media Resources
- Marketing Training Videos
- Promotional Items for Loan
- VistaPrint Pro Shop
Can’t find what you are looking for? Contact Us!