By Nick Fetty nick.fetty@gmail.com

Get your ‘geek’ on

One of two locations nationwide, central Iowa is testing ground for public library campaign

What do Savannah, Ga., and central Iowa have in common? It’s more than hot, humid summer weather — both are guinea pigs in the launch of “Geek the Library,” an effort to heighten awareness about the critical funding issues public libraries face.

“Libraries have always focused on providing information to the public, especially during tough economic times,” said Saul Amdursky, director of the Des Moines Public Library. “This campaign reinforces that goal, while hoping to change the public image of them, too.”

“Geek the Library,” a community-based public awareness campaign, introduces “geek” as a verb, and encourages the public to talk about what they “geek” — anything someone takes pleasure in doing. The campaign reinforces that everyone is passionate about something, and the library is there for support. Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the campaign is scheduled through December 2009 and involves 42 public libraries in Dallas, Polk, Story and Dallas counties. Georgia has 38 public libraries participating.

“Our goal is to start conversation about how important public libraries are in today’s society, especially when the economy is hurting,” said Cathy De Rosa, global vice president of marketing of OCLC, a nonprofit library service and research organization that has helped approximately 71,000 libraries in 112 countries and territories. “Iowa and Georgia have great libraries, and we know if this campaign can be successful in these two places, it can be successful across the country.”

There are an estimated 123,000 libraries of all kinds in the United States, and many are seeing an increase in usage for educational opportunities, job-searching resources and entertainment. But while these numbers continue to increase, public library funding has wavered, specifically by local tax dollars. According to 2006 data by the National Center for Educational Statistics, Iowa ranks 25th in per capita funding.

“We want people to know just how little it cost to have nice public libraries,” said Jan Kaiser, marketing manager for the Des Moines Public Library. “But to have the resources, people need to understand there is a financial part to it, too.”

Besides the Des Moines Public Library, the “geek” campaign has made its way into other public libraries, such as Clive, Johnston, West Des Moines, Grimes, Pleasant Hill and Urbandale. A small number of additional libraries and library systems will also participate later this summer. The campaign has made a presence in the metro with large posters at libraries asking, “What do you geek?” Individuals are encouraged to write what they “geek” with a signature. Officials have also spread the word about the campaign at the State Library of Iowa and I-Cubs games and will also be present at the Des Moines Symphony’s Yankee Doodle Pops Concert on July 2. Those looking to become involved are encouraged to share stories, volunteer at a local library, organize a library support group and learn how libraries are funded.

“We want the public to see that libraries are a transformative agency rather than just a place where you can check out books,” said Ray Vignovich, director of the West Des Moines Public Library. “It’s a great honor to be selected to be a part of this campaign. I hope there is enough of a response for national participation.”

Maryann Mori, director of the Waukee Public Library in Dallas County, says it’s an exciting time for those involved.

“It’s great to be on the cutting edge of this initiative,” she said. “It’s exciting because this campaign isn’t just about libraries, but for those who don’t know that libraries truly have something for everyone.” CV

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