At the Central Ohio PRSA panel last week, my friend and coach M.J. Clark introduced me to Julie Theado.

Julie volunteers her time to the Columbus Metropolitan Libraries, coordinating much of their efforts in using social media tools to reach the local community for the upcoming operating levy that will expire this year.

It’s mission-critical timing and Julie is doing important work for Columbus.  Libraries are pretty important to have around, don’t you think?

Will YOU Stand With Me?

Here are three of my personal reasons why I will vote YES on Issue 4 (to renew CML’s operating levy), and why I’m writing this to encourage you to stand with me and do the same:

1. The benefits of supporting an organization that provides access to learning and technology, promotes reading and education, and curates all types of information, far outweigh the monthly costs.  We all need to do our part.  No question.
2. Libraries are about MUCH more than books.  They provide programs that help community members, professionals, students and the elderly.
3. If the library levy fails, what type of message will that send to the folks who might be looking to relocate their families to Columbus?  How will that message effect the decision of business owners who might be considering setting up shop Columbus?  Is a failed operating levy a message we really want to attach to the Columbus brand?

Kids

When I was a kid, I spent countless summers with other kids my age in the programs at our local library in Massillion.  Even into adulthood, those memories have always stuck with me, and I believe that it’s a big part of what helped ignite my curiosity for learning.

Sarah, myself and our kids use libraries a few times each month.  Both Kaden and Jacob enjoy spending time in the computer lab and browsing the children’s section for new books to fill our bedtime routine.  They get excited each time we make a trip to one of the local libraries.  As they grow older and start reading, the library will become an even more valuable resource to our family.

Rather than type a long message with facts and numbers, I’m going to let Pat Losiniski tell you himself.  He’s savvy enough to embrace YouTube as a medium to reach out to the Columbus community with this message:

Please Vote Yes on Issue 4 In November

The time to vote YES for issue 4 in Columbus comes in November, and the responsibility rests with folks like us.  The past two years of a crumbling economy has take its toll on everyone.  From business to education, and on both of our respective wallets, dollars have become more scarce than ever.  Trust me, I know.  I started a business while also raising a family in this mess.  It was loads of fun…

For us in Columbus, the time to replace the dollars that keep libraries going is NOW.  Not only do we as a community need those programs, but we as a community need those jobs back.  The time to rally your neighbors and coworkers is now – make sure they are aware of what’s at stake - before November hits.

We need to ensure Columbus is a community where children, as well as adults, can access public resources that support reading and learning and experiences outside of the classroom or home.  Are you with me?  Seriously!  Are you with me?

5 Things You Can Do RIGHT NOW

1. Perhaps the most obvious: VOTE YES on Issue 4!
2. Have a blog?  Write a post like this one and send it to you friends.  If you need stats, email me.  If you don’t blog, e-mail this message to your friends and connections.
3. Tweet like the dickens.  Here’s one you can use, but feel free to make your own:
   Dear #Columbus – I love libraries and want them to stay! Will you vote YES with me on Issue 4? http://ow.ly/2GCkV
4. Download this PDF with facts and hand it out to your coworkers or post it where you know people will see.  Pretty much all of us spend a little time in restroom stalls each day.  Those are great spots for information sharing and are an age-old guerilla marketing tactic.
5. Join the Issue 4 Facebook Page to show your support.  But don’t stop there.  Share it with 10 of your BFFs in Columbus and ask them to do the same.  That’s called viral marketing.

This is it folks!  What we do now is most definitely going to effect our community in Columbus for the next few years.  Whether it’s for better or worse is up to us to decide.

So what say you?  Will stand with me and vote YES on Issue 4 in November?

I think we should keep CML strong.

nateriggs

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