Eco Friendly Promotional Products for 2017 National Library Week, Summer Reading Programs and More
This year’s National Library Week is April 9-15. 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 the list goes on. Libraries are expanding their offerings with free lending programs that go far beyond books. The Sacramento Public Library’s Library of Things allows card holders to borrow sewing machines, bike repair tools and musical instruments. North Carolina State University technology lending library includes gaming consoles, audio production equipment, cameras and other high-end electronic equipment.
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 requiring 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 2017 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 popular and inexpensive phone wallet in which people can store their library cards. Promotional power banks maintain their desirability and have come down in price considerably over the past couple of years. This 2200 mAh rechargeable power bank has a low minimum order quantity of 25 units for less than $11 each. This high-end promotional product can be used as a raffle prize or can be made available for purchase.
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 their branding opportunities during these programs. Instead of ordering wholesale blank pencils and bookmarks, choose affordable branded promotional products kids will love like recycled pencils made from recycled newspaper, denim or currency and 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.