LibVocacy for National Book Week 2024

For this year's National Book Week celebration, I was given a very challenging topic by the working committee -  "90 Years of Reading Advocacy: Lessons from the Past, Inspirations for the Future". I was overwhelmed. Since IFLA has tons of documents on library advocacy, as well looking at the Global Libraries Project of the Gates Foundation, I adapted a more defined approach on library advocacy. Also, focusing on current materials produced by the National Library of the Philippines that highlight National Book Week Activities, helped me shape modern library advocacy concepts.

I shared with the participants, key roles of libraries and librarians as advocates of reading, books, literacy and library programming are the following:

1. Promoting Literacy: Librarians actively organize storytelling sessions, book clubs, and reading programs for various age groups. These initiatives help foster a love for reading and improve literacy levels in their communities.

2. Curating Resources: Librarians select and maintain a diverse collection of materials, ensuring representation of different cultures, interests, and academic needs. They play a crucial role in guiding readers to relevant and credible resources.

3. Educating Communities: Librarians teach information literacy by helping users evaluate and use information effectively. This skill is essential in combating misinformation and encouraging critical thinking.

4. Advocating for Accessibility: They strive to make libraries inclusive by offering services for people with disabilities, creating multilingual collections, and reaching underserved communities.

5. Fostering a Love for Reading: Librarians create engaging spaces and activities that inspire a lifelong passion for reading. By hosting events like storytelling and book fairs, they make libraries dynamic hubs for readers.

A few hours after, I received feedback from a participant sent to me by the working committee.

Dear Ms. Zarah,

Good day. This is to formally extend our sincere gratitude for being our resource speaker today. We can't thank you enough for all the hard work, support, and help that you have extended to make the event a success. Attached to this email is your e-certificate. 

Sharing here a few comments from our attendees:

• "Thank you so much to the organizers and to Mam Zarah. Very energetic and humble speaker."

• "The speaker is knowledgeable in the topic discussed."  

• "After listening to the inspiring talk on "Lessons from the Past, Inspirations for the Future," I am even more committed to encouraging reading as a hobby among my community. We draw on past experiences and current issues to develop and adjust our library activities to meet the evolving needs of our clients. The resource speaker's focus on community participation and individualized experiences has strengthened our dedication to building an accessible and inviting environment for all. Reading has the incredible ability to change people's lives, and we can't wait to put these teachings into practice and help more people in our community."

This experience once again proves how a learning community like ours in the library profession can create connections. We become advocates for the profession as we care for each other and ourselves in the process