The challenge was to bring various systems together to participate in a revitalized The Big Read by involving the community through expanded events and discussion groups. Dayton Metro Library (DML) took the lead in establishing an advisory committee with representatives from each library system. DML provided the promotional budget and solicited additional funding through sponsorships from Clear Channel Radio and The Friends of the Dayton Metro Library. DML also pursued getting the message out through TV, newspaper and radio programs. Examples of all of the promotional materials are available on the Media page of: www.bigread.org.

The Big Read is a multi-system initiative where 13 public and academic libraries and community partners, coordinated by Dayton Metro Library (DML), invite residents in four counties to read the same book and encourage attending discussions and related events. After a year hiatus, DML warranted the collaborative important and provided leadership, marketing, funding and a commitment to elevating The Big Read to a signature program.

In Fall 2013 over 2,000 patrons voted online and by ballot; the winning book was Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed.. News releases, e-newsletter, radio interviews, newspaper features generated excitement. DML hosted an interactive bigread.org website with a new branded logo. Visitors could search and sort 37 events by area, day and time. Through social media, participants were asked weekly to submit photos, stories, even their favorite trail mix recipes, to be posted on the website. Media and partners could easily access Big Read branded images, posters, brochure, email signatures, web banners and press releases under the website media tab. Signage was made available for all agencies. A glossy, tri-fold brochure was developed and circulated listing book discussions and events. Information was introduced in Dayton Metro’s tri-annual 24-page glossy program tabloid distributed via newspaper to 81,000 households and in e-newsletter to 125,000 subscribers. Facebook and Twitter posts were created for each. A radio station signed on as a sponsor and ran paid and promotional schedules directing listeners to the website. The daily newspaper ran a complimentary ad. DML purchased hundreds of copies of the book in multiple formats including large print, Spanish, audio books and downloadables.

Through rebranding and partnerships, area libraries were able to position themselves for people who enjoy both book discussion and outdoors. The collaboration of Five Rivers MetroParks and libraries created a synergy of excitement enhanced by branding. The libraries offered to host a record 34 book discussions. MetroParks contacted DML when it was announced Wild won. It provided speakers for programs and popular locations throughout the area to hold events and discussions in addition to library locations. Speakers who hiked the same trail as the author volunteered for programs and discussions and drew nearly 100 people to each event. The closing event “Big Read Hits the Trail” drew 200 people to a beautiful park and trail. Libraries were also invited to host a book discussion at the popular Adventure Summit at Wright State University. Metro Parks also publicized Big Read events. All book discussions were attended by multiple people with over 20 people, including a mayor, at a popular bookstore. Attendees received branded mugs and trail mix. The book in multiple formats checked out 3,000 times during the program period. Despite the author not being available, she did respond to questions that resulted in a full-page Sunday feature story that also prompted an upcoming series of articles featuring a local librarian. In addition to radio coverage, local TV stations provided coverage of events. And already two additional library systems have joined the partnership this year. All wildly exciting!