EVPL Helps You Thrive
Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
By asking people how EVPL helps *them* Thrive, and then visibly sharing those responses, we create top-of-mind awareness of the impact of the library to our community. The statement “EVPL Helps You Thrive” also prompts those who see the message to consider how EVPL helps them and/or their family Thrive, how that might be true for the others, and encourages reflection on how they might make the most of this community resource.
Challenge/Opportunity
In the current cultural and political climate, we wanted to remind people that their library helps them Thrive, or can help them Thrive in ways they may not have considered.
We also recognized the need to increase awareness of library services and programs that have growth opportunities. Some of these include:
- early literacy resources
- free programs that can entertain, educate, and enrich
- online learning and research resources
By creating a campaign that encouraged testimonials and feedback, various library services and programs would also be promoted organically by those who use and enjoy them.
Key Elements of Innovation
The most important partners in the Thrive campaign have been our library patrons themselves–those who visit our locations, participate in programs, and utilize our collections and services.
Our logo, which is a view finder, was truly the focal point of feedback.
Library users have submitted their feedback and testimonials via handwritten messages on logo (story) cards, which are then posted in locations, or through a submission form on the Thrive campaign landing page. (photos in attachment)
Staff have also said that patrons enjoy looking at the cards to see what others have said about EVPL, furthering the positive sentiments among our community. Our “customers” became our premier advertisers.
Beyond this user-generated messaging, a multi-media Thrive messaging campaign was launched during National Library Week.
Campaign elements have included billboards, digital and print ads, social media ads and content, internal marketing pieces, and campaign library cards.
Achieved Outcomes
Our original goal was to have at least 10 logo cards posted per location. To date, more than 250 logo cards have been posted across our locations, and more than 100 testimonials have been submitted online.
Library staff have also said that patrons enjoy looking at the cards to see what others have said about EVPL, furthering the positive sentiments among our community.
Metrics that would typically reflect the campaign impact would include location visits, collection utilization, and program participation; however, three of our largest locations have been under renovation during this calendar year, affecting all of those metrics.
We do know that Thrive digital ads and social media posts have had more than 50,000 impressions, and hundreds of thousands of people have driven past Thrive billboards.
A Thrive video campaign is in development, featuring real library users and their stories, which will be used in paid advertising and social media in early 2026.
