We embarked on the TEDx path based on our Strategic Focus. TEDxSnoIsleLibraries was the perfect example of building literate, economically sound and connected communities and transcending library walls. The strategic event was developed to raise awareness of the public library as a champion and center for ideas and information. This effort focused on highlighting Sno-Isle Libraries’ relevance within our 21 communities and region. It also provided us with an amazing opportunity to bring non-customers into our community libraries, attract visitors to our website, and raise awareness of core library services and resources.

The Library secured a TEDx license and selected “Creating New Futures” as an event theme. The effort received key support from the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation as a founding partner. Other organizational leaders joined to partner with TEDxSnoIsleLibraries to achieve mutual outcomes in transforming communities and the marketplace through ideas worth spreading. TEDx 2015 partner support enabled free attendance at the performing arts center event site and covered most of the expenses associated with staging and streaming this inaugural event. Library staff, volunteers, and community participants were involved in staging an impactful experience and provided meaningful connections within their libraries.

Over 1,100 people, from teens to seniors, and many walks of life, came together to experience TEDxSnoIsle Libraries at the performing arts event site, 10 community libraries and four additional public viewing sites. Over 1,900 persons watched the live stream of the event and our 23 posted TEDxSnoIsleLibraries Talks have logged over 41,000 views. Audiences discovered TEDxSnoIsleLibraries is a library without walls providing ideas worth spreading. Feedback from attendees, speakers, partners, community stakeholders, and regional leaders continues to be overwhelmingly positive and has resulted in increased invitations for the library to be at the table for community and regional strategic discussions.