In fall of 2022, Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft proposed a new administrative rule to require state-funded libraries to create collection development policies and public programming guidelines that “protect minors from non-age-appropriate materials” - a move most saw as another in a series of attempts to restrict access to books and materials featuring LGBTQ+ and Black stories and voices. Noting a number of problematic pieces within the text - including infringing on free speech and offering vague and ill-defined guidelines - the Kansas City Public Library joined other libraries across the state in promoting a 30-day period for public comment on the proposed rule, encouraging Missourians to review and weigh in with the secretary of state's office.
Having only a matter of weeks to promote the issue, I led the effort to develop a "Speak Up for Libraries" outreach strategy, collaborating with our lead writer on producing copy and talking points, and designing a suite of print and digital materials. I also worked with our website team on creating a page dedicated to the proposed rule, and built special email blasts that went out to the Library's cardholders and stakeholders.
I created staff reference documents and resources to help them promote the public comment period, including printable display signs and letter templates for writing stations. Print materials were distributed to all Library locations; bookmarks were inserted into patron holds, directing them to the secretary of state's website or mailing address. I put together a series of social media graphics that were published throughout the campaign, which were shared widely by patrons. Other state libraries reached out to our team to request use of the materials I developed, since they found the messaging strong and they didn't have the in-house marketing capabilities we had. To help the other libraries, I reworked the original design files to create editable templates and blank versions so they could apply their own branding or other customized messages.
Messaging drew wide coverage by local TV and radio stations, and area publications. The Kansas City Star and other outlets in the state editorialized against the secretary of state’s proposal. The Library's call to action, coordinated with others throughout the state, played a role in ultimately directing nearly 20,000 comments to his office – the most in state's public comment history – with opposing voices greatly outweighing those in favor.
Unfortunately despite overwhelming public opposition and no public hearing held, in May 2023 the secretary of state moved forward with implementing the rule with only slight revisions.
Social Media
I created a series of graphics for use on the Library's social media accounts to promote the deadline for public comments, as well as highlight some of the issues with the secretary of state's proposition, including an extremely low estimate on the costs libraries would incur from creating and developing any new procedures or processes. We also filmed TikTok videos featuring key staff members speaking about the importance of access to information.
Teen Testimonials
One piece of the social media campaign came from the Library's Teen Leaders of Today group, which offered personal insights and comments from the young members about the importance of access to books and their freedom to read. I created a Speak Up for Libraries visual tag to use in these testimonial posts, among others.
In the News
Press coverage of the awareness campaign and the secretary of state's proposed rule garnered much attention during the comment period.
