N.Y. Public Library pitches ads for funds

Irish Sun Wednesday 17th December, 2003

The New York Public Library announced Wednesday its first fundraising advertising campaign with the pitch Take Out -- Give Back.

The campaign suggests a minimum $17 contribution, the average cost of buying a book.

This is the library's pro-active response to the economic turndown, aimed at avoiding drastic reductions from which it could take decades to recover if not immediately addressed, the announcement said.

The new campaign is part of an $18-million fundraising campaign launched last May to protect the library's collections, core programs, and services. Library President Paul LeClerc said in an interview that the new phase of the campaign was designed to reach out to thousands of New Yorkers who research, read, study, and learn at the library every day.

The campaign will include posters and postcards and displays in public libraries throughout the city accompanied by envelopes encouraging library patrons to make a contribution on the spot or later by mail. Contributions can also be made online at nypl.org.