When Harold (Sy) Seymour penned his classic “Designs for Fundraising” in the 1960s, he quoted a clergyman who observed: “The art of fundraising is really the art of good conversation.”

I was reminded of that observation recently during a conversation with Darvin Hawley, former trustee and treasurer of The Library Foundation. Darv remarked that the current environment is indeed challenging. Despite that fact, the library is well-positioned to tell a compelling story.

Darv noted that many of our services are targeted directly to those who are most in need. We offer free programs for families and children. We assist the elderly and the homebound. We’ve just created new informational “neighborhoods” featuring health materials and information on jobs and careers. Our library is a force for good in troubled times.

”... our library is a force for good in troubled times.”

Darv recommends that all library advocates make better use of social situations when we’re engaged in casual conversation with friends and associates. Any open-ended question-such as “How’s your summer going?”-can serve as a springboard for library related conversations.

There is tangible evidence of the library’s impact is all around us. Circulation in the Health Information Neighborhood has been rising an average of 34 percent each month when compared with the same month one year ago. A monthly average of 224 children and young adults received assistance from the coaches and volunteers in the Oveson-Campbell Homework Center. The Center registered an increase in participation of nearly 9 percent during 2008. Overall circulation statistics continue their upward climb, as do the attendance figures at library-sponsored programs, exhibits in the Alice C. Sabatini Art Gallery, and computer training classes.

It turns out that volunteers like you are by far the most powerful-and motivating-communication channel we have. So let’s all follow Darv’s good advice and “talk it up” whenever the opportunity presents itself. The art of good conversation remains at the heart of what we do. We are grateful for the commitment and the passion you bring to your library advocacy.

By Jim McHenry, Director of Development