Extra Mile Design worked with the library to develop this successful PR campaign. We authored this press release and distributed it to over 200 libraries and media outlets.

The "Look here first." campaign won multiple awards in the 2003 MLA's PR Contest, including a first in the Coordinated Campaign category.

The Framingham Public Library Introduces: "Look Here First"

New Program Gives People Practical Information On Personal Finance, Health & Wellness, Small Business Development, and Home Improvement.

May 10, 2002/Framingham, Mass.—The Framingham Public Library is pleased to present Look Here First, a new program designed to make practical information easily accessible to the Framingham community. Look Here First is the result of a federally funded $28,000 grant awarded by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. The project's goal is to remind the community that, among the confusing array of informational sources available today, the library is the best place to check first when seeking practical information on any subject.

Features of the program include a cluster of four new computers as well as expanded resources and educational workshops on four key topics of interest: personal finance, health and wellness, small business development and home improvement.

Each month, the library will feature special programs and displays on one of the selected topics. In addition, the library staff has compiled comprehensive resource lists to help people get started with information searches. The new resource lists contain suggestions of books, reference materials, magazines, web sites and databases with reliable and useful information.

The cluster of new computers is equipped with Internet-access workstations and features regularly scheduled workshops on how to use the Internet to find information. Both the computers and the workshops are available to the public free of charge.

"People are often surprised at the extent to which we can help them 2nd the information they need and the range of resources we have available," says Mary Wasmuth, Collection Development Librarian. "Many people think of the library as a source for recreational reading, but it is actually a vital source of practical information for the community."

The Framingham Public Library is a member of the Minuteman Library Network, giving library card-holders 24-hour access to a vast array of resources from home. Through the network, users can search for and borrow materials from over 40 member libraries and download full-text articles from thousands of periodicals.

According to Elise MacLennan, Assistant Director, "Framingham Library is a great place to get practical information for every stage of your life. Whether you are looking for information on college planning, physical fitness, wedding etiquette, buying a house, purchasing a camcorder or retiring right, the library has the range of resources and an experienced staff to help you use them. We want to help!"

Upcoming workshops at the Framingham Library include: "Using Color in your Home" on May 22 and "The Art and Science of Interviewing Well" on June 4. Internet workshops will also be held for Job Hunting on May 1, Health and Wellness on May 14 and Personal Finance on May 20.

Look Here First is the result of a $28,000 LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) grant, funded by the federal government and awarded by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners in July 2001. The goal of the program is to enhance the library's resources, technology infrastructure and excellence in service to the community. Community awareness and outreach strategies for the Look Here First program were facilitated by Susan Edwards of Extra Mile Design in Pepperell, MA.

About the Framingham Public Library
The Framingham Public Library holds 234,000 books, 19,800 tapes and CDs, 13,000 videos and DVDs, and 460 magazine and newspaper subscriptions. Last year, library users checked out more than 872,000 items and got answers to 79,000 reference questions.

For more information on almost anything, check out the library's web site at framinghamlibrary.org, call (508) 879-3570, or visit the library for free access to the Internet and personal assistance by a staff librarian. The Main Library is at 49 Lexington Street, and the Malice Branch Library, at 10 Nicholas Road, Framingham.