July is one of the busiest and most exciting months on the library calendar. Schools are on summer break, families are looking for educational activities, college students are preparing for the fall semester, and communities are searching for ways to stay connected. It is also an excellent opportunity for libraries to remind the public that they are much more than places to borrow books—they are centers for learning, creativity, technology, and community engagement.
Whether you work in a public or academic library, July offers countless opportunities to promote your services and strengthen relationships with your community.
- Celebrate Summer Reading
For many public libraries, July is the peak of Summer Reading.
Promote:
Reading challenges for children, teens, and adults
Weekly performers and special guests
Craft programs
Storytimes
STEM activities
Reading prizes and incentives
Volunteer opportunities for teens
Remember that many people may not realize your library offers programs for adults as well as children. Highlight author talks, book clubs, genealogy workshops, technology classes, and wellness programs.
- Highlight Digital Resources
Summer is a great time to remind patrons they can use the library anywhere.
Promote resources such as:
eBooks
Audiobooks
Streaming movies
Online magazines
Language learning
Genealogy databases
Consumer information
Homework resources
Career development tools
Many libraries spend significant portions of their budgets on digital collections, yet these resources are often underused simply because patrons don’t know they exist.
- Promote Library Cards
July is a wonderful month to encourage new library card registrations.
Share stories about what a library card provides access to:
Books
Digital collections
Computers
Wi-Fi
Makerspaces
Museum passes (if available)
Online learning platforms
Community events
Rather than simply saying “Get a Library Card,” explain the value that comes with it.
- Showcase Staff Expertise
Libraries succeed because of knowledgeable staff members.
Introduce employees through social media, newsletters, or your website by sharing:
Staff recommendations
Favorite books
Professional expertise
Behind-the-scenes work
Interesting facts about their jobs
Helping patrons get to know library staff builds trust and creates stronger community connections.
- Prepare Students for the New School Year
Although school may still be weeks away, July is the perfect time to promote resources that support learning.
Public libraries can highlight:
Homework help
Tutoring resources
Children’s databases
Teacher collections
School supply drives
Student library cards
Academic libraries can begin promoting:
Orientation events
Research assistance
Study spaces
Technology lending
Citation help
Library instruction sessions
Early communication helps students feel more prepared when classes begin.
- Promote Technology Services
Many patrons still don’t realize everything libraries offer beyond books.
Consider highlighting:
Public computers
Printing services
Wireless internet
Mobile hotspots
Technology classes
Makerspaces
3D printing
Podcast or media labs
Scanning and digitization services
Every technology success story demonstrates that libraries continue to evolve alongside community needs.
- Recognize National and Local Events
July offers many opportunities to connect library services with community celebrations.
Examples include:
Independence Day
Local festivals
Community celebrations
Parks and recreation programs
Farmer’s markets
Historical anniversaries
Cultural heritage events
Partnering with local organizations often expands your audience while strengthening community relationships.
- Share Success Stories
One of the best forms of marketing is simply telling people how the library makes a difference.
Share stories about:
Children learning to read
Adults finding employment
Students completing research projects
Seniors learning technology
Families attending programs together
Local authors visiting the library
People connect with stories far more than statistics.
- Promote Upcoming Fall Programs
July is an ideal time to begin creating excitement for August and September.
Preview:
Fall lecture series
Book clubs
Library classes
Community events
New services
Special exhibits
Building anticipation helps improve attendance and gives patrons something to look forward to.
Keep Telling Your Library’s Story
One of the greatest marketing challenges libraries face is not a lack of services—it’s a lack of awareness.
Many patrons only see the small portion of library work that happens when they walk through the front door. They may never realize the planning, outreach, technology support, educational programming, collection development, community partnerships, grant writing, instructional services, and behind-the-scenes work that make libraries essential community institutions.
That is why consistent communication matters.
Every newsletter, Facebook post, Instagram photo, website update, blog article, press release, or short video helps educate your community about the value of its library. Libraries should not assume patrons know everything they offer. Instead, every communication is an opportunity to answer an important question:
“What did the library do this week that improved someone’s life?”
When libraries regularly share their impact, they build stronger public support, increase program attendance, encourage new library card registrations, and reinforce the library’s role as one of the community’s most trusted institutions.
The more people understand what libraries do, the more likely they are to use their services, advocate for funding, volunteer, donate, and become lifelong supporters.
Final Thoughts
July is a month full of possibilities. From Summer Reading and digital resources to technology training and community partnerships, libraries have countless stories worth sharing.
Don’t let those stories go untold.
Every program you offer, every question you answer, every student you help, and every family you welcome contribute to the library’s mission of educating, informing, and entertaining the community. By making your work visible through thoughtful and consistent marketing, you help ensure that your library remains an indispensable resource for years to come.
Curtis Rogers Consulting, LLC 