Merchandise is a great way to increase brand awareness for libraries and reward current members or new signups.
Whether it’s presenting at trade shows, rewarding consistency or encouraging kids to embrace the wonderful world of reading there are options available for everyone.
Here are some of the top promotional item ideas for libraries to utilise:
Calico Bags
They’re long-lasting, eco-friendly and most importantly protect the books inside from knocks and tears.
They can be used for holding novels, textbooks, notebooks and whatever else you might need.
Calico bags are a great choice for any library looking to engage with its members.
Bookmarks
This one is a no-brainer.
If you can give them their new favourite bookmark it’s going to do an excellent job at reinforcing your brand whenever the recipient is reading.
They’re also low-cost, making them great for giveaways.
Coffee Mugs
Whether you’re a tea person or a coffee person a good quality coffee mug is going to be appreciated.
A hot beverage and reading a good book is a match made in heaven.
Choose from fully sublimated options for a huge print area or add your logo to popular styles.
Drink Bottles
Staying hydrated is important to staying healthy and focused. Despite this many people are chronically dehydrated.
Drink bottles are a top recommendation for any brand and libraries are no exception.
They can also be reused over and over again making them a great alternative to single-use plastics.
Lapel Pins
Who doesn’t love a good lapel pin?
They’re a fun way to show support or recognise achievements or completions.
They can be worn on clothing, stuck to caps or bags and have a unique style that matches a trendy aesthetic.
Blankets
Cuddling up to a warm blanket and reading that new novel you’ve been waiting for during a cold Winter’s night is something I think we can all appreciate.
These are a popular option, especially heading into the cooler months of the year.
Temporary Tattoos
This one is more targeted at the younger crowd to show that it’s cool to read and engage them at a small cost.
They work great for events or school visits and allow you to get creative with the design.
Eco Notebooks
Handy for taking down important notes, journaling or studying.
A trusty notebook is a must-have for aspiring creatives who need a canvas for channelling their thoughts and ideas.
Socks
You want to be comfy when you’re getting your reading on.
So naturally, socks make the list for great merch ideas.
They work well paired with promotions like membership signups or reaching certain milestones.
Candles
For many, their reading ritual will include lighting a candle and settling in.
So naturally branded candles are a great one to add into the mix.
With some options even allowing you to customise the scent, it’s an effective way to stand out.
Summing Up
These are some of the top ideas for marketing your library and engaging your members to continue their reading journey.
Whether your goal is to encourage kids to take up reading or keep your biggest fans engaged promotional merchandise is a top way to make it happen.
Want to get started in creating some beautiful merchandise for your library or have a question? Speak with one of our team of friendly experts today to begin your journey.
Matt has spent over eight years in Australia’s promotional products industry. As part of the Promotion Products marketing team, he manages product catalogues and content, keeping brands up to date with what’s new and what works. A contributor to the APPA Magazine, Matt brings practical insight into how quality merch helps businesses stand out.