The Seattle Public Library is seeking 16 print ads to increase usage of its main branch and library system overall. Usage has dropped off at the main branch and neighborhood branches have not excited people as much as hoped. The library needs to be seen as cool, current, and a place where people can find out about anything. The ads must promote this message on a limited budget without paid photography or stock images, instead focusing on a tone that is open, inviting, and highlights the library's innovative spirit.

1. Creative Brief 4
Intermediate Copywriting
winter 2007
Assignment: Create 16 print ads.
CLIENT
Seattle Public Library (http://www.spl.org/)
SITUATION
After the initial buzz, usage at the downtown library has dropped off. Meanwhile, the new and
renovated neighborhood branches haven’t excited people as much as hoped, despite interesting and
dramatic design. More people are using the web to get information. Or simply not reading at all. To
increase use and maintain its current budget, the library needs people to think it’s cool and current.
OBJECTIVES
Primary: Increase number of visitors to the main branch.
Secondary: Get more people to use Seattle’s library system, both branch locations and on the Web.
AUDIENCE
General population. Men and women 14-90. Anyone who reads, anyone who’s curious, anyone who
has a question. Researchers, and it doesn’t matter if you’re just after today’s news or writing a
dissertation. If it helps, feel free to target your demographic in the various ads you create, meaning
some of your ads can target people 65 to 85 while others might target teenagers.
STRATEGY / MAIN THOUGHT
You should use the Seattle Public Library because you can find out about anything.
PROOF
In its mission statement, the Seattle Public Library says it wants to be the most responsive library in
the world to its customers. They have free wireless, you can request books from any library anywhere,
and librarians will try to answer any question you ask. The modern architecture of both the downtown
location and the new neighborhood branches symbolizes innovation, technology, and responsiveness.
CONSIDERATIONS
The library doesn’t have much money. They can’t pay for a photo shoot, and they may not be able to
afford stock, either. They have limited shots of their branches. This cannot be a visual solution.
MANDATORIES
Name and logo
Web address
PERSONALITY / TONALITY
Open, inviting, egalitarian. Traditionally, libraries are thought of as dowdy and old school. However,
the Seattle Public Library wants to be smart, progressive, and innovative. Not radical, but prepared to
fight for the cause.