Building Stronger Libraries with Branded Tools

Advertising BIC Corporate Gifts Custom Merchandise Education Giveaways Your Logo

 

Libraries Do More Than Lend Books

Libraries are the heart of every community, and they do far more than just lend out books. They’re Wi-Fi hubs, safe havens, study zones, story time stages, resume stations, and imagination incubators. They’re where kids fall in love with reading, where teens find a quiet corner, and where adults rediscover the joy of learning something new. And while librarians are busy juggling a thousand tasks with superhero precision, one quiet tool is helping bring it all together: promotional products.

Pens, bookmarks, tote bags, and book lights are not just cute extras. They are powerful tools that help libraries grow their programs, spread their message, and stay top-of-mind with the people they serve. When a child gets a custom bookmark with their first library card, or a student wins a branded book light during Red Ribbon Week, it’s more than just a prize. It’s a connection. Promotional products help libraries stay visible, feel memorable, and give people a reason to return. In a world full of distractions, that kind of engagement matters more than ever.

 

 

 

 

Why Custom Bookmarks Matter for Libraries

Getting a library card is the golden ticket, but keeping people coming back? Now, that takes some serious magic. Enter the unsung hero of library swag: the full-color custom bookmark. Handed out with each new card, this little piece of cardstock packs a punch. Libraries can splash their logo, contact info, reading challenge slogans, or upcoming event dates right onto it, turning a simple moment into something memorable. Kids clutch them like tiny trophies, and adults casually slip them into whatever book they’re devouring next. It’s hands down one of the smartest, most affordable, and downright useful promo items a library can have.

But here is the real kicker: these bookmarks are way more than freebies. They are sneaky little heroes slipping into backpacks like undercover agents, lounging on nightstands like loyal sentinels, and proudly waving their spot in books like tiny flags. They are on a secret mission to remind everyone that the library is not just a place. It is a vibe, a community, and a welcome mat that is always out. Every time someone reaches for one, it sparks curiosity and invites them back for more. In this way, a simple bookmark becomes a powerful link between readers and their library.

 

 

 

Fun Freebies, Big Impact

Setting up a dedicated section in the library filled with fun promotional giveaways is a smart way to engage visitors and spread your brand. Items like branded bubble dispensers, push-pop cube fidget toys, and spirodoodler toys are inexpensive, playful freebies that appeal to students, kids, and customers alike. Placing this section in a highly accessible spot encourages people to stop by, grab a fun item, and leave with a positive impression. These giveaways not only bring smiles but also get your logo out into the community in a memorable way. It is a simple, cost-effective strategy that keeps your library top of mind while making every visitor’s experience a little brighter.

 

 

 

Red Ribbon Week, Book Fairs, and Why Promos Work

Events like Red Ribbon Week, school-wide book fairs, author visits, and reading challenges are golden opportunities to connect with new faces and welcome back old friends. The libraries that come prepared with something cool in hand do not just show up, they steal the show.

Imagine this: a school librarian passing out branded BIC Gel Intensity pens at the very start of a reading campaign, sparking excitement with every click. A table piled high with library-logo zipper tote bags that families grab eagerly, ready to haul their new favorite reads home. Volunteers handing out custom bendable book lights clipped to bookmarks, rewarding every kid who conquers their reading log like a champion. These goodies do double duty. They help readers dive deeper into stories and quietly spread the word that this library means business.

 

 

 

Public Libraries Need Visibility, and Promos Help

Public libraries depend on being seen and loved by their communities. Not everyone notices a flyer stuck to a wall, and not everyone scrolls through Facebook. But almost everyone spots a branded pen or a tote bag in real life. These little giveaways do big work. They start conversations, catch eyes, and remind people that the library is still alive and kicking.

A library tote bag isn’t just a bag. It’s the perfect sidekick for grocery runs, trips to the farmer’s market, or school pickup lines. It keeps the library’s name out there without spending a fortune. Because these bags get used again and again, they spread the word much farther than a poster ever could. Pens, bookmarks, tote bags, and book lights don’t just sit in the background. They show what libraries really are: places full of access, imagination, community, and care.

 

 

 

School Libraries Have to Stand Out Too

School libraries today are battling the big, bad beasts of screens, short attention spans, and jam-packed student schedules. But the savviest librarians know a little secret: the right small giveaway can light a fire of excitement that no tablet can match. Branded bookmarks turn into tiny trophies kids proudly show off. Pens feel like gold medals in disguise. Custom bendable book lights transform into high-tech sidekicks that make reading feel like an adventure. These products are far from fluff. They are the magic wands that keep the library top of mind, even when life gets hectic.

At events like Literacy Night or Read Across America, these giveaways do not just fill hands. They create memories that stick. Students are way more likely to remember a library that hands them something real to hold onto, a little treasure that says, “You belong here.”

 

 

 

 

Don’t Forget the Bookstores

Bookstores and libraries might play different roles, but they are really on the same team, connecting people to the magic of books. Indie bookstores that team up with libraries for events or reading programs are creating something special, and co-branded promo products are the secret sauce. Imagine families walking out with a tote bag stamped with both logos, ready to carry home a stack of new favorites. Picture bookmarks featuring both names slipped into every purchase, sparking curiosity and pride. And do not forget the custom BIC Gel Intensity pens handed out at checkout, boldly declaring “Support Local Reading” while scribbling down the next great idea. Together, these items do not just promote books, they build a vibrant, united reading culture that keeps everyone coming back for more.

 

 

 

Keeping Libraries Visible

In the library world, budgets are watched carefully, so every giveaway has to be worth it. That is why the best libraries use custom promotional products that are useful, branded, and aligned with their mission. A bookmark helps someone keep their place, a tote encourages repeat visits, a book light keeps a kid reading just ten minutes longer, and a pen writes a homework answer or signs a job application. These items may seem small, but together they help libraries grow, stay visible, and most importantly, send a clear message: libraries remain vital, welcoming, and ready to serve everyone in the community.

When chosen with intention, promotional products extend a library’s reach far beyond its walls. They turn everyday items into tools for literacy, discovery, and community pride. They also help start conversations, create memories, and strengthen relationships. A branded item can live on a desk, in a backpack, or on a fridge as a daily reminder of the library’s value. These thoughtful touches turn passive visitors into loyal supporters.

Your library has a story worth sharing, and the right promotional products can help you tell it. Explore our customizable options and start creating items that speak volumes.

 

Quote
{{qp_count}}
Shopping Cart
Interested in buying promotional products and have questions for us? Then the Quote Cart is perfect for you! Click the "Request Quote" button on any product page to start requesting your quote. Make sure to let us know any additional details in the questions section.
Loading Quote Items
You have not yet added any products to your cart yet. Time to start shopping! :)
If you have more than one ordering account, you may have created a shopping cart in a different account. You can toggle between your ordering accounts below:
Active Ordering Account:
Contact Us
(800) 338-7996
Contact Us Options
<< Back
Phone Numbers
(800) 338-7996 Toll Free
(615) 991-4000 Local Phone
Fax Numbers
(866) 323-8381 Fax
(615) 246-4198 Local Fax
Contact Us Form
<< Back
Physical / Mailing Address:
Executive Advertising
181 E. Main St.
Ste 4
Hendersonville, TN 37075
<< Back
Contact Us Form
First Name:*
Please provide a First Name.
Last Name:*
Please provide a Last Name.
Phone:
Email:*
Please provide a valid Email.
What can we help with?*
 Product
 Existing Order
 Other
What product are you inquiring about?
{{($select.selected.prd_name+ ' (#'+$select.selected.part_number+')')}}
+ {{viewed_product.prd_name+' (#'+viewed_product.prd_id+')'}}
What is your Order Number?*
{{contFrm.order.ord_grp_num}} {{contFrm.order.created_on | dateToISO | date:'MM/dd/yyyy'}}
{{contFrm.order.old_ordernumber}} {{contFrm.order.created_on | dateToISO | date:'MM/dd/yyyy'}}
+ 323455 ({{recentOrder.created_on | dateToISO | date:'MM/dd/yyyy' }})
323455 ({{orderproduct.created_on | dateToISO | date:'MM/dd/yyyy' }})
Load more orders
Please select an order.
to request help with an Order
Questions/Comments:*
Please provide Questions/Comments.
<< Back
Glossary
Production Time
A standard production time for each product is listed on each product page. Production times may vary depending on decoration methods, number of locations, and product type. Production time do not include shipping transit times or artwork proofing times. On each product page you can enter your shipping zip code and see how long it takes for your order to be produced and ship to your location. Rush production options may also be available.
Report a Problem
First Name:*
Please provide a First Name.
Last Name:*
Please provide a Last Name.
Phone:
Email:
Order #:
{{rpc.report_problem.order_item_no}}
How can we help you today?
{{$select.selected.order_problem_topic}}
{{aq_row.additional_question_title}}
This can be an exact number, or you may wish to inspect a small batch of your items and check for a percentage that is affected.
To help expedite the claim, and show consistency in the issues described, please include a couple group images showing multiple items (5-10 if possible) within the photos.
{{f.name}} x x Delete File
{{f.progress}}%
Please upload an image or video in one of the following formats: bmp, png, jpg, jpeg, gif, psd, ps, tiff, tif, ai, eps, svg, mp4, avi, mov, flv, wmv
Cancel
{{rpc.inprogress ? 'Sending...' : 'Submit Question'}}
Provide your Feedback
We've recently launched a new website, and we'd love to get your feedback! Let us know your thoughts on how we can improve your customer experience.
Give our new website a rating:

{{addedComment}}

Share your thoughts on our website:

Cancel
Send
Comment Sent. Thank you!
Click here to view our company's terms of sales.

This website uses cookies

We use cookies when you visit our website that can recognize, collect, and transmit information that is associated with you, but which does not personally identify you. Read our Privacy Policy.