The public to receive extensive information on resources available in libraries

Riga, 16 December 2007
On 17 December, Kultūras informācijas sistēmas, within the framework of the public library development project, will launch an extensive public information campaign about the resources available in libraries. The aim of the campaign will be to let the public know about the changes which have already been made, and will be made at public libraries, and to encourage certain target groups to utilise those resources to improve their quality of life. Free broadband internet, new computer equipment and trained staff are just some of the new benefits which will distinguish every one of Latvia’s 874 libraries in the future.

The campaigns will be run by a team of suppliers – the TBWA\Latvia advertising agency and PR agency MRS Grupa, in cooperation with media agency OMD Latvia. The team entered and won an open outline tender for public communication services. All the campaigns will be run under a single brand, especially created for the public library development project. 

FOR THE ATTENTION OF THE MEDIA
Please participate in our media events during which Kultūras informācijas sistēmas and campaign-concept authors Mārtiņš Ķibilds (TBWA\Latvia) and Leonarda Ķestere (MRS Grupa) will present the campaign’s identity. 

Public library development project information campaign media presentations:
17-20 December 2007

Monday 17.12.2007,14.00 Valmiera
Valmiera Integrated Library
Cēsu iela 4, Valmiera 

Tuesday 18.12.2007, 11.00 Riga
Riga Central Library, Foreign languages branch
Kr.Valdemāra iela 5, Riga, Kongresu nams 

Wednesday 19.12.2007, 11.00 Liepaja
Liepaja Central Academic Library
Zivju iela 7, Liepaja 

Wednesday 19.12.2007, 16.00 Jelgava
Jelgava Academic Library
Akadēmijas iela 26, Jelgava 

Thursday 20.12.2007, 14.00 Daugavpils
Daugavpils Children’s Library
Mihoelsa iela 58, Daugavpils 

Regarding Latvia’s municipal public library development project 

Last November, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation granted Latvia US$16.2 million for the development of information technology in municipal public libraries. Latvia’s municipal public library development project which, in addition to the grant and Latvian State co-financing, received a donation of software to the value of US$7.9 million from Microsoft, is being implemented by the Culture Ministry’s State Agency Kultūras informācijas sistēmas. A public integration and information campaign about library development is one of the most important provisions of the cooperation between the Foundation and Latvia. 

Further information:
Kaspars Rūklis,
Public Relations Manager
V/A Kultūras informācijas sistēmas
Telephone: 7844885, 29405048; e-mail: kaspars.ruklis@kis.gov.lv