Philanthrosphere®, Heurista’s online platform for interconnected storytelling, was recently launched at the Topeka Shawnee County Public Library. Awarded Library of the Year in 2016, the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library serves as a bustling community hub. The library has a long, rich history in the area and features a 100,000 square-foot addition designed by architect Michael Graves.

The newly renovated lobby includes a 65” flatscreen dedicated, appropriately, to telling the library’s own story. Powered by Philanthrosphere®, the screen presents a program of billboard messages – quick and colorful statements that use the Library’s brand identity to set the tone and scope of the content. These images include scrolling donor and volunteer lists that replace older displays retired during a recent lobby renovation. This presentation is accompanied by a 12.9” iPad in kiosk mode so individuals can browse the facilities, donors, history, and plans for the future, without interrupting the slide show on the larger screen. All content is easy to design and can be remotely updated within the system by admin-level users.

Public access to a large and growing archive of information about the Library, the Library Foundation and the Friends of the Library is available through the public website, donor.tscpl.org. Online access gives leadership, fundraisers, and supporters of the library the ability to tour and share the content from any location and to post links to specific content on social media.

The following links will access some of the notable features about this presentation:

• Search or browse content organized by client-specific categories

• Tour featured stories, including examples with video and links

• Visit a donor profile to access recognition and other stories specific to that individual

• Read about the recent campaign to fund Claire’s Courtyard and tour the brick locations

• Learn about Leaves in the Atrium, a past campaign and the donors that supported it

• Identify ways to give, such as the Matching Gifts Program

Working closely with The Library Foundation, Heurista provided consultation and design for the project, working closely with the client to create the stories, gather the information, format visuals and lists, and produce a unique virtual visitor experience that is one-of-a-kind and useful to patrons and donors to the Library.

To learn more about the variety of storytelling possible using this platform, please visit the Philanthrosphere® website, where you can link through to other examples, including the demo.philanthroshere.com online experience. For a guided tour, to answer questions, or to explore how this product might work for your online storytelling and recognition needs, please use the online contact form or call us at 828.505.7002.