Independent advertising agency Venables Bell + Partners has launched The Unbanned Book Club, an initiative that will provide communities in Duval County, FL access to books currently banned and challenged in the local school systems.
The Unbanned Book Club was created in partnership with Little Free Library, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access through a global network of free book exchange boxes. Utilizing its network, The Unbanned Book Club consists of a collection of custom-branded Little Free Libraries containing books currently banned and challenged in local schools. Publishers HarperCollins and Penguin Random House have donated these books free of charge.
“An unprecedented number of books have been banned and challenged in America in recent years, silencing authors with diverse viewpoints and eliminating the chance for readers to feel seen and represented in their stories,” said Greig Metzger, executive director of Little Free Library. “At our core as an organization, we are book lovers who believe deeply in the power of books to share unique ideas and perspectives and ultimately enhance our human experience, understanding, and appreciation for one another. The Unbanned Book Club aims to keep these voices and opportunities for connection alive. We’re grateful for the VB+P team’s leadership in bringing this effort to life and for HarperCollins and Penguin Random House’s generous support and donation of over 500 books for the Unbanned Book Club. We’re hopeful that together, along with involvement and support of citizens who feel strongly about these issues also, we can make a difference.”
Initial Unbanned Book Club libraries are distributed in Jacksonville, FL. They will be managed in collaboration with 904WARD, a nonprofit organization committed to creating a community of inclusion for all Jacksonville residents.
Jacksonville is located within Duval County, FL, a region that has banned and/or challenged over 150 books in local schools over the past two years; however, similar restrictions exist in over 30 states across America. An additional 200 custom kits, including two banned books for distribution in Little Free Libraries and Unbanned Book Club branded materials, will soon be available for Little Free Library’s community members.
“A core mission guides The Unbanned Book Club: When they ban books in schools, we un-ban them in the communities,” said Byron Del Rosario, group creative director at VB+P. “With schools now out for the summer, there is an opportunity for local communities to embrace all literary voices and perspectives. This issue is vitally important, and we are honored to help make this initiative happen.”
Taproom Studios and Optimyst produced this video which promotes The Unbanned Book Club initiative. Animator on the flip book video was Luke Davisson of Optimyst.
CreditsClient Little Free Library Greig Metzger, executive director; Sharon Gifford, director of corporate partnerships; Margret Aldrich, director of communications; Shelby King, director of programs; Scot Wirth, director of operations; Talia Miracle, program manager; Dan Sheridan, product operations manager. Agency Venables Bell + Partners Will McGinness, chief creative officer; Brittni Hutchins, chief growth officer; Byron Del Rosario, group creative director; Ryan Hoercher, associate creative director; Breauna Abiad, copywriter; Haley Renschen, art director; Pakkavadee “Polly” Graham, designer; Dani Saputo, sr. designer; Hilary Coate, head of integrated production; Lexi Alaga, integrated producer; Madeline Fox, associate manager, production/post operations; Brandy Kennedy, people, experience & DEI manager. Production Taproom Studios Michelle Wells, art production lead; Jennifer Trull, sr. studio specialist; Jason Bridges, video & audio editor; Destiny Thomas, social strategist. Production Optimyst Luke Davisson, animator; Sam Tarde, exec producer. (Toolbox: After Effects) Music Jason Bridges, composer. Vendors Steven Cross, Colorbar Graphic Construction, flip book printer; Nancy Swan, Touchstone, kit and swag vendor.
NHS England, M&C Saatchi UK, Director Tom Tagholm Team On PSA Highlighting The Overlooked Signs Of A Stroke
National Health Service (NHS) England has unveiled a multichannel campaign, “Act FAST,” to raise awareness of the individual signs of a stroke and get people to call 999 as soon as they suspect they may be experiencing any one symptom. The push, which is part of the ongoing “Help Us, Help You” campaign, was developed in partnership with M&C Saatchi UK.
The campaign depicts everyday situations where everything might seem relatively normal, but where there’s the sign of someone experiencing a stroke.
A key component of the campaign is this :30--directed by Tom Tagholm of Various Films--which sets up the idea that initially, a stroke might not seem like much, highlighting key symptoms: from struggling to use a paint roller, to not being able to smile when watching TV, to slurring your speech when reading a story to your grandchild. The PSA emphasizes that time is critical, ending with the line: “Face or arm or speech, at the first sign, it’s time to call 999.”
Jo Bacon, Group CEO, M&C Saatchi UK, said, “We want to ensure people take action on the first symptom, rather than waiting for more conclusive signs. To help them understand that even when everything seems normal, something serious might be happening.”
Matt Lee, executive creative director, M&C Saatchi UK, commented: “This is important work. We wanted to explore that precise moment when your world shifts, quietly yet powerfully, off its axis during a stroke. We highlight how a tiny external moment can actually be seismic—an extraordinary gear change, framed in a really ordinary way.”
Director Tagholm shared, “My Dad suffered a stroke a few years ago and was saved from the worst by acting quickly, and by the work of the NHS. So there’s... Read More