Today the New York Public Library becomes the first library in the world to offer a foursquare badge. The “NYPL Centennial Badge” celebrates the upcoming 100th anniversary of the library’s iconic Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on 42nd St.
Foursquare users who follow the NYPL on foursquare and check in to either three different NYPL venues or five times at the same library location will unlock the badge. Badge holders will receive a complimentary one-year Foursquare Friends Membership that entitles them to several exclusive members-only perks. Foursquare users who check in 10 times will be rewarded with a photo opportunity in front of the Trustees Room fireplace made famous on film in The Day After Tomorrow.
Library mayors could be selected to win other rewards, including:
- Tickets to a LIVE from the NYPL event (monthly drawing)
- A tour of the Map Division
“The NYPL has been a New York institution for 100 years, and it’s pretty amazing to see them starting their next 100 by embracing new ways to reach their fans,” said Dennis Crowley, co-founder of foursquare. “We hope the partnership will introduce even more people to all The Library has to offer.”
This badge is a great way to combine the library’s history with its deep ties to social media. Rewarding users through foursquare is a great way for the library to connect with their most frequent visitors and other New Yorkers who may not be as familiar with their offerings.
What do you think of the new partner badge from the NYPL?
/Photo CC licensed on Flickr by shibainu
#1 by Spike on March 30, 2011 - 9:17 am
Is there a timeline for this?
#2 by Chris Thompson on March 30, 2011 - 10:21 am
I believe it will be active later today.
#3 by Spike on March 30, 2011 - 5:45 pm
I’m sorry. I meant, how long is this running for?
#4 by sal on March 30, 2011 - 9:27 am
*runs to the public library*
#5 by vincent on March 30, 2011 - 10:17 am
I love this. Im returning a book today. Ill checkin while I am there.
#6 by Joe on March 30, 2011 - 10:23 am
Love the design of it. Great looking one.
#7 by Dash4 on March 30, 2011 - 10:53 am
The badge lion Look like the Singapore Lion ! LOL
#8 by Michael on March 30, 2011 - 11:03 am
I hope the timeline is for this entire year. Three trips to New York is doable since I’ll be in New York in late April already.
#9 by Jessie on March 30, 2011 - 11:13 am
Love this! Can’t wait to get the badge!
#10 by KoKo MC on March 30, 2011 - 11:19 am
anyone unlock this Badge??
#11 by Natalia on March 30, 2011 - 2:49 pm
And it is only unlockable in the US, right?
#12 by Ching Yu on March 30, 2011 - 3:49 pm
Revenge of the Librarians.
#13 by NK13 on March 30, 2011 - 4:06 pm
“The NYPL badge can be earned between March 30 and June 30, 2011 during business hours of the respective location.”
from The official NYPL rules to earn this badge
http://www.nypl.org/press/press-release/2011/03/30/nypl-and-foursquare
#14 by Mike on March 30, 2011 - 6:26 pm
It’s active now!
#15 by KoKo MC on March 30, 2011 - 8:17 pm
Hey Guys! . . I got it . . Thx a lot
#16 by Joe Waters on March 31, 2011 - 9:36 pm
Does anyone have any info on whether the library paid anything for the badge. I had heard that some nonprofits are being charged up to $15k for 4sq badges. True or untrue?
Joe
@joewaters
#17 by Chris Thompson on March 31, 2011 - 9:53 pm
I honestly don’t know, Joe. I can’t imagine the library paid that kind of money for it, though. They’ve recently cut their hours due to budget cuts, so throwing $15K at a badge would be a terrible PR move.
#18 by Sharon on April 1, 2011 - 6:33 pm
Awesome! I always go to the library
#19 by Brian Reeves on April 18, 2011 - 3:06 am
I am actually disappointed…they had a great opportunity to also add that someone could check in 10-20 times at their local library to earn the badge to show support for public libraries in general…with a whole country using foursquare, seems a bit egocentric to specifically target New York for a badge. Sorry all of you poor people that cannot fly to New York just to earn a badge…sucks to be you! ; )