Troy, Michigan was about to lose their library due to funding. Apparently it came down to raising taxes or deciding to close its doors. Generally speaking, people aren't a fan of raising taxes. I know I'm not typically a super huge fan, heh, so it was looking pretty bleak for the library.

A few supporters came up with a genius campaign, unlike any other, so crazy that it just might work...

YouTube Description: The city of Troy, Michigan was facing a budget shortfall, and was considering closing the Troy Public Library for lack of funds. Even though the necessary revenues could be raised through a miniscule tax increase, powerful anti-tax groups in the area were organized against it. A vote was scheduled amongst the city's residents, to shut the library or accept the tax increase, and Leo Burnett Detroit decided to support the library by creating a reverse psychology campaign. Yard signs began appearing that read: "Vote to Close Troy Library on August 2nd - Book Burning Party on August 5th." No one wants to be a part of a town that burns books, and the outraged citizens of Troy pushed back against the "idiotic book burners" and ultimately supported the tax increase, thus ensuring the library's survival.

Brilliant.

Photo Credits: YouTube