Library Advocates

May 10

National Library Legislative Day 2013

From May 7–8, 2013, more than 350 librarians, patrons, trustees, educators and parents met with members of Congress to discuss key library issues during the American Library Association’s 39th annual National Library Legislative Day. Advocates discussed the need to protect federal library funding and support access to federally-funded scholarly journal articles, among other issues.

If you haven't pestered your elected representatives about library funding yet, tomorrow is the deadline so please call!

Please call your U.S. Senators and ask them to sign a ’Dear Colleague’ letter in support of funding for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

It only takes a few minutes.

Apr 16

Ask your senators to support libraries and sign onto this LSTA letter

LSTA is crucial for libraries because:

LSTA is the primary source of funding for libraries in the federal budget
LSTA helps many public libraries provide services to users that include, but are not limited to: job searches, résumé building help, digital literacy workshops, access to e-government services, etc.

Apr 3

“LSTA funding is crucial for Iowa Libraries. Decorah Public Library currently distributes to over 160 libraries in the state of Iowa much needed large print matter for blind and handicapped. Without LSTA funding small rural library citizens would not be able to enjoy the vast collection of books in large print. Please continue to support these programs with LSTA dollars.” Lorraine Borowski, in our blog’s comment section, emphasizing why we want you to call your congressional representative today and ask them to support library funding.

Apr 2

“I am the director of a small public library. We could not afford the technology we offer our patrons if it had not been for LSTA grants. We rely on these grants to help out our budget. Our budget has been cut and we are trying to keep up with expensive ever-changing technology. Thanks to LSTA grants in the past 15 years, our library has been able to keep up with technology and offer our patrons the best even though we are a small library. We do not have the tax base larger libraries rely on- most of our funding comes from property taxes and with the economy failing we have lost a lot of our funding due to foreclosures etc. Please, please don’t take away LSTA grant funds.” Karen Kahl, in our blog’s comment section, emphasizing why we want you to call your congressional representative today and ask them to support library funding.

Support library funding: Call your U.S. Rep. today

Appropriations season is heating up in Washington, DC and library funding is on the table. Please call your U.S. Representative by April 10 and ask that they sign a “Dear Colleague” letter in support of funding for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

Mar 26

We are seeking your input on library advocacy

The toolkits, templates, trainings and technical assistance we provide aren’t helpful if they aren’t targeted toward your specific interests and needs. We want to know about the policy and funding issues that interest you, any barriers you may face and the tactics and strategies you believe would be most effective in helping you move forward. To help us understand all this better, please complete our survey. It should take no more than 10 minutes.

Our deadline for responses is April 8^th, 2013. Let’s work together to make a difference!

Mar 12

On April 23-24, 2012, over 350 library advocates visited Washington D.C. for National Library Legislative Day. Here is the story of one group from North Carolina.

National Library Legislative Day is coming soon (May 7&8). Are you registered? We’re taking on all library advocates!

Mar 11

Advocates of Pre-K Pushing Cuomo, Obama: “Go To The Library”

Gov. Cuomo wants to expand full-time pre-K education, and President Obama put support for early learning in his State of the Union address. They should both go to the library, according to advocates for using the public library as a key part of the learning process for toddlers to 4-year-olds.

“People have absolutely flocked to their public libraries over the last 10 years. It’s not just during the Great Recession.” Rep. Geoff Diehl, MA State Representative

The American Library Association's Washington Office tumblr. Our reblogs do not necessarily mean endorsements of a position or opinion.