Happy National Library Week and National Library Workers Day!
This week we celebrate contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote library use.
In two weeks, we celebrate the 38th Annual National Library Legislative Day. National Library Legislative Day is a way to let your voice be heard. Many changes in Congress now contribute to a new political climate in both the House and the Senate. New members need to hear from you and other constituents. The event will take place April 23 and 24 in Washington, D.C. Registration is simple and free at http://www.ala.org/advocacy/register-national-library-legislative-day. Please register by Monday, April 16, 2012. After you register, please contact your state’s National Library Legislative Day (NNLD) coordinator to let them know you are attending. Find your coordinator at http://www.ala.org/advocacy/advleg/nlld/coordinators.
Can’t make it to D.C.? Organize a Contact Congress Party in your community!
Invite patrons and library supporters to your library on April 24th to contact their congresspersons’ offices and promote the value of libraries and librarians. Focus the party on one or more of the following communication tools: cell phones, email, postcards and/or Twitter. This could be a drop-in event, where patrons and supporters stop in at any time during the day to make the calls, emails, etc., or you can choose a particular time and have everyone gather at once. Please keep in mind that congressional offices usually close at 5:00 PM, EDT.
For more information on planning a “Contact Congress Party” along with many other wonderful resources, may be found on the YALSA National Library Legislative Day Wiki, http://wikis.ala.org/yalsa/index.php/National_Library_Legislative_Day.
Register, stay informed and prepare to advocate for well-stocked, professionally staffed libraries. Save the date and vote for libraries! Thank you for all that you do and for being a frontline advocate for libraries.
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