#nlld17

[libraryadvocates]

Take action for libraries: webinar - District Dispatch

New webinar from the ALA Grassroots subcommittee will share advocacy advice for librarians hoping to get involved in advocacy.

Have you ever asked, “How do I become an advocate for libraries?” Have you ever wondered what National Library Legislative Day (NLLD) is, and how it impacts libraries? Have you ever thought, “What I can do to advocate for libraries from home?”

The COL Grassroots subcommittee is presenting a free webinar entitled Take Action For Libraries: Advocating for Libraries at National Library Legislative Day. The webinar will take place on Monday, September 11, 2:00p (EST). Seasoned NLLD state coordinators from across the country will share their experiences at NLLD. Our guests will discuss advocacy best practices as well as tips on how to advocate from home.

[fandomforward]

Want to help draw much needed attention to the fight for libraries? Join the Thunderclap to alert Congress about how we all feel about keeping our Libraries funded. By joining the Thunderclap, together we can alert all corners of the internet at the same time about this serious issue. Click the link and join the cause!

[libraryadvocates]

It’s National Library Legislative Day!

If you love libraries, please join us in reminding Congress just how they are to the communities they support.

Today, call your Senators and ask them to sign the Dear Appropriator letters supporting the Library Services and Technology Act and the Innovative Approaches to Literacy program. These programs amount to more than $210 million in federal funding for libraries and play a key role in enabling libraries to do important in communities across the country.

Given the President’s proposal to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and virtually all other library funding sources, the support of both your Senators is more important than ever.

Ready to contact your Senators? Head over to Fight for Libraries to find background information and talking point.

[libraryadvocates]

#NLLD17 roundup - District Dispatch

A recap of National Library Legislative Day 2017, held in Washington, D.C. on May 1-2, 2017. Catch up on the coverage by following the tag #NLLD17.

Check out our roundup of National Library Legislative Day, or check out other coverage:

Librarians Take Capitol Hill – Publishers Weekly

Advocacy in Critical Times – American Libraries

The Interconnectivity of Library Advocacy – YALSA

NLLD17: The Message, Ask, and Takeaways – Knowledge Quest

State librarian meeting with Idaho congressional delegation, with Idaho’s fed $ for libraries at risk. –  ID Spokesman Review

Jeanes librarian headed to National Library Legislative Day. – PA Colonial

Washington State Librarian urges Congress to support library funding. – WA Reporter

The Internet and Libraries: Improving Infrastructure for Economic Opportunity. – Morning Consult

Montana Goes to Washington. – American Libraries

Federal Budget Compromise Keeps—and Boosts—IMLS Funding. – Library Journal

Ready to become a library advocate? Head to Fight for Libraries for more information or head straight to the Action Center for talking points and pre-written scripts.

[libraryadvocates]

Did you miss out on Hina Shamsi’s keynote during National Library Legislative Day 2017? Never fear - it was recorded! You can find it and the issue briefing delivered by ALA Washington Office staff on the ALA YouTube channel.

And don’t forget - there’s still time to help us fight for federal library funding. Call your Senators today and ask them to sign the “Dear Appropriator” letters supporting the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and the Innovative Approaches to Libraries (IAL) program. Visit ala.org/takeaction for talking points and a call script!

[libraryadvocates]

Top 5 myths about National Library Legislative Day

Originally published by American Libraries in Cognotes during ALA Midwinter 2017.

Only librarians can attend. This event is open to the public and anyone who loves libraries – students, business owners, stay-at-home moms, just plain library enthusiasts – has a story to tell. Those firsthand stories are critical to conveying to members of Congress and their staffs just how important libraries are to their constituents.

Only policy and legislative experts should attend. While some attendees have been following library legislative issues for many years, many are first time advocates. We provide a full day of training to ensure that participants have the most up-to-date information and can go into their meetings on Capitol Hill fully prepared to answer questions and convey key talking points.

I’m not allowed to lobby. The IRS has developed guidelines so that nonprofit groups and private citizens can advocate legally. Even if you are a government appointee, there are ways you can advocate on issues important to libraries and help educate elected officials about the important work libraries do. Still concerned? The National Council of Nonprofits has resources to help you.

My voice won’t make a difference. From confirming the new Librarian of Congress in 2016 to limiting mass surveillance under the USA FREEDOM Act in 2015 to securing billions in federal support for library programs over many decades, your voice combined with other dedicated library advocates’ has time and again defended the rights of the people we serve and moved our elected officials to take positive action. This can’t be done without you!

I can’t participate if I don’t go to D.C. Although having advocates in D.C. to personally visit every Congressional office is hugely beneficial – and is itself a powerful testimony to librarian’s commitment to their communities –  you can participate from home. During Virtual Library Legislative Day you can help effectively double the impact of National Library Legislative Day by calling, emailing or tweeting Members of Congress using the same talking points carried by onsite NLLD participants.

[libraryadvocates]

NLLD 2017 keynote announced

We are happy to announce the keynote speaker for National Library Legislative Day 2017! Hina Shamsi, director of the ACLU National Security Project, will be joining us in Washington, D.C. on May 1, 2017. The National Security Project is dedicated to ensuring that U.S. national security policies and practices are consistent with the Constitution, civil liberties, and human rights.

According to the ACLU website, Shamsi has:

litigated cases upholding the freedoms of speech and association, and challenging targeted killing, torture, unlawful detention, and post-9/11 discrimination against racial and religious minorities.

Her work includes a focus on the intersection of national security and counter-terrorism policies with international human rights and humanitarian law. She previously worked as a staff attorney in the ACLU National Security Project and was the acting director of Human Rights First’s Law & Security Program. She also served as senior advisor to the U.N. Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Executions.

You can find her on Twitter @HinaShamsi and on the ACLU blog.

You can find out more about National Library Legislative Day on District Dispatch or head over to our website to register.

[libraryadvocates]

Fifty Percent More Advocates Will Visit Capitol Hill on February 28 to Speak Up for Museums

Over 350 museum professionals & supporters to visit Washington, DC Feb. 27-28 to speak up for federal support of America's museums at Museums Advocacy Day 2017.

Librarians, we have our own fly in day on May 1-2, 2017 this year! Join us at National Library Legislative Day and let Congress know why libraries are important to you and your community.