4-1-1 on Library Advocacy What to do and where to start to get the word out about libraries. Presented by Carla Land

What exactly IS Library advocacy? Dictionary.com defines advocacy as: noun, plural ad·vo·ca·cies. the act of pleading for, supporting, or recommending; active espousal We all know what libraries are! (That place with all the books, right?)

WHY should we advocate for libraries? Seems like a no-brainer, right? But if we don’t, who will? Legislators are more inclined to support funding for things they know are important to their constituents We are not always advocating to those who understand the value of libraries. Need to be able to articulate why your library is important in terms your audience will understand Need to have “whys” that will also appeal to your audience

Okay…I know why. Now WHO do I advocate to? Your patrons (teachers, parents, students, etc) The media Government officials that hold the purse strings State representatives Federal representatives

Got the Why. Got the Who. But HOW? District Days National Library Legislative Day Other National Library Events National Library Week National Library Card Month Teen Read Week Banned Books Week

District Days District Days are the days when our national representatives come home to listen to their constituents (that’s us!) District Days happen every year, though the dates change from year to year. This is a great opportunity to build relationships with elected officials and their staff. Locate yours here:

District Days Invite your representative to a library event (be sure the library is in his/her district!) Give as much advance notice as possible! Take photos and share with his/her office Visit your representative at his/her office Share pictures, patron comments, successes with them For tips on contacting elected officials, see the handouts provided.

National Library Legislative Day Started to give librarians and library supporters a chance to meet face to face with their representatives in Washington, DC, to discuss current legislature that concerns libraries Gives ALA a chance to thank elected officials that support libraries Brings library advocacy to the attention of elected officials- you can’t ignore 350 librarians! Can participate in person or virtually, too!

National Library Legislative Day This year National Library Legislative Day is scheduled for May 7-8, 2013 Ideas on how to get involved Go to Washington, DC and participate Tweet your US Senator on these days- and get others to do the same Organize a Contact Your Congress Party for your students and patrons See the YALSA Wiki link in the handouts for more tips on how to participate

Other Ways to Advocate Text! Text library to and then follow the prompts ALA Washington Office will send a text alert when something is happening, and is even able to connect you via your phone directly! lists Visit to sign up for ALA lists on all sorts of subjects, including advocacy and intellectual freedom.

Resources ALA’s Library Advocacy page ALA National Library Legislative Day page YALSA District Days Wiki YALSA National Library Legislative Day wiki Text Alerts Text Library to and follow the prompts. Since June I’ve gotten two alerts. List- servs/ lists Go to the ALA Mailing List Service at to sign up forhttp://lists.ala.org/sympa alerts and information Find your officials (Be sure to enter your library’s zip code to reach the right elected officials!)