More than 500 library advocates from every state except Hawaii, as well as representatives from the District of Columbia, Canada, and Slovakia, attended the 26th annual National Library Legislative Day May 2. The event was sponsored by ALA and the District of Columbia Library Association.
State delegations met with their senators and representatives and their staffs throughout the day, focusing their lobbying efforts on four key issues: reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, database protection, funding, and Internet filtering. The event concluded with a congressional reception.
“We had set a goal of having every state represented at this year’s event,” said Chad Raymond, chair of ALA’s Committee on Legislation. “We are thrilled that we had virtually 100% participation.”
Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), who plans to reintroduce an amendment to ESEA this week to provide funding for school libraries, helped welcome participants. Friends of Libraries USA presented its annual public-service award to Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W. Va.); Legislative Assistant Barbara Pryor accepted on his behalf.
Posted May 8, 2000.