Library Advocates Lobby Capitol Hill
Approximately 480 librarians, trustees, and library advocates representing 45 states visited their congressional representatives May 4 during the 31st annual National Library Legislative Day in Washington, D.C.
In a year of tight budgets and news-making public library closures, the need for increased federal funding for libraries was among the top concerns brought to lawmakers. “Our nation’s libraries face a severe funding situation just as communities across the country are turning to their libraries more than ever for help finding jobs, starting small businesses, and accessing government programs online,” said American Library Association President Carol Brey-Casiano. Advocates specifically asked legislators to fund the Library Services and Technology Act at $221.33 million and the Improving Literacy Through School Libraries program at $100 million.
Other key issues were privacy, copyright, access to government information, and the e-rate. Delegates sought support for several pieces of legislation, including the Library, Bookseller, and Personal Records Privacy Act (S. 317), the Freedom to Read Protection Act (H.R. 1157), the Security and Freedom Enhancement Act (S. 737 and H.R. 1526), the Openness Promotes Effectiveness in our National Government Act of 2005 (S. 394), the Digital Media Consumers Rights Act of 2005 (H.R. 1201), and a bill that would permanently exempt the e-rate program from certain government accounting rules (S.241).
The event also gave attendees a chance to thank their lawmakers for past efforts. At a closing reception, Friends of Libraries USA presented its annual Public Service Award to Rep. Ralph Regula (R-Ohio), recognizing his distinguished support of libraries and education. “Libraries are critical to an independent and self-determining democracy,” Regula said upon being notified of the honor. “There is no substitute for libraries in supporting lifelong learning and continued intellectual growth of our citizens.”
Sponsored by the American Library Association, the District of Columbia Library Association, and the Special Libraries Association, the daylong event followed a full day of briefing to help attendees prepare messages and hone advocacy skills.
Posted May 6, 2005.
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