ALA opens registration for 2020 National Library Legislative Day

The American Library Association (ALA) opened registration today for the 45th annual National Library Legislative Day, to be held May 4-5, 2020, in Washington, D.C. The deadline to register is March 31, 2020. Participation in the event is capped at 400 people, with registrations processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

National Library Legislative Day (NLLD) is a two-day event bringing together library advocates from across the country. Attendees will experience a full day of advocacy training to learn and discuss the latest research and legislative priorities. The following day, hundreds of library workers, supporters, leaders, and patrons take their passion, knowledge, and stories to Capitol Hill to meet with their congressional leaders and underscore the importance of increased public funding and strong policies that support libraries and information access.

“NLLD is a pillar of our year-round approach to advocacy,” said ALA President Wanda Brown. “A personal story delivered by library advocates is still the most powerful tool we have.”

ALA has been in D.C. for more than 75 years, cultivating relationships with leaders in the U.S. Congress and other federal decision makers. ALA’s vision for the annual NLLD is for participants to present a thoughtful, unified message to members of Congress and ensure libraries are top-of-mind when Congress considers issues like education, job creation, lifelong learning, and innovation throughout the year.

“Our face-to-face meetings during NLLD will continue to strengthen the relationships ALA members have been building since the start of the 116th Congress,” said Public Policy and Advocacy Office Associate Executive Director Kathi Kromer. “ALA is eager to bring diverse library stories to the Hill from as many congressional districts as we can in May 2020.”

NLLD is open to the public. ALA encourages anyone who is passionate about libraries to attend, regardless of their level of advocacy experience. ALA also urges advocates unable to attend NLLD in person to sign up to participate virtually and amplify the library message from their home districts: http://bit.ly/NLLD2020virtual.

First-time, non-librarian participants are eligible to apply for the White House Conference on Library and Information Services Taskforce Award. ALA’s Committee on Legislation will review applications and award a $300 travel stipend and two complimentary nights in the conference hotel. The deadline for applications is January 15, 2020. For details, visit: http://www.ala.org/advocacy/NLLD/funding

For more information, to view the Frequently Asked Questions, or to contact State Coordinators, visit www.ala.org/nlld. Other questions or feedback can be directed to Megan Ortegon: nlld@alawash.org. Join the conversation at #NLLD2020.