United for Libraries to host webinar on responding to a budget crisis

PHILADELPHIA — United for Libraries will present a free webinar on “Responding to a Budget Crisis” from 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, March 24.

Learn how to develop a campaign for your library in a budget crisis from a group that fought for an additional $3.8 million for their library system. Find out how to work with the media, get publicity, find creative ways to campaign and more.

Speakers include Kate Park, executive director of the Friends of the Dallas (Texas) Public Library; Patti Clapp, advocacy chair of the Friends of Dallas Public Library, and Sally Reed, executive director of United for Libraries. 

Friends of the Dallas Public Library was one of 20 recipients of the Neal-Schuman Citizens-Save-Libraries grants. The library had experienced budget cuts of 40 percent, leaving it the worst funded urban library system in the country. The Friends used their training to develop an advocacy plan that resulted in the library receiving an additional $3.8 million to hire 92 full-time employees, allowing the library to open 12 branches for 50 hours a week.

The webinar is free; registration is limited to 100. This webinar will be presented with Internet audio only. You will need a computer with speakers or headphones as well as Internet access.  For more information and to register for the live session, visit http://ala.adobeconnect.com/e8tayiktgaq/event/event_info.html. Registration is only necessary if you are planning to attend the live session; if you would like to view the recorded webinar, it will be available at www.ala.org/united/powerguide after April 1.

Also available at www.ala.org/united/powerguide is the free webinar "Anatomy of a Successful Library Campaign: Real World Tips for Getting the Funding You Need," as well as the Citizens-Save Libraries Power Guide for Successful Advocacy.

United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, is a division of the American Library Association that supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries. United for Libraries brings together library Trustees, advocates, friends, and foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. For more information or to join United for Libraries, visit the United for Libraries website or contact Jillian Kalonick at (312) 280-2161 or jkalonick@ala.org.

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