Advocacy at Your Library: Hosting Legislator Visits

Meeting with your members of Congress doesn’t have to be intimidating or happen just on Legislative Day visits in D.C. or your state capital. Inviting lawmakers to visit the library is the best way to show them the many unique ways libraries positively impact communities. As funding structures and political realities shift, visits are a powerful tool to build relationships, gain support, and publicize the library’s programs and services. In this free webinar, a panel of public librarians share best practices, tips, and advice on how to successfully host lawmakers.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this free on-demand webinar, participants will be able to:

• Understand the basic differences between advocacy and lobbying;
• Understand the value of inviting lawmakers to visit the library; and
• Understand approaches to navigating complex relationships.

Additional Resources

• Slideshow (PDF)
• Arrange a Congressional Tour of Your Library
• Show Up for Our Libraries
• U.S. House Appropriations Committee
• U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee
• Tell the Appropriations Committees to Fund Libraries!
• Show Up for Libraries Advocacy List
• Chat Transcript (PDF)

Who Should Attend

This free on-demand webinar is intended for library workers and advocates, particularly managers, administrators, and members of Friends groups, library boards, and Foundations.

Panelists

• Susan Hempstead, Assistant Director, Strategic Relations and Communications, Sno-Isle Libraries (WA)
• Tyler Hahn, Director, Cherokee Public Library (IA)
• Amelia Aldred, ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Office Deputy Director, State and Local Advocacy, American Library Association
• Jessica Corbman, Snohomish County Liaison, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02)
• Moderated by Michael Lambert, PLA President and City Librarian, San Francisco Public Library

Accommodations

This on-demand webinar is captioned in English (United States).

If you have a physical or communication need that may affect your access to this on-demand webinar, please contact us at plawebinars@ala.org or 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752) prior to registering so we can attempt to provide appropriate accommodations.

Tech Requirements

To play this on-demand webinar you should use a browser with native HTML5 support. Please use the most up-to-date version available of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, or Edge. A fast Internet connection and computer is recommended.