Library Advocacy: What I Learned

Recently, I joined hundreds of librarians from across the country in Washington D.C. for the American Library Association’s 39^th annual National Library Legislative Day. The day allows librarians to meet with members of Congress in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of libraries and discuss key library issues.

As a young librarian, I experienced a mix of excitement and nervousness as my coworkers and I filed off the MARC train from Martinsburg that Wednesday morning to navigate the nation's capitol and prepare for meetings with West Virginia's senators and representatives.

Shortly after arriving, we met with a group of librarians from across the state to discuss the library issues we felt should take center stage during our meetings later in the afternoon. These issues included the protection and continuation of federal library funding, support for basic Internet access in all libraries and schools, and the need for certified school librarians in every public school.

As we traveled from appointment to appointment, from Senate offices to Representative offices, we shared handshakes and introductions with our national and state leaders. Throughout the many discussions that afternoon, a few things stood out to me...

First, although we as librarians believe that a large amount of money should be allocated for library use does not mean that our senators and representatives share in our convictions. This emphasizes the importance of making appointments with them, writing letters and emails, and advocating passionately for what we believe to be important and essential. Secondly, I learned about how libraries across the country receive funding on the federal and state levels—and how quickly and easily that funding can be taken away. I also discovered that some senators and representatives stand firmly on the side of libraries and consistently back efforts to fund and support them, while others need more convincing. As budgets grow tighter and tighter, our national and state leaders struggle to fairly fund a variety of programs, which means that if we want libraries funded, it is imperative that we as librarians and library patrons make our voices heard.

After a long day of discussions, I climbed aboard the train toward home having experienced a day unlike any other. I felt honored to be a part of such an informed, passionate group of professional librarians, and I learned as much from their years of experience as advocates for libraries as I did from the day of events itself. 

If you would like to learn more about National Library Legislative Day, click here. And if you use and love your local library, if you rely on your local library for Internet access, job resources, or reading materials in a variety of formats, please speak up and let your senators and representatives know just how important your library is to you!

Sarah Showe

Librarian

Martinsburg Public Library