2009 Advocacy Toolkit

Advocacy
2009 Advocacy Toolkit

Libraries Targeted Again in State Budget
The Division of Budget is calling for a cut in funding for library services by proposing an $18 million (18%) cut in Library Aid in the 2009-10 State Budget on top of the 3% cut in funding that occurred in 2008. These cuts would bring Library Aid to a level not seen since 1993. More about the cuts...

“Libraries continue to be targeted for disproportionate cuts to solve the state’s budget problems. We are willing to do our part, but an 18% cut in funding is both unfair and counterproductive.”
- Michael J. Borges, Executive Director of the New York Library Association.

STEP UP & SPEAK OUT in '09

Here's WHY:

Your patrons need you NOW more than ever.
- They are struggling financially and rely on the library for essential & unique services: family programming; books, DVDs and audiobooks for entertainment; internet access.
- Many are losing their jobs. They rely on library computers to search for and apply for jobs online.
- People need support from their neighbors. Public libraries are the new "town squares" - one of the only public places to come together over common interests and interact.
- The Worth of Your Library [Winter 2008 issue of Across the Board]
While the actual cash amount to your library is relatively small (LLSA = $1500 or .31 cents per capita whichever is greater) the System is funded completely through NYS.
Our calculations show that without the System, it would cost 33% more to run your library than it does now:
- Without the System:
  - Delivery: How much would it cost your library to mail books and media back and forth?
  - Automated Circulation System (Millennium): How would you manage check in/check out and interlibrary loan?
  - Youth Services Support: How much more would you spend on story hour support? Summer Reading Program planning?
  - Professional Consultations: How much would you spend to get professional advice on funding issues, facility issues, planning, administration, marketing....?
  - Continuing Education: Would you have access to training for staff, trustees and Friends? How much would it cost?
  - Print Services: How much would you be spending to design and print your own bookmarks and brochures to promote your products and services?
"The Mid-Hudson Library System & Your Library"
2009 Talking Points (from Lobby Day)

Here's HOW:

NYLA's Online Advocacy Center
Sign the MHLS Online Petition "Don't Cut New York's Libraries"
- Link to the petition from your web site [suggested web graphics]
Call, Write and Invite: your local legislators
Help motivate your patrons to Stand Up & Speak Out:
- staff / trustee awareness leads to word-of-mouth marketing about our advocacy campaign
- links on your web site to the online petition & NYLA Online Advocacy Center
- articles in your newsletter
- signage in your library
- coloring sheets for kids bear | hearts
- send letters to the editor about what you can do for the community in hard economic times
- email your patrons and ask them to sign the online petition, and a message through NYLA's Online Advocacy Center and attend NYLA Lobby Day

If you are a.....

Library Director

Library Staff

Trustees

Friends

Patrons

You are the hub of information at your library. Help your staff, trustees, Friends and patrons understand the threat to library and system funding and the value of System services to your library and community.

Understand the cut and the implications (see above).
Explain to your staff and trustees how MHLS services benefit your library and your community:
Encourage your stakeholders to participate in the postcard campaign, online petition, and NYLA's Online Advocacy Center
Highlight the cut in your library's newsletter and on your library's web site.
Use the "Don't Cut the Heart out of Our Community" poster at the circ desk.
Share anecdotes of how patrons rely on your library's services and System services with Rebekkah @MHLS
Invite your legislators into your library.
Send a postcard to your legislators

You are the primary contact with the public. Help your patrons help you by explaining that NYS is planning to cut libraries and what that will mean for your local library.

Understand the cuts and the implications (see above).
Help patrons understand how the System impacts them (Request-a-Title, Delivery, Summer Reading Program Support, CE for staff, etc.)
Know where to send patrons to help them speak up on behalf of library funding: postcard campaign, online petition, NYLA's Online Advocacy Center
Share anecdotes of how patrons rely on your library's services and System services with your director.
Send a postcard to your legislators
coloring sheets for kids
bear | hearts

Two of your primary duties as a trustee are to ensure adequate funding for your library and to advocate for the library in the community - it's time to do both:

Understand the cuts and the implications for your community (see above).
Help your fellow trustees to understand the cuts and what is at stake.
Call your NYS Legislators and express your opinion about the cuts.
Send a postcard to your legislators
Sign the Online Petition "Don't Cut New York's Libraries"
Send a letter to your legislator through NYLA's Online Advocacy Center

You are the supporters of the library, it's loudest champions - make sure they hear you in Albany!

Understand the cuts and the implications for your community.
Help your fellow Friends understand the need to Stand Up and Speak Out for Library funding.
Call your NYS Legislators and express your opinion about the cuts.
Send a postcard to your legislators
Sign the Online Petition "Don't Cut New York's Libraries"
Send a letter to your legislator through NYLA's Online Advocacy Center

The public library system in NY is "by the people, for the people" - that's you! Public libraries are important in our communities, make sure your legislators know how you feel about the proposed cut.

Send a postcard to your legislators
Sign the Online Petition "Don't Cut New York's Libraries"
Send a letter to your legislator through NYLA's Online Advocacy Center

Here's HELP for Making the Case to Legislators:

Know the Issues, Make the Case:

Libraries in the News: January/February 2009
2009 Talking Points (from Lobby Day)
"The Mid-Hudson Library System & Your Library"
History of Library Funding in NYS [MHLS]
Ten Pro-Library Talking Points [ALA]
Advocating in a Tough Economy Toolkit [ALA]
Job-Seeking in US Public Libraries [Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study]
Libraries Make the Difference in Youth Development and Education [ALA]
New Poll Shows Continued Public Support For Increase in State Aid for Libraries [NYLA, 2008]
Comparison of Library Aid to Inflation Graph [NYLA, 2007]
"Libraries are Key to Building Local Economic Base Says New Study: Researchers find that public libraries impact human, physical and community capacity" [January, 2007 - Urban Libraries Council]
Return on Investment (ROI) [MHLS]
Gather anecdotes from your patrons about the library and the system to convey to your legislators
- Obama anecdote

Invite your NYS SENATOR & ASSEMBLYPERSON into your library:

Invite them in for a tour
Invite them to read to kids
Help them understand how your library depends on MHLS to provide quality service to your community

Web Graphics for your Library's web site:

To link to:

Updated 3.11.09