Blog Archives

Now is the time for us to keep the pressure on!
The state budget negotiations are about to heat up, we need to ensure these numbers make it into the final budget. Please take a moment to speak up once again, even if you already have this legislative season. The New York Library Association has provided a new message to THANK legislators for listening to their constituents and to urge them to keep their eye on funding for libraries as the final budget takes shape. We need these numbers to appear in the final budget once negotiations are done.

Act now! Use the NYLA Online Advocacy Center to send a quick message to your legislators. Please share this link with everyone you can. This is our last chance to be heard!

From March 17 – 31, American Sniper will be available for every patron that wishes to read it—no holds, no wait lists! The title will be available for unlimited access on the MHLS Digital Download page between midday March 17 and midday March 31 for the duration of the lending period.

By participating in the Big Library Read, your patrons can join a global movement of passionate readers and library patrons who support the availability of eBooks at libraries, and it’s a great way to increase circulation!

Get the word out! There will also be a promotional spotlight at the top of the MHLS Digital Download page. To promote the Big Library Read in your community there is a poster available and additional marketing materials (including Facebook and website graphics).
See also:

• Discussion Guide
• Reader Discussion Forum

Advocacy Day in Albany may have come and gone but that doesn’t mean our work is done! Between now and April 1 intensive discussions are going on to decide the fate of library aid in the State budget. Don’t let up now! Speak up and encourage others to do so as well!

Step 1: Get up to speed on the issues:

• Budget Talking Points (includes information on the push for more construction aid for our region!)
• Advocacy Day Briefing from MHLS (video)

Step 2: Get the word out and help others do the same!:

• By Phone – call the local office of your State Senator and Assemblyperson and drive home the need for:
  • Full formula funding for Library Aid, absent that, the same increase proposed for Education (4.3%)
  • Increase the State Aid for Public Library Construction Program to $30 million
• Through Social Media – use the New York Library Association’s Virtual Advocacy Day Activities support page to use Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get the word out. Don’t forget to tag your legislators so they can see the level of interest among their constituents when it comes to supporting libraries!

Traveling to Albany today?

• Directions & Logistics
• Bus Schedule (buses leave Albany @3:30pm)
• MHLS Meeting Schedule

Advocating from home today?

• Call the Albany Office of your State Senator and Assemblyperson and lend your support to the advocates in Albany on March 2
  • Full formula funding for Library Aid, absent that, the same increase proposed for Education (4.3%)
  • Increase the State Aid for Public Library Construction Program to $30 million
• Through Social Media – use the New York Library Association’s Virtual Advocacy Day Activities support page to use Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get the word out about #NYLALAD16 Don’t forget to tag your legislators so they can see the level of interest among their constituents when it comes to supporting libraries!

With Advocacy Day coming up fast now is the time to get ready to talk to legislators, even if you’re not making the trip to Albany!

Participate in “Virtual Advocacy Day” by planning to speak up by phone and through social media on Wednesday, March 2 – Library Advocacy Day in Albany.

Step 1: Get up to speed on the issues:

• Budget Talking Points (includes information on the push for more construction aid for our region!)
• Advocacy Day Briefing from MHLS (video)

Step 2: Get the word out on March 2 and help others do the same!:

• By Phone – call the Albany Office of your State Senator and Assemblyperson and lend your support to the advocates in Albany on March 2
• Through Social Media – use the New York Library Association’s Virtual Advocacy Day Activities support page to use Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get the word out about #NYLALAD16 Don’t forget to tag your legislators so they can see the level of interest among their constituents when it comes to supporting libraries!