Advocacy

Libraries are a vital community resource for everyone, everywhere. They offer equal and open access to the resources that communities need, and play an important role in giving everyone a chance to succeed.

During these tough economic times, people need their library more than ever. They rely on the library to provide computer and job training programs, homework assistance, health care information, free education resources, and more. In 82% of rural communities, the public library is the one place where anyone can get free computer and Internet access.
 

√ Contact your legislators by email, phone, or mail.

√ Join FLLS at the yearly Legislative Lobby Day to speak with your officials in person.

√ Stay informed about library issues and what you can do to help by:
     ~  reading talking points,
     ~  becoming a Facebook fan of FLLS,
     ~  signing up for the NYLA Action E-List.

√ Write letters to the editor.

√ Promote the value of the library at local government meetings and school board meetings.

√ Contact your local library about how to get involved. Opportunities might include volunteering your professional skills, shelving books, or joining/starting a local Friends group.

√ Speak up at every opportunity! Share your concerns with friends, family members and neighbors. Encourage them to become library users if they aren't already - it's often the best way to win new supporters.

For more ideas, please browse our our full Advocacy Resource List.