Do you like libraries?
Do you want to have well-funded libraries?
At CMLE Headquarters, we do too!!
We encourage you all to consider attending the Minnesota Library Legislative day. It will happen on Wednesday, February 22, with an optional ceremony and briefing session the night before that. Register in advance, so everyone can be excited to look forward to seeing you there!
Does this sounds exciting! Great!! See you there!
Does it sound kind of scary to talk to all these people? No problem! There is a lot of information about things to discuss and knowing what you are doing when you go, so check out this guide. (It’s dated 2011, but the information is still useful!)
If you are new to advocating for libraries, just remember that the best thing to share is the work you do, your experiences in your library, and the things you do to connect and help your community. People are always surprised when we tell them about all the things we do in our libraries; this is your chance to tell people who are responsible for giving us money – or not.
Your views and your participation are important! You matter here!!
I know that not everyone will be able to attend this event; but it would be great if you would call or email your legislators! If you are not already handing out postcards to your patrons to send in their stories of happy library experiences, you can find them on the Minnesota Loves Libraries site. At CMLE Headquarters, we are available to help you draft your letter, or to outline a message to share in a phone call!
The agenda:
The evening gathering for library supporters will be at the Rice Street Library in St. Paul. Enjoy light refreshments and hear what you’ll need to know from Capitol Hill Associates, our lobbying team.
Rice Street Library – Community Room
1011 Rice St
Saint Paul, MN 55117
5:30 pm: Library Trustees and Advocates (MLTA) Meeting
5:45 – 6:00 p.m.: Meet, greet, and refreshments
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.: Legislative Briefing by Capitol Hill Associates
The briefing will be repeated at 9 a.m. at the Judicial Center. These updates should give you the latest information you will need to meet with your legislators throughout that day.
Judicial Center, Room 230
25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
St. Paul, MN 55155
8:30 – 9:00 a.m.: Registration
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.: Legislative Briefing