Grassroots Advocacy MLA Session 4

Sally G. Reed was the dessert Keynote speaker and spoke passionately about people coming forth the help support the funds needed to keep library services going.

She talked about the Carnegie Libraries that sprung up in the early 20th century with the help of Andrew Carnegie and towns that wanted and could support libraries so all could use the free library. Before Carnegie started the library building program there were about 637 public libraries and after over 3500 libraries. Town had to meet certain criteria such as: own and develop the land, have a book collection, furnishings, and have resources to support the library in the future.

Libraries in a recent library rating polls found that 95% of the population approve and support libraries. They tend to see libraries through their own particular window rather than the whole picture. We as library workers have to try and change and educate the public on what we do and why it is important to continue our services.

We are currently in a crisis with funding being cut when people desperately need the library services. Such as Internet access (job applications, unemployment benefits, etc), use of books for do-it-yourself projects, early literacy (storytime), summer reading programs so children can stay at grade level for reading.

A very thought provoking speech and I will try to do better informing my patrons of library services and what they can do to help.