Helping Libraries Deal With City Hall
Are we talking about lobbying?
If you don't want to think of it as lobbying, that's all right — as long as you recognize that decisions made by political leaders, and other influential citizens, can affect how effectively your library can achieve its goals.
"Nobody ever told me I'd have to talk to the mayor!" said the new library trustee. Better get over it, folks.
Successfully advocating for libraries . . .
No question about it: Local and state public officials can affect the fate of libraries. The only variable is who advocates for your library — and how well they perform.
For too long, trustees have depended on their library director to advocate alone at City Hall and the Courthouse — not to mention the Statehouse. But their job includes being a grassroots advocate. For if trustees don't do their part in telling the story, the job may not get done properly.
Ellen Miller's personal experience includes galvanizing Kansas Library Trustee Association members to support the state's first network connecting libraries, schools and hospitals. Despite a poor economic climate, the Kansas Legislature authorized Kan-Ed and then fully funded its $10-million budget. She has testified before the Legislature and was co-chair of a bond issue for a new central resource library (it passed with a 72% "yes" vote).
Check out our workshops and publications.
For more details, contact us today.