Library Advocacy Day in New York State is February 28th, 2023.
The New York Library Association (NYLA) has a game plan for participating.
You can:
- Attend an In-person OR Virtual Legislative Office Visit with your fellow #LibraryAdvocates.
- Be a Social Media Advocate. Learn more about how to get involved in social media advocacy in the “Leverage Your Network” Section.
- Send a Letter/Email to your Elected Officials. Not social media savvy? No worries. NYLA has both letter and email templates for you to customize and send to your elected officials.
- Share Your Story. Tell everyone about how #nylibraries have been important to your communities on social media! Use the hashtags #LAD23, #LibraryAdvocate, and #nylibraries to tell your story. NYLA will retweet/reshare your post throughout the day!
- Submit a Video for NYLA’s “I Am A #LibraryAdvocate” Campaign. NYLA is asking #LibraryAdvocates to share via video why #nylibraries are important to you! “Whether you are a seasoned library advocate or this is your first Library Advocacy Day – NYLA wants to hear from you. These videos will be shared via NYLA’s social media channel.”
Locally, the Friends and Foundation of the Albany Public Library (FFAPL) is looking for people to table in February on Tuesdays at Washington Ave or another day at another branch based on your availability.
And if you’re not from New York State, I’m sure there are similar activities in your area.
Libraries under attack
Here are some articles that NYLA has recently posted.
Polarizing and Isolating Americans is Good Business for Media Monopolies
The Real News Network
America’s Public Libraries Reflect the Systematic Failures and Social Inequality of Our Country
Electric Lit
School Librarians Are in the Crosshairs of Right-Wing Book Banners and Censors
Truthout
What Book Bans Are Doing to School Library Purchases
Education Week