Encourage your patrons to support libraries with a video!
Libraries make an impact on the lives of many people. And every library has their own special story to tell. Capturing and sharing these stories with local and state officials whose decisions affect the ability of libraries to impact even more people is an effective way to increase awareness and support for our libraries.
WNYLRC would like to invite library staff all around Western New York to encourage patrons to tell their stories through a short (2 minutes or less) video, submitting to WNYLRC from Monday, January 2 through Friday, February 24, 2023. We encourage library staff to take the video themselves to send to us. We cannot accept submissions from individual patrons.
All the videos will be uploaded to the WNYLRC YouTube channel and shared with NY State Legislators in preparation for Library Advocacy Day, taking place February 28, 2023.
So that we can most effectively collect and share the videos with specific government representatives, we ask that you and your patrons follow some simple guidelines:
Length - Videos can be captured using any device, but should be no longer than 2 minutes in length
Format – send as an mov or mp4 fil
We ask that the video not include any profanity or improper behavior – this is supposed to be respectful and heartfelt communication!
If people younger than 18 appear in the video, please make sure you have secured proper release forms in accordance with your institution’s policies.
Be sure that the name of the library is included in the video (if an academic or school library, include the name of the parent institution)
Make sure it is a story about the meaning of libraries, and nothing else! Things that could be described:
The library makes me feel welcome and safe
I can meet up with friends at the library
I was able to apply for and get a job with help from the librarian
I can connect with my family remotely, using the library’s technology
I can access materials for school projects and research
I can get books, movies, and music for free
My family can attend fun events together at the library
The library staff help me fill out online forms for services I need
Ready to start!? Good! We cannot wait to see what your patrons produce on your behalf!
Please notify us by email when you have a video ready for upload. Email us at jbarone@wnylrc.org for further instructions.
WHAT IS AT STAKE:
State Library Aid: $147.1M (Currently at $99.6 million)
Library Construction: $69.4M (Currently at $34 million)
Library Materials Aid: Increase to $11.00 ceiling/pupil (Currently at $6.83/pupil)
Travel with us to Albany, NY for Library Advocacy Day
Join colleagues from across the state who are "going" to Albany, NY on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, for the annual NYLA LIBRARY ADVOCACY DAY!
Visit the NYLA Advocacy page for details on Advocacy Day in Albany. If you would like to be part of the "Western New York library constituency," please contact hziemer@wnylrc.org to find out how you can join meetings that will be scheduled throughout that day.
WHO WE MET WITH THIS YEAR
Library Advocacy Meeting with Assembly Member Morinello
Couldn't make a meeting? Communicate by letter or social media!
Use your social media spaces to communicate with patrons, asking for their help in contacting government representatives to urge them to support funding libraries in 2023! Ask your followers to write letters - or even use their own social media to get the message out there! WNYLRC will be sure to retweet, repost any messaging we see (or you can let us know if we miss it) to help message.
Use the link above and complete an online form to enroll as a Library Advocate, and you will receive e-mail alerts when your action is needed to act on behalf of libraries. Now advocating for your library services can be quick, simple and timely, plus there is no cost to you. Thank you for your support!
More Library Advocacy Information & Resources in Western New York
DID YOU KNOW? The School LIbrary Association of Western New York (SLAWNY) has a LibGuide devoted to school library advocacy? Check it out!
WNYLRC Webinar: New York State’s Budget And You: A Primer on Libraries and the State Budget Process, presented by Ken Stone and Bri McNamee:
THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU FOR THE HARD WORK YOU DO!!!
Under the “Government” tab, you can find out how to contact the Governor’s office; find and contact your state representatives; get updates on bills and legislation relating to libraries and more.
Searching NYS Law and Regulations Relating to libraries just got easier! Anyone searching for current New York State law and regulations pertaining to libraries, library systems, trustees, and librarians in New York State can now access this information quickly on the New York State Library's website. This interactive web resource makes components of the State Library publication Excerpts from New York State Education Law, Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Pertaining to Libraries, Library Systems, Trustees and Librarians available in a user-friendly and easy to navigate web tool for users. This interactive site supersedes the 1995 print version and the FTP files of the Excerpts document that has been on the State Library website since 1995.
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The American Library Association's Office for Library Advocacyprovides information on ALA's Advocacy Institute, federal legislative issues, library funding, and grassroots resources. ALA also reports on federal legislation that impact intellectual freedom and privacy.
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