Library Advocacy
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Who can be a library advocate? Anyone who cares about California's libraries!
Library advocates play a key role in educating our communities about why libraries and librarians are essential in an information society. While the California Library Association is ably represented in Sacramento by professional lobbyists, the voices heard from around California make the difference in the success or failure of legislation.
There are many ways participate as a library advocate.
- If you are not already a member, join CLA. There is strength in numbers and your voice, when joined with ours, makes us all a more powerful force in Sacramento.
- Join CALIX, the CLA list serve to keep up-to-date on legislative issues. CLA's lobbyists regularly post legislative updates and alerts throughout the year.
- Visit the CLA Website, www.cla-net.org The Advocacy/Legislation Section contains the CLA legislative platform; position papers; summaries of current legislation; legislative alerts and briefings; and information about organized legislative activities such as Day in the District and Library Legislative Day.
- Get to know your elected officials. Invite them to library events and add them to your mailing list. Regular communication with key officials and their staff is important year-round. Legislators who know and understand the value of libraries in their community are powerful friends in Sacramento.
- Participate in organized legislative events, such as Day in the District and Library Legislative Day in Sacramento. Visiting your legislator in person is a powerful tool for communicating your concerns.
- Learn effective advocacy by reading the Library Advocate's Handbook. (PDF)