Library Legislative Day Is Set

Librarians, trustees, friends and users of libraries will gather in Albany on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 to meet with legislative leaders to talk about the future of library service in New York State, and to encourage legislators to reject Governor Pataki’s proposal to slash aid to libraries by 15 percent.

This day serves as the perfect opportunity to tell our elected officials how vital libraries are to each community they represent, and how important it is that the state continue to support libraries.

Meetings are scheduled as follows:
9:00 a.m. - Senator James Wright, LOB 915
9:30 a.m. - Assemblyman Chris Ortloff, LOB 450
10:30 a.m. - Senator Betty Little, LOB 903
11:00 a.m. - Senator Raymond Meier, LOB 944
1:30 p.m. - Assemblyman Darrell Aubertine, LOB 529
2:30 p.m. - Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava, LOB 532
3:00 p.m. - Assemblyman Will Barclay, LOB 543
3:30 p.m. - Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward, LOB 633

Also this year, the NYLA Legislative Committee is planning a one-hour rally on Legislative Day to draw attention to the issue of proposed budget cuts to library aid. Plans are to meet at noon in Briefing Room 6 in the Concourse and walk together to the Capitol steps. The rally will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

All members of the library community are encouraged to be involved in Library Legislative Day by going to Albany on March 18. You can help to educate decision makers about the importance of libraries in improving North Country research, teaching, learning and in contributing to the general quality of life.

If you are unable to attend this special day, please write your elected assembly member or state senator and let them know how valuable libraries are to your community.