Library Legislative Day Set For March 14

Librarians, trustees, friends and users of libraries will gather in Albany on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 to meet with legislative leaders to talk about the future of library service in New York State.

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 increase support for libraries this year.

Meetings are scheduled as follows:
10:00 a.m. - Assemblyman Chris Ortloff, 448 LOB
11:00 a.m. - Senator Betty Little, 903 LOB (Please note time change.)
11:00 a.m. - Senator Raymond Meier, 944 LOB
12:00 p.m. - Senator James Wright, 811 LOB
1:00 p.m. - Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward, 940 LOB
1:30 p.m. - Assemblyman William Barclay, 938 LOB
2:30 p.m. - Assemblyman Darrel Aubertine, 602 LOB
3:00 p.m. - Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava, 329 LOB (Please note time change.)

NYLA has scheduled the following events for the day:

Legislative Breakfast: 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Complimentary breakfast buffet will be held for legislators and staff, NYLA leaders, and Legislative Committee members in Meeting Room 6, Concourse Level of the Empire State Plaza.

Lobby Day Briefings: 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. At 15 minute intervals briefings on current status of budget negotiations and NYLA’s legislative priorities will be given in Meeting Room 6, Concourse Level of the Empire State Plaza.

Rally and Speeches: 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Library advocates will rally together in the Well of the Legislative Office Building.

All members of the library community are encouraged to be involved in Library Legislative Day by going to Albany on March 14. 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.