Not at the ALA conference this week?

If you believe in the importance of library and information services for your students (at both public and school libraries), you still have an opportunity to join librarians from across the country in a national day of advocacy in Washington  by becoming a  “virtual” advocate.

ALA and ALTAFF (Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations) are cosponsoring a Virtual Library Advocacy Day on June 29.

Libraries and library positions are being cut all over the country(check out this map and see what libraries are facing), and this is your opportunity to raise your voice in support of these services for children.   Spend a few minutes on Virtual Library Advocacy Day to contact legislators and let them know the importance of libraries and librarians for students.   The site has some talking points and contact information as well as links to their Facebook group.

Specific legislation to consider targeting:

“Fund library programs:
-The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) should be funded at $300 million to ensure the best possible library resources for constituents.
-Improving Literacy Through School Libraries should be funded at $100 million to best prepare students for the 21st century workforce.

ESEA:
-Every school should have a fully-funded school library staffed by a full-time state certified school librarian.
-Allow state and local professional development funds to be used for recruiting and training school librarians.

Broadband access for all:
-Support the Access to Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2009 (H.R. 3101 and S. 3304).
-Support a free and open Internet for all by voting in favor of net neutrality.”

Encourage your legislator to “stand up” for libraries, and help districts like these who are already doing so be good examples for their peers.

Photo credit:   Flickr user “amarandagasi”