2018 Library Advocacy Day

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018

Each year library advocates from across New York State converge on Albany to voice their support for funding and policies that benefit libraries. Their efforts have resulted in over $11M in additional library aid since 2011. To get the basics, including information on security, hotels, and directions click here!

Please note that the information below is subject to change. Contact us if you have any questions!

Summary of Event

Most activities will take place in the Legislative Office Building (LOB). The LOB is most easily accessed from the Concourse, or through the Capitol Building. Prepare for airport-like security while entering the building. NYLA 'Base Camp' will be available in LOB120 beginning at 8:00AM for packet pick-up and sign-in.

Advocacy Day Packets
Materials are distributed to Library Advocacy Day attendees to use in their meetings with legislators and staff, and can be picked up in room 120 of the Legislative Office Building.

The Rally for Library Advocates - 12:00 PM
Gather in the "Well" of the LOB at 12:00 PM for a Library Advocate's Rally!
Join fellow Library Advocates and plan to make your voices heard!

Legislative Office Visits
Meetings with individual Legislators (or their office) are coordinated by library systems, or regional coordinators. NYLA will have a listing of all the legislative office visits that we have been made aware of at the NYLA Base Camp (LOB120).
Please be sure to review the NYLA Legislative Priorities prior to your meetings.

Tell us about the meetings you have scheduled here!

READ Posters
Members of the Legislature have been invited to have their photographs taken for READ posters between 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM.

Click here for a map of the Empire State Plaza (PDF)

Prepare for Advocacy Day with a tour of the Concourse and an Advocacy Day Briefing featuring Rebekkah Smith Aldrich and Jeremy Johannesen!

Back for #NYLALAD18

Owl Cowls
An Owl Cowl is a large loose light yellow (lemon) scarf, to represent the MLS cowl.
Keep your advocacy based knitting going! Help library advocates stand out in the crowd! And end up with a great new cowl to boot!

Library Horror Stories
We're collecting photos and comments to show the New York State Legislature, Governor, and policymakers just how critical an increase in library construction aid really is. Submit horror stories by Tuesday, February 20.
We are looking for photos of:

Inaccessible buildings and bathrooms
Ancient HVAC equipment
Wildly overcrowded meeting spaces
Old or crazy wiring schemes

Getting There

Directions & Logistics

Find a Bus Near You

Where to Stay

NYLA has secured a block of hotel rooms at the Hilton Albany (formerly the Crowne Plaza) in downtown Albany.
Use this online portal to book your room and receive the discounted group rate.

NYLA Library Advocacy Day Room Block @ Hilton Albany

Book your room by January 26, 2018!

Real People. Real Dollars.

Real People. Real Dollars is an effort to drive more library advocates to the NYLA Online Advocacy Center and increase awareness of Library Advocacy Day. This effort was originally started by the Mid-Hudson Library System in 2016 and is now going statewide!

We’re calling on libraries from across the state to participate in the 2018 Real People. Real Dollars. campaign. Investing in libraries has a big return on investment for the communities they serve, help us tell that story in pictures as we prepare for Library Advocacy Day on February 28!

To learn more, click here.

Behind-the-Scenes New York State Library Tour

Two tours – ~~10:30 AM~~ (SOLD OUT!) and 1:30 PM (duration 45 minutes)
Pre-Registration encouraged – Call 518-474-2274 or register through NYLA
Library staff and trustees are invited to a behind-the-scenes tour of the New York State Library. Tour participants will visit areas of interest that are closed to the public.

Participants should meet on the 7^th floor of the Cultural Education Building in the lobby of the Library. (The State Museum building)

APL Friends Zone

It's a well-known fact that people who love libraries really love libraries. On Library Advocacy Day this year, the Friends of Albany Public Library are creating a place for library advocates to relax and have a cup of coffee in their favorite place--the library!

When walking the halls of the Capitol has got you worn out, stop by the Large Auditorium at the APL Washington Ave branch. The Friends of APL will have coffee and sweets available for Friends groups visiting Albany for Advocacy Day. Tell us what's going on at your Library and with your Friends group and find out what's going on here.

Pre-Advocacy Day Activities

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Travel to Albany one day early and partake in some top notch professional development, the Library Advocates Luncheon, and more! View complete details here!

Who will benefit from this advocacy?

ALL NY libraries and citizens.
ALL libraries and systems which receive direct state aid.
Many libraries and systems which receive indirect state aid in the form of cooperative services and shared programs from their library system.
Legislators who need to understand how libraries can help them.

What can I do now to support this effort?

Call your legislator's office, either at his or her district office, or in Albany.
Tell him/her how important your library is to the community—and its voting citizens.
Tell him/her that increased funding for libraries is ESSENTIAL and CRITICAL.
Use our helpful advocacy tools to help shape your personal message.
Can't attend Library Advocacy Day? Join in virtually! Post to your Facebook wall, Tweet about Library Aid, or add a button to your library’s website.