This week I’d like to promote a great way to get involved with library legislation and advocacy: attending one of the 2016 ILA Legislative Meet-ups! During the month of February 2016 there will be five different legislative meet-ups across the state: three in the Chicago suburbs, one in the Metro-East area near St. Louis, and one in Central Illinois.
Each meet-up offers the opportunity to meet with your legislators and talk with them about issues affecting you and your library. Library trustees, directors, and staff from public, school, and academic libraries are encouraged to attend and participate. These events not only offer face-time with legislators, but can also be used as a nice photo op!
I encourage each of you to attend and to promote the events to your colleagues and coworkers. The meet-ups are a great opportunity to articulate the value of libraries to our local politicians, who vote on library-related issues on a yearly basis.
Go to the Illinois Library Association website to see which meet-up you’re closest to and get registered!