I recently finished some freelance writing and editing for the American Library Association’s wonderful “I Love Libraries” site. If you don’t know about this resource, you should — it lists ways for everyday people (non-librarians) to get involved with advocating libraries on the local and national level. Years ago, I worked for the ALA’s Trustee division and it was a pleasure seeing volunteers who were so passionate about fighting for library funding, and ensuring that books, resources, and information would continue to be provided to their communities. Here’s an oft-trotted out quote from Carl Sagan about libraries, available on the ALA’s “Library Quotes” page: ”I think the health of our civilization, the depth of our awareness about the underpinnings of our culture, and our concern for the future, can all be tested by how well we support our libraries.”
American Library Association
Advocacy Registry Homepage: Our Nation’s Libraries Need More Advocates!
Your voice is crucial in making the case for libraries. You – the library patron, the library Friend, the library lover – are the heart and soul of the library community, and you can capture the attention of decision-makers like no one else. By subscribing to the Advocacy Registry, you will have access to a full range of benefits and advocacy tools including:
Online Action Kit (Also available to ALA members).
Key Message Web site (Also available to ALA members).
Best Practices Web site (Also available to the public).
Speak Out! E-News for Library Advocates (Quarterly e-newsletter available only to subscribers of the Advocacy Registry).
***This e-newsletter is a compilation of content from the Association of Library Trustees & Advocates, the Public Information Office, Chapter Relations, and the Washington Office. It will be published 4 times a year and available to Advocacy Registrants on the ALA website. If you are a subscriber, you can access this e-newsletter with your subscriber login and ID number. Please click here to access the Advocacy Registry Subscription Form. The $25.00 annual subscription to the Advocacy Registry will benefit anyone who actively supports their library – community library advocates, former library trustees, Friends, current and former ALA members, chapter members.
To submit to Speak Out! E-News for Library Advocates, visit the Call for Submissions Web site.
In an increasingly complex world with much competition for funding, grassroots advocacy is the key to the success for our libraries. Now is the time for us to stand together and to speak out for America’s libraries! Please consider subscribing to the Advocacy Registry today.
For the latest on how budget cuts are affecting libraries around the country, visit www.ala.org/libraryfunding. Through the Advocacy Registry, we will expand the power of individual voices by building a network of dedicated and knowledgeable advocates united in their belief in the power of America’s libraries.
Contact: Gretchen Kalwinski Program Assistant 312-280-2161 gkalwinski@ala.org
For Immediate Release: March 11, 2005
ALTA names Jim Connor and Robert B. Lyons as the 2005 Trustee Citation award winners
CHICAGO – American Library Trustees and Advocates (ALTA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), named Jim Connor and Robert B. Lyons as the 2005 Trustee Citation award winners. The ALA Trustee Citation, established in 1941 to recognize public library trustees for distinguished service to library development, symbolizes and honors the best contributions and efforts of the estimated 60,000 American citizens who serve on library boards.
Connor is a trustee of Jefferson County Public library in Colorado. Lyons is a trustee of Schaumburg Township District library in Illinois.
Connor has been tireless in his efforts to energize the state trustee organization in Colorado, traveling nearly 10,000 miles throughout the region, to build an advocacy network for libraries. His enthusiasm for working with trustees and library advocates has been evident in all who see him at the ALA midwinter meetings and annual conferences. He has, per William Knott, the Jefferson County librarian in Colorado, created a new spirit of advocacy among public library trustees in the West.
Connor’s recent accomplishments include establishing working relationships with his region’s state librarians, setting up a Website for the trustees and advocates in his region, and organizing his many community contacts to speak in support of libraries.
“Lyons has been a very active legislative advocate for libraries both on the state and national levels,” said Michael Madden, the director of the Schaumburg Township District Library.
“Lyons exemplifies the best traits needed in a public library trustee,” said Jean Wilkins, director of the Illinois State Library.
Lyons has served as board president at both the local library and system level. He has worked steadfastly to improve libraries at the local, regional system, and state level and has helped to pass a number of bond and funding referenda over the years, all of which passed by a large margin. He is the 2002 recipient of the Illinois Library Association Trustee Citation award.
The awards will be presented during the Opening General Session of the ALA Annual Meeting in Chicago. During each ALA Annual Meeting, up to two trustees are presented with citations in recognition of distinguished service to library development.
May 13, 2003 Contact: Gretchen Kalwinski 312.280.2161
ALTA Announces the 2003 ALTA/Gale Grant Winner Congratulations to Trinidad Valentin!
Trinidad Valentin is the recipient of the ALTA/Gale Outstanding Trustee Conference Grant for 2003. He has participated on many levels-from volunteer to President-at the Friends of the Sierra Vista (AZ) Public Library. Valentin has also been active in the Arizona Library Friends, now serving as President of that Executive Board. He has been active in state advocacy efforts, serving on the Legislative Committee of the Arizona Library Association. In addition, Valentin was named as a new library commission member by the City Council in July 2001. His remark about the ALA Conference in Toronto this year was that, “I wish to attend an ALA Annual Conference to expand my knowledge of library functions and through that provide information to the Arizona Library Friends and Friends groups in Arizona. In turn, these Friends can then better support their respective libraries.”
ALTA/GALE Outstanding Trustee Conference Grant Established in 1990, this award provides $750 each to enable two public library trustees to attend an ALA Annual Conference for the first time. The award is presented during the ALTA Opening Session at the ALA Annual Conference.
