Libraries serve teens in a variety of ways. Beyond tradition programming and services, nearly 80% of all public libraries offer some form of homework support, and there are young people who depend on libraries for Internet access. We must tell our stories to those who can make a difference: our legislators.
Fortunately, National Library Legislative Day‘ (NLLD)’ offers the opportunity to talk to legislators and their staff about the significance of libraries for our teen patrons.
On May 7 and 8, 2013, ALA invites librarians to attend NLLD in Washington, DC. Attendees at this event will learn how to approach legislators, attend a congressional reception, and visit legislative offices, all in the name of advocating for our services and those who need them. There is also a virtual component to the day, allowing librarians to “attend” from a distance.The YALSA Legislative Committee is hosting a blog-in to encourage library advocacy.
During the month of April, we invite bloggers who care about library services to teens to devote a post to NLLD, why teens need libraries, the importance of advocacy for libraries, and why librarians matter in the lives of today’s teens.
We hope YALSA members who blog will support this effort. If you don’t have a blog, you can re-tweet posts (with an #NLLD13 hashtag); share blog posts with your legislators, Friends, and Trustees; and let us know who some of your favorite teen lit/library-related blogs are.
The committee plans to contact bloggers to ask them to participate and to keep a list of all participants. Please email chair Lizz Zitron if you would like to participate as a blogger or to recommend a blog.
