National Library Advocacy Day - June 29, 2010

From Robert Hubsher, Executive Director
Ramapo Catskill Library System, Middletown, NY

For one year only, Library Advocacy Day will replace National Library Legislative Day (NLLD). On June 29, 2010, library advocates from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. will meet at Upper Senate Park on the U.S. Capitol grounds. The event, which will begin at 11 a.m., will feature guest speakers, photo ops, and a chance to cheer on libraries! After the rally, participants will meet with their elected officials and their staffs.

The states with the most people will be featured front and center, which means they are the ones that will be in the majority of pictures. Make sure your state is the most represented so your group can be in the most pictures! Here is the link to register for this important national event:

As the National Library Legislative Day (NLLD) Coordinator for New York State I will endeavor to keep you informed about activities and issues related to the Library Advocacy Day.

One issue that I believe will be part of advocacy effort in June is net neutrality. Earlier today (April 6) the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia has ruled against the FCC's authority to impose "net neutrality" obligations on Internet service providers (ISPs). This is a very big setback for libraries, schools, not-for-profits and small and medium businesses. (For information about net neutrality follow this link.)

I anticipate that the American Library Association (ALA) will be releasing a statement about this issue within the few days and expect that this will be one of the issues that will be at the top of our legislative agenda on National Library Advocacy Day, June 29, 2010 in Washington DC.

Here is a link to the New York Times article.