MA Legislative Day 2008

On Wednesday April 2, 2008, intrepid librarians from western Mass. hit the bus for the State House. On the way, we picked up another contingent from central Mass. The bus was organized and underwritten by the Friends of WMRLS. Donuts for the journey were generously provided by North Adams Representative Dan Bosley.

Legislative Day is sponsored by the Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) and this year, for the first time, MLA joined forces with the Massachusetts School Library Association (MSLA). The drill for the day is pretty straightforward for those of you who haven't joined us before. A few weeks before Legislative Day, attendees contact their Senator and Representative to alert them to the event and invite them to attend the program and lunch, usually as this year, held in the Great Hall of Flags.

Let your legislators know you are coming and will be stopping by their office. If several of you from a particular district are attending, its a good idea to make an appointment. (The bus usually arrives between 10 - 10:30, lunch is usually at 12, the bus leaves at 2 or 2:30.)

When we arrive at the State House, the bus driver drops us off and reminds us of the departure time. We proceed to the General Hooker entrance of the building and go through security (usually to comments like 'the librarians are here.') At the Hall of Flags MLA/MSLA volunteers staff a sign in desk where we pick up information packets for legislators and carnations. There are one or two briefing sessions conducted by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners to review the legislative agenda. The briefings are generally at 10 and 11. If you've attended a legislative breakfast you will have seen the packet before and may not need to go to the briefing.

It is now time to go to see your legislators. You'll have a list of legislators and office numbers in your packet, and there are plenty of people and signs to help you find your way. Your reps and senators will be pleased to see you. You'll have a few minutes to make a couple of key points on the value of state funding for libraries and to ask for their support. If they or an aide are not available, drop off a business card if you have one, a packet and a short note. These notes and your presence are very important. We'll hope to see you on the bus next year.

A summary of the day is available at http://www.masslib.org/legislative/legday2008.html.

~~ Jan Resnick, Assistant Regional Administrator