LIBRARY LEGISLATIVE BREAKFASTS 2014 - Mass Libraries are working to end the Digital Lockout

The twentieth annual series of library legislative breakfasts is coming up soon.   As advocacy continues to be a solid impetus for librarians in Massachusetts, this event has grown in importance and attendance.  The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners’ (MBLC) Legislative Agenda for FY 2015 is available here.  Supplementary information links are available here.  



The MBLC works toward equity of access to library services by creating a level playing field so that residents of all ages across the Commonwealth have access to essential library collections, services, facilities and electronic content regardless of where they live. Through libraries, residents find information and knowledge to improve their lives, to support education, to build their communities and to sustain our democracy.

No library can meet the demands of its users with local resources alone. That’s why state funded programs are so critical to the provision of library services. Citizens of Massachusetts are using libraries more than ever, and they rely on the links between libraries provided through state funding administered by the MBLC. Funding cuts since 2001 have placed immense burdens on local library budgets at a time when demand for services is rising.

Informing your legislators of your concerns and additional funding needs this year will allow Massachusetts libraries to meet today’s challenges.  Please show your support by mailing a contribution and by marking the date of your complimentary breakfast on your calendar.  Every library school, public, academic and special in every town needs a voice to be heard by our Western Mass. legislators.

Western Mass Library Legislative Breakfasts Schedule ~ 2014

Full descriptions of the Breakfasts, plus registration information and directions are available at http://mla.memberlodge.org/breakfasts2014

Thanks to the Mass. Library Association for hosting the information this year.

Senator James Welch

Friday, January 17, 2014 ~ 7:30 a.m. ~ Springfield Technical Community College Library  Bldg 27
Host: Lynn Coakley – Coordinator of Technical Services
Registration email:  Lcoakley@stcc.edu

Senator Benjamin Downing

Friday, January 24, 2014 ~ 8:00 a.m. ~ Milne Library, Williamstown
Host: Pat McLeod, Library Director    
Registration email:  l.kaufmann@mcla.edu

Senator Stan Rosenberg
Friday,  February 7, 2014 ~ 7:30:00 a.m. ~ Jones Library, Amherst
Host: Sharon Sharry, Library Director
Registration email:  sharrys@joneslibrary.org

Senator Don Humason

Friday, February 21, 2014 ~ 9:00 a.m. ~ Holyoke Public Library
Host: Marian Pagan, Library Director
Registration email: library@holyoke.org

Senator Gale Candaras

Friday, February 28, 2014 ~ 8:30 a.m. ~ Storrs Library, Longmeadow
Host: Karen Kappenman, Library Director
Registration email: kkappenman@longmeadow.org

Senator Stephen Brewer

Friday, February 28, 2014 ~ 7:30 a.m.~ Palmer Public Library
Host:  Dorene Miller, Library Director
Registration email:  director@palmer.lib.ma.us


Find the names of your state Senator and Representative(s) by visiting the Massachusetts Library Association - Elected Officials website

Donations to support the breakfasts are welcome.  There is no charge on the days of the events to attendees.  If you would like to contribute:

To donate to support the Pioneer Valley Legislative Breakfasts

_______$25.00                   ________$50.00                 ________$100.00              ________Other

Name:

Library:

Address:

Telephone:__________________________  Email:______________________________

Check Payable to:  Western Mass Library Advocates    PO Box 609, South Deerfield, MA 01373-0609

To donate to support the Berkshire Legislative Breakfast

_______$25.00                   ________$50.00                 ________$100.00              ________Other

Name:

Library:

Address:

Telephone:__________________________  Email:______________________________

Check Payable to:  Berkshire Legislative Breakfast  c/o Pat McLeod, Milne Public Library, 1095 Main Street, Williamstown MA 01267