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 27Host: Lynn Coakley – Coordinator of Technical Services
Registration email:
Senator Benjamin Downing
Friday, January 24, 2014 ~ 8:00 a.m. ~ Milne Library, WilliamstownHost: 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 LibraryHost: Marian Pagan, Library Director
Registration email: library@holyoke.org
Senator Gale Candaras
Friday, February 28,
2014 ~ 8:30 a.m. ~ Storrs
Library, LongmeadowHost: Karen Kappenman, Library Director
Registration email: kkappenman@longmeadow.org
Senator Stephen Brewer
Friday, February 28,
2014 ~ 7:30 a.m.~ Palmer
Public LibraryHost: 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
Name:
Library:
Address:
Telephone:__________________________ Email:______________________________
Check Payable to: Berkshire Legislative Breakfast c/o Pat McLeod, Milne Public Library, 1095 Main Street, Williamstown MA 01267
To donate to support the Berkshire Legislative Breakfast
_______$25.00 ________$50.00 ________$100.00 ________Other
