91´«Ã½

PHILADELPHIA – This week marks the 40th annual National Library Legislative Day. Hundreds of library supporters from all across the country will convene in Washington D.C., where they will be briefed on legislative issues affecting libraries and will meet with their members of Congress to discuss them.

If you can’t make it to D.C., you can still advocate for libraries by calling or emailing Congress as part of Virtual Library Legislative Day (VLLD) on May 6, or anytime May 5 to 9. Library supporters can let their legislators know just how important our nation’s libraries are to the communities they serve.

This is an especially important time to speak up for libraries as Congress continues to make cuts that impact libraries. Here’s how to participate in Virtual Library Legislative Day:

Email Congress: To take action for libraries, visit May 5-9. Find your elected officials by ZIP code and use the talking points and contact information provided to call or email your representatives.

Call Congress: To call your members of Congress, May 5-9. After reading the issue briefs, head back to the LAC homepage and enter your information into the "Find your Officials" box.

Use social media: In conjunction with , YALSA has created an online campaign to raise awareness of the important role libraries play in helping teens succeed in school and prepare for careers. Through Thunderclap, a message about funding libraries will be posted via social media on May 6 at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. To participate, visit before that time.

United for Libraries, the 91´«Ã½ Washington Office, 91´«Ã½’s Chapter Relations Office, the 91´«Ã½ Office for Library Advocacy are leading Virtual Library Legislative Day, an opportunity for all library advocates to make their voices heard on a national level. Talking points, links, and more resources are available at .

: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, is a division of the 91´«Ã½ that supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries. United for Libraries brings together library trustees, advocates, friends, and foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. For more information or to join United for Libraries, visit the or contact Jillian Kalonick at (312) 280-2161 or jkalonick@ala.org.

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