Library Legislative Day



What is Library Legislative Day?
This is an annual statewide library advocacy event in which library supporters meet with elected officials in their offices in St. Paul. There is a briefing from the MLA/MEMO lobbyist about current activity--hearings, bills under consideration--in the Legislature as it relates to libraries.

Participation in Legislative Day is a great way to get involved to support libraries. MLA & MEMO are ready to provide information and assistance to help you be an effective advocate. In addition to the basic guidelines below, be sure to check the MLA & MEMO websites for updates and meeting opportunities around Legislative Day. You can also use these guidelines to visit with your legislator at any other time that you might be available to advocate.

Why should I attend Library Legislative Day?
Deliver the message about Libraries.
It is important that legislators hear how your library helps people as they learn & play and how library systems help libraries by providing services & infrastructure. School, public, academic, and special libraries all play important roles in their communities especially in difficult economic times. Systems help local libraries service their users.
Build & strengthen relationships.
Your meetings on Legislative Day are important because they lay the groundwork for future contact with your representatives. You want your legislator to come to you with questions about the needs of your library.
Raise our profile.
When many people gather for a single purpose, we send a strong, visible message to our representatives. Minnesotans rely on their Libraries!
Learn new things.
At the briefing you will learn about legislative activity or current legislation affecting libraries to prepare for meetings with legislators later in the day. It is likely you will learn other things, too, from other people there.
Send an important message.
Libraries play a vital role in democratic societies by protecting free and open access to information. The message about intellectual freedom is important for all to hear.
Meet new people & have fun.
Library Legislative Day is hectic and the day can be packed with meetings (and walking). Still, take time to meet other library people there for the same purpose. It is a great experience—see you in St. Paul!

Before You Go
  • Make an appointment; don’t just show up. When you call to set up your appointment, let your legislator know what you would like to talk to him/her about. Be as specific as possible (e.g., I would like to speak with Rep. _____________ about H.R. ####. I will be in St. Paul on ______________ in the _____________).
  • If your legislator is not available when you are going to be there, ask if the office is going to be open so you could drop off information or a letter for the legislator to review.
  • Research your legislator, so you know where s/he stands on the issue(s) you would like to address. It will help you better refute any arguments that s/he might have.
  • Read MLA/MEMO Legislative Updates from lobbyist.
  • Read the MLA/MEMO Platform and Talking Points
  • Recruit others to attend with you. Call your regional public library system administrator or your multitype director to see if they have a group you can join.
  • Create your message and collect your stories. It would be best to have a written statement or notes to refer to when you are speaking with your legislator as well as any resources/handouts you might want to leave with him/her.
  • Inform your group about the message you want to get across. Written handouts that group members can refer to for talking points are helpful.
  • Attend the MLA/MEMO Briefing the night before or the morning of Legislative Day.
Chances are, library supporters won't be the only group visiting the Capitol that day. Library Legislative Day has coincided with bikers, dentists, resort owners, college students, forest product producers, and other organized groups. This can add to fun; it also reinforces the need to have a concise message you can deliver in the short time you are allotted with your legislator or staff.
  
Hints for a successful visit
    • Be on time, but understand that your legislator is busy, so s/he might be running late. You might even need to speak while walking with your elected official to another meeting. There is also the possibility that you will have to speak with a member of the staff instead of the legislator him/herself.
    • Refer to your written notes to insure you stay on message.
    • Dress professionally. And wear comfortable walking shoes!
    • Be professional and diplomatic.
    • Listen carefully; try to draw out specific answers to your questions. If a legislator asks you a question you don’t know the answer to, let him/her know you’ll get back to him/her (and do so).
    • Put the issues in human terms, and be as inclusive as possible, attempting to find common ground if there are disagreements. If possible, bring along a parent or well-spoken teen who can help give concrete examples of how the law will affect you and your library.
    • Invite the legislator to visit your library and offer to be a contact for the issue.
    • When your time is up, thank the legislator for his/her time.
    Follow up After the Visit
    • Send any follow-up information that was promised.
    • postcard
    • photos
    • Read poster
    Source: Some of this was adapted from the YALSA legislative guide.
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