From the Director's Desk

March 10, 2008

Beverly J. Obert, Executive Director

Telling the Library Story - Part 7

One of the most important aspects of telling the library story is to build relationships with legislators. Whether they are our state Representatives and Senators or those at the national level, it is the duty of librarians and trustees to do their part in building relationships. How do you build relationships with your legislators?

First, introduce yourself to them. Make a visit to their local office or talk with them at legislative events. Remind them of the library you are associated with. Have a story to tell them about the work the library does. Invite them to come to the library and read to the children or to have a town hall meeting in the library’s meeting room. Follow up with notes of thanks for their time.

Second, call, write, or visit them when you see legislation that could have an impact on your library. Be sure to tell them the bill number of the legislation and where it is in the legislative process. Make this piece of legislation real to them by explaining how it would impact your library whether for the good or ill.

Third, no matter how they vote on the legislation you discussed with them, write a note. Thank them if the vote benefited the library or say you are sorry or disappointed they did not agree on the effect of the bill on libraries and hope they will vote in favor of future library legislation. It does no good to be mad, or write an angry letter, one with a reasoned message will be read and remembered in a positive way.

Fourth, make friends with the staff of the legislator. The people in the local offices keep the legislators informed of the issues of importance to their constituents. Building relationships with staff is just as important as with the legislator.

Coming up on Thursday, April 10 is Illinois Library Day, a day set-aside for library directors, staff, and trustees to descend on Springfield and talk with the legislators. This is the day to inform the legislators about the current bills before the House and Senate and how they will impact library services in Illinois. If you are not sure what the bills are or how they might affect libraries; find out by going to the Illinois Library Web page. Or, if you want to learn more about Illinois Library Day, check out the website. Sign up now for Illinois Library Day to help tell the library story!

Rolling Prairie Library System
A Library for Librarians
Helping Libraries Serve Illinois Citizens