Show Up For Our Libraries: Turning Congressmembers into Library Champions

Library advocates have worked tirelessly to demonstrate the essential services libraries provide communities across the country. While it may seem difficult—or even daunting—to engage directly with congressmembers, many advocates are getting positive results: fruitful conversations in meetings with congressional staff, well-received letters to the editor, energizing in-person library visits, and more.

In this sixth in a series of Show Up For Our Libraries webinars, ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy team will host a conversation aimed at providing advocates with the tools they need to engage with their congressmembers more directly.

ALA Committee on Legislation Chair Susan Hempstead will be joined by special guests, including Kate Alderete, director of the Public Library of Albuquerque-Bernalillo County, who has worked to establish a relationship with library and digital opportunity champion Senator Ben Ray Luján and Brad Fitch, a longtime CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation and former Capitol Hill staffer.

ALA Associate Executive Director Lisa Varga will provide an update on the critical library issues of the day, including ALA’s ongoing lawsuit to defend the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a win for E-Rate at the Supreme Court, and the current federal budget status. This webinar will give library advocates tools to cultivate their members of Congress into library champions, regardless of their political background.

• Attendance is limited to 1,000 attendees.
• A recording of the session will be available until October 10.
• Sign up to become an ALA advocate for action opportunities.

This event will be hosted in Zoom. Automatic captions will be enabled for this event. If you are unable to attend live, you will still receive access to the recording.

If you have questions or requests regarding accessibility, contact us at ce@ala.org or at 312-280-5100.