Use Snapshot Day to establish a relationship with legislators

1.  Determine your local Representative and Senator.  You may have different ones for your library and your residence.  If that is the case, establish a relationship with all of them.

2.  Find the phone numbers and addresses for their legislative offices both in Springfield and locally.  Read your legislators' biographical information and learn which committees they serve.

3.  Share your "Snapshot:  One Day in the Life of Illinois Libraries" information about your library with your legislators. 

4.  Check for any legislation that may impact libraries and be prepared to tell them how that would affect your library.  This Spring Session will most likely focus on budget issues.  In the FY2010 state budget, the Illinois General Assembly cut general revenue funding for all state library and literacy grants by 50%.  At a time when library usage is at its highest, Illinois libraries are being asked to face tomorrow's needs with yesterday's resources.

5.  Buddy up.  Call neighboring librarians who are in the same legislative district and make your visits together.

6.  Call the local office and make an appointment to visit your legislators.

7.  Visit the legislators, be on time, and bring your "Snapshot" information, library newsletter, and summer reading program information to keep them informed of what is going on at your library.

8.  Write a thank you note and send it to your legislators after your visit.  Briefly remind them of what you discussed.

9.  Invite your legislators to your library for an open house, celebrations, etc.

10.  Offer your library as a place for them to hold office hours or meetings with constituents.

11.  Watch the paper for local appearances of your legislators.  This could be a community breakfast, office hours, local parade, or a special meeting or hearing they are holding.

12.  Attend these types of events mentioned above and introduce yourself to your legislators, reminding them of the library.

13.  If you happen to get an extended conversation with them at one of these events, follow that up with a thank you note.

14.  Should your legislators be appointed the chairmanship of a committee or given a significant honor, send a short note of congratulations.

15.  During the legislative session monitor their votes on library legislation.  Thank them for votes in favor of library legislation.  If they voted no, explain how the vote could be detrimental to libraries and how you hope that they will support library legislation in the future.

16.  Be positive and courteous in any correspondence that you have.

17.  Once is not enough.  Don't make one call or one visit.  Establishing a relationship with a legislator is an ongoing process.

*** These same steps can be used in building a relationship with your federal legislators.  Locate biographical information and committee assignments.  You will also find a link to their congressional Web site that will give you more information.

Woodridge Public Library
Friday, March 19, 2010
Ideas for Kids: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Ideas for Teens: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Lunch will be ordered from Panera; bring $10.00 to cover lunch.  You may bring a sack lunch, if you desire.

Fun, yet cost-effective program and craft ideas will be presented by local practitioners and members of the Forums.  You'll walk away from this workshop with make-and-take ideas.  Register for one age group or for both!

Lewis and Clark Library System
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Ideas for Kids: 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Ideas for Teens: 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Lunch is on your own at local, nearby restaurants.

The Youth Services people from Lewis & Clark Library System (LCLS) libraries will present a practical make & take workshop.  Participants will go away with directions and supply lists to accompany programs at their libraries.  Register for one age group or for both!

A block of rooms has been reserved at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center.  The Single/Double Rate is $89, Triple Rate is $101 and Quad Rate is $113.  Contact the hotel at (217) 544-8800 to make your reservation.  Please note: the deadline for reservations is February 23, 2010.

Conference Registration is available online.