ALA publishes new resource: how to conduct a library tour with your legislators

WASHINGTON, DC — ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office has published an updated tool, “How to Conduct an In-Person Library Tour,” for library advocates to meet with their elected officials during the month-long congressional recess throughout the month of August. The resource walks advocates through the best practices and steps needed for requesting and scheduling the library tour, things to consider when developing the content and points of interest, and how to publicize the tour to relevant audiences on social media.

Several important discussions and legislative opportunities for libraries are currently being negotiated, including securing the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 appropriations funding increases for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) grant, and ensuring that funding for library facilities is incorporated in an infrastructure plan through the Build America’s Libraries Act. Now is the time to illustrate the significant impact that libraries have on communities to legislators and decisionmakers.

ALA encourages library advocates from libraries of all types to conduct a tour this August recess, and share their experiences, photos and/or videos with ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office.