Mission

The Advocacy Committee develops and directs a legislative strategy for the benefit of Kentucky’s public libraries.  The Committee encourages active interaction with local, state, and federal legislators to raise awareness of the value that public libraries provide to citizens of the Commonwealth each day.  

Kentucky Library Legislative Day

Library Legislative Day is designated each year to concentrate the awareness of the legislators on libraries of all types across Kentucky.  Librarians from all over the Commonwealth visit with their legislators in Frankfort on this day.  The Advocacy Committee identifies an agenda for public libraries and coordinates their day in the Capitol.  Here’s a short YouTube video about this important day. The next Library Legislative Day is March 7, 2012 (Wed).  Please plan to attend.  

2011 Gubernatorial Election

In June 2011, the Advocacy Committee solicited comments from each of the three candidates in the 2011 gubernatorial election.  The Advocacy Committee believes that a candidate’s expressed support of public libraries should be a deciding factor in making election day decisions.  Two of the candidates responded to the Advocacy Committee’s request. You can read the full transcript of those responses below:

• Governor Steve Beshear
• Gatewood Galbraith

 

Kentucky Public Library Legislative Caucus

The Kentucky Public Library Legislative Caucus is a group of legislators who have committed to support the growth of a vibrant public library system in Kentucky.  The Concept Paper provides information for legislators who are interested in joining the Caucus.  

Tools You Can Use

On Legislative Day, library supporters are asked to wear yellow.  A unified color lends strength to the overall voice that we share on that day.  If you like, you can have the Support Kentucky’s Libraries logo added to your garment.  You can also print a bookmark and customize it with your own message to give to patrons in your library. In 2008, the KPLA Advocacy Committee began a project to secure READ posters for all of Kentucky’s legislators and constitutionally elected officers.  In 2011, the project was finally complete.  You can see and download the 2011 Kentucky Government READ poster in either jpg or pdf.  Feel free to print a copy for display. Find information about your legislators here: http://www.votesmart.org Read the Advocacy Newsletters linked here.