Library Day in Albany

When I saw that 17 protesters had been arrested in Albany yesterday, I thought "Oh, no! The library lobbying effort has gone too far."  But the protesters were folks who wanted--reasonably in my opinion--NYS to maintain the so-called "millionaire's tax," which Governor Cuomo and the Republicans want to let expire at the end of the year.  Library Day in Albany was actually two days ago, not yesterday, and apparently went well.

Here is what Rebkkah Aldrich of the Mid-Hudson Library System reported:

"We had over 20 member libraries represented – 60+ people from the MHLS region! But I know many of you were there with us virtually through calls your legislators, use of the NYLA Online Advocacy Center, and expertly timed letters to the editor… the support out there in the MHLS region for library advocacy this year has been tremendous – and very necessary.

"It was fantastic to be waiting for a meeting with a legislator yesterday and to hear their staff picking up phone calls from library supporters who were calling with the same messages we were there to deliver in person – it really proved that there are a lot of people out there who care about libraries and who are watching legislators behavior towards our issues. Two legislators told us that they’ve heard from more library supporters in the past month than have from any other group of constituents!

The day went pretty well, we saw most legislators at some point in the day, others of us had face time with legislative aides but that’s ok – most seemed to really get what we were saying and were encouraging that we continue to speak up which is a good sign – it means there is still hope. MHLS will be following up with all legislators, making sure they get another dose of our messages via letter, calls and visits. We’re going to make appointments with some key legislators in their local offices to continue to press our message."

She also suggested that now is a good time to ask your local legislators to visit your library.  We did this at the Pleasant Valley Library a couple of times recently (Marc Molinaro was the visitor) and, in addition to lots of good advice, we also ended up with a Member Item that Representative Molinaro sponsored. We have invited Sen. Steve Saland, who previous also sponsored a member item for us, to visit, but could not work out the dates.  Given the general budget-cutting madness that is going on at all levels of government, it is more important than ever to keep in touch with our representatives.

And, by the way, I agree with the arrested protesters that the "millionaire's tax" should be kept. We need to pay for services with taxes instead of abandoning needed services because we refuse to pay for them. Keep that in mind when the next Chapter 414 campaign starts. 

Support State Support for Libraries

The New York Library Association has declared March 1 this year's Library Advocacy Day.  The idea is that local constituents should converge on their representatives in state government that day, visiting the offices in Albany to encourage the legislature to protect funding for libraries.  I cannot think of a year when this is more necessary, given the budget problems facing the state and the general nationwide movement to reduce government aid instead of raising taxes.

Now there is a good argument to be made against raising taxes for New York State residents, who have one of the highest tax burdens of any state; but cutting library funding helps to reduce a basic service that is vitally important in poor economic times.  Even so, I suspect cuts will be made, so the Library Advocates who speak to their legislators may at best reduce the size of the cuts.  That is at least improvement.  One motto I always have liked is "Progress, not perfection."  So if you can go to Albany on March 1 to lend your voice, I encourage you to do so.  For the Pleasant Valley Free Library, our legislators are Assemblyman Marc Molinaro and Senator Steve Saland.  Both are lovely people, so a chance to talk to them about the library situation should not be a burden.  And let me remind you that they have helped our Library in the past--Sen. Saland made the roof that currently protects our building and holdings possible with a member item a few years ago, while Assemblyman Molinaro recently arranged for money that I believe was credited to the improvement of the walk along the side of the building near the driveway.

Here is how Mid-Hudson can help you participate:

To Register:

• If you would like to take the bus you must register with RCLS by February 18th. Cost: $15 per person.
• Driving on yoru own? Register with MHLS. Directions & Parking Information
• Can't make it to Albany on March 1? Call your local legislators and let them know why your library and the System are essential in your community.