WVLA Day At The Legislature on Monday February 28, 2011

Legislative Goals for 2011

All hands on deck, Librarians! We need a strong turnout of librarians, trustees, and library supporters to attend this year's Legislative Day. The schedule and protocol are similar to the past several years. This event can be very effective if we have a strong turnout. A weak turnout sends a negative message. So please make every effort to attend and actively meet with your legislators. Tickets will be available soon. Do make plans to bring a contingent from your library. Let's all pull together.

9 AM – 1 PM in the Upper Rotunda at the Capitol

· The Upper Rotunda has been reserved from 9AM – 1PM for library displays and exhibits. We want to have a display for every library in the State.

· Unless special arrangements are made, each library will be assigned ½ of an eight foot table upon which to put displays, handouts, or some other clever something that will attract and inform. In the past, libraries have used the ubiquitous tri-fold display boards. Recently more and more libraries are bringing electronic displays – an appropriate move since we definitely need to highlight our competence as tech savvy gatekeepers and guides to the electronic world of information and services. Whether you choose static or electronic or just bake a plate of cookies, the goal is to fill the Rotunda with people all talking LIBRARY talk.

· Visit your Legislators to discuss library goals and issues. It is a good idea to call your legislators ahead of time and make arrangements to meet with them during the morning to discuss library issues. (At about 2 PM, legislators usually get busy with committee meetings and are no longer available to meet with constituents. )

2 PM – 5PM Take a break.

· Visit the new State museum, shop, sit in the Reference Library and visit with pals, etc. but do NOT eat – the food at the Reception is provided by Wellington's of Scarlet Oaks and is delicious and ample.

5 – 7 PM Legislative Reception at the Cultural Center.

· Another opportunity to talk with legislators.

· Packets containing reception tickets and information as well as a copy of the Legislative goals for this year will be sent out soon.

We will provide tables and chairs in the Upper Rotunda. You bring the rest. (Wireless internet is available in the Rotunda). Call me at 304-466-4490 if you want a more space, have questions or just want to chat!

WVLA Legislative Goals for 2011.

• Increase the "Grants to Public Libraries" to $9,041,750. This restores $417,444 taken from the Library Commission's Lottery Fund by line item veto and adds $692,866 in new dollars. The increase would bring the grants-in-aid to $5.00 per capita.
  
• Implement a Construction/Maintenance Line Item of $1,500,000 in the Library Commission's budget. Public Libraries across the State face needs for replacement or renovation of buildings. The growth in technology and services, as well as the age of the buildings, contribute to this need. This is a "one-time" request and would not add to the base level budget of the agency.
  
• Restore $330,000 to the "Infomine Network." The Library Commission's Network support has been cut by 28% since FY 2009. The Infomine Network supports technology in all 176 public library facilities in West Virginia. The support includes maintenance of five consortia electronic catalogs that enhance sharing of resources between all libraries, provides for hardware and software upgrades, wireless networks, etc.
  
• Pass Legislation providing for sufficient, stable local funding of public libraries. Local funding for public libraries in West Virginia remains at 49th in the nation. The critical role of libraries in education, economic development, job training, life-long learning cannot be sustained without a stable funding stream.
  
• Require School Libraries and Librarians in Every School. Schools should be required to have a certified librarian. School libraries have been proven to improve student learning and achievement and West Virginia should support having a school librarian in every school without being assigned other teaching duties.
  
• Creating a viable solution to the PEIA-Other Postemployment Benefit (OPEB). OPEB is affecting libraries and other PEIA employers.
  

Thank you.

Allen Johnson, WVLA Legislative Committee Chair

Allen Johnson, Director
Pocahontas County Free Libraries
500 8th Street
Marlinton, West Virginia 24954

(304) 799-6000
allen@pocahontaslibrary.org