Library advocacy has become increasingly more important as libraries come under attack and budgets continue to decline. Our library Advocacy Committee, made up of Trustees, Foundation, Friends, and library staff, recognized the need to connect with more people who were seeking opportunities to support the library, and provide a simple way to create and inform library advocates. A toolkit and dedicated page on our website would combine the resources necessary for anyone to learn how to advocate on behalf of the library, as well as give information, highlight accomplishments, and share important dates. The toolkit would serve as a one-stop resource for people who may not have any other connection to the library, but who care about safeguarding library access and freedom of information. Advocates can do great things from the comfort of their homes and the toolkit ensures they have the information to do so successfully.

Providing access to information is at the core library service, and this toolkit, along with supporting website and email alerts, is an important way to do that. We gathered together information in a single place that anyone could use to advocate for the library. It also includes tips on talking to people and getting your message across. This toolkit offers anyone who wants to the opportunity to support the library in any way that suits their needs, wherever they may be. It also makes it very easy for the library to connect with advocates, many of whom sign up for our Advocacy Alert emails. Further, the website lists specific information on legislation that would benefit or impede public libraries as well as encouraging advocates to contact local elected officials to thank them during budget season. The page is updated in real-time with information on bills becoming law, something that can be confusing. Email alerts were used to keep people in the know as these swift changes occurred.

Since the launch of our Advocacy Toolkit, we have received numerous comments from community members who have accessed the document for reference. Since the toolkit launched in January, our Advocacy webpage has had more than 1,100 unique viewers, with dozens of downloads. More than 100 people have signed up for the Advocacy Alerts as a result. Messaging was distributed throughout the 2024 legislative session to help those wishing to advocate on specific bills. Advocacy efforts by library supporters helped to prevent harmful bills from making their way through to becoming law. This information provided a resource for those wishing to support libraries in our area during a politically tumultuous time or at any time at all. Since its launch, we have received feedback from a number of libraries around the country who are creating their own community-centric version of our toolkit.