Resources to Submit a Resolution in Support of Libraries to your
State Legislature
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Customize the draft resolution on p. 2 so that it meets your needs. For example, the
resolution could be timed to coincide with an event like National Library Week, but it
does not have to be
2. Fill in the blanks of the draft resolution on p. 2 with information about your state (a
web link is provided for a site that has the state data)
3. Identify someone in your state legislature who you think would be a supporter of
libraries
4. Email that elected official and ask them to sponsor the resolution. Use the sample
email on p. 1. Find contact information at http://cqrcengage.com/ala/chapters
5. Submit the resolution to them as an attachment to your email. Make sure the file is in
a format that is editable, such as an MS Word document
6. If you do not hear from them in a week or so, follow up with a phone call and repeat
your request
7. Find out when the legislature will vote on the resolution, so you can get the word out
about it through the local press, social media, etc.
8. When the resolution passes, be sure to follow up with the official and thank them.
Finalize the press release and send it to your local newspaper. Use the sample thank
you message and press release on pp. 3-4
SAMPLE EMAIL TO YOUR ELECTED OFFICIAL
Dear Representative [INSERT NAME],
As a voter and a resident of [INSERT CITY, STATE] I am grateful for all that you do to
help the residents in our state. You may be aware that April 12 – 18th is National Library
Week, and I am contacting you to ask if you will sponsor a resolution honoring the
libraries in our state. I’ve attached a draft resolution to this email message. I know that
you work hard to ensure that everyone in our state has access to resources like public
education and job training. Libraries play an important role in both of these things, and
that is why I hope you will sponsor this bill. If you have any questions, or if you need
more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I can be reached at [INSERT
CONTACT INFORMATION]. If you’d like to learn more about National Library Week,
please visit www.ala.org/nlw. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing
from you.
Sincerely,
[INSERT YOUR NAME]
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SAMPLE RESOLUTION ON LIBRARIES TO SUBMIT TO STATE
LEGISLATURE
Whereas the state’s school, academic, public, and special libraries make a difference in
the lives of millions of people in [INSERT NAME OF STATE], today, more than ever;
For the next three items use the statistics on this site to fill in the data:
http://connect.ala.org/node/138571
Whereas there are [INSERT NUMBER] public libraries in [INSERT NAME OF
STATE];
Whereas in 2012 residents of [INSERT NAME OF STATE] visited their public libraries
[INSERT NUMBER] times;
Whereas [INSERT NUMBER] of [INSERT NAME OF STATE] libraries are the only
source of free internet for residents;
Whereas for every dollar spent on libraries, the return on investment is [INSERT
AMOUNT] (use this ROI calculator to determine the amount:
www.lrs.org/public/roi/calculator.php)
Whereas librarians are trained professionals, helping people of all ages and backgrounds
find and interpret the information they need to live, learn, and work in a 21st century
workforce;
Whereas libraries are part of the American Dream, places for opportunity, education,
self-help, and lifelong learning;
Whereas libraries play a vital role in community development and serve as strong
community partners;
Whereas libraries help students succeed in school and avoid the “summer slide” through
year-round learning opportunities;
Whereas libraries are a key player in workforce development and job training for people
of all ages;
Whereas libraries are narrowing the “digital divide”, by providing no-fee public computer
and Internet access to accommodate the growing need for access to digital and online
information, including e-government, continuing education, and employment
opportunities;
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Whereas libraries, librarians, library workers, and supporters across the United States will
celebrate National Library Week, April 12–18, 2015: Now, therefore, be it resolved
That the [INSERT NAME OF STATE] Legislature—
(1) Supports the goals and ideals of National Library Week;
(2) Encourages all residents to visit a library to take advantage of the wonderful
library resources available, and to thank their librarians and library workers for
making information accessible to all who walk through the library’s doors; and
(3) Supports librarians’ efforts to ensure that all residents of [INSERT NAME OF
STATE] can continue to access 21st century library services in school, public,
academic, and special libraries.
SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE ANNOUNCING THE PASSING OF THE
RESOLUTION
For Immediate Release: [Date]
Contact: [Name, job title, email address and phone number]
Headline: [INSERT NAME OF STATE] Legislature Passes Resolution Honoring
Libraries
On [INSERT DATE] the state legislature passed a resolution in support of libraries. The
resolution was sponsored by Representative [INSERT NAME OF ELECTED
OFFICIAL].
The resolution acknowledges that today’s libraries are more than warehouses for books.
Instead, libraries and librarians are change agents within their communities –
transforming lives through innovative educational resources and forward-thinking
programs and services. Libraries are doing their part to close the digital divide and level
the playing field by providing free access to information and technologies that many in
their communities would be hard pressed to find elsewhere. Libraries help to ensure the
American dream and promote democracy by providing service to all regardless of race,
ethnicity, creed, age, ability, gender, or socio-economic status.
Librarians work with elected officials, small business owners, students and the public at
large to discover and meet the needs of their communities. Whether through offering ebooks and technology classes, materials for English-language learners, programs for job
seekers or offering a safe haven for youth afterschool, librarians listen to the community
they serve, and they respond.
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To read the full resolution visit [INSERT URL FOR RESOLUTION].
SAMPLE THANK YOU EMAIL TO YOUR ELECTED OFFICIAL
Dear Representative [INSERT NAME],
Thank you so much for taking the time to show your support for libraries by sponsoring
the National Library Week resolution! As you know, libraries are an essential component
of healthy communities and provide a wealth of services such as literacy classes, job
training and more. I greatly appreciate your support. If I can ever be of any assistance
to you in your work, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I can be reached at [INSERT
CONTACT INFORMATION]. The next time you’re in the district, please don’t hesitate
to visit the library at [INSERT ADDRESS] so you can see first-hand all of ways that the
library supports the community and its residents.
Sincerely,
[INSERT YOUR NAME]
FOR MORE ADVOCACY RESOURCES
 Visit www.ala.org/yalsa/advocacy
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