Legislative Day 2010

Thanks to Suzanne for the invitation to join the blog!  I thought I'd share with you some thoughts from the rally and visit to our legislators on the last day of the conference this year.  It was a great experience!

Attending the rally and representing Montana were Matt Beckstrom and Judy Hart from Lewis & Clark Library in Helena, Kate Zoellner from UM-Missoula, Sheila Bonnand from MSU-Bozeman, me, Darlene Staffeldt, our state librarian, Karen Gonzales from Missoula Public, Sarah Daviau from Lincoln County Library in Libby (not pictured), and Cindy Christin from Bozeman Public (not pictured).  Thanks to Kate for the picture!

There were about 1600 people in attendance at the rally at Capitol Hill.  We heard from author Lauren Myracle, ALA President Camila Alire, Congressional library supporters U.S. Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) and U.S. Rep. Vernon Ehlers (R-MI-3), and Keith Michael Fiels from ALA.  The heat was a bit oppressive but the speakers were inspiring.   It was great to have such a large contingent from Montana!

Our next stop was the building where Denny Rehberg's office was located, where we had a nice lunch in the deli and met with our Representative.  He spent about 30 minutes talking with us about libraries in Montana and we shared our concerns regarding funding and support for our activities.  After our visit, we proceeded on to the Hart Senate Building where we met with Will Sehestedt at Max Baucus' office and then spoke with Senator Jon Tester for a few minutes.

Thanks again to Kate Zoellner for the picture!  And here you can see Cindy and Sarah.

For me it was very exciting to meet with the legislators--definitely a new experience for me to attend an Advocacy Day and one that was worthwhile.  Thanks to ALA for giving us this opportunity and to Judy and Darlene for arranging the meetings and getting us organized!