Legislative Panel Meeting Minutes, 2/1/2013

The Minutes from the Legislative Panel’s Meeting on February 1, 2013 are now available.

Maryland Library Legislative Day 2013 is another success!

Members of the Maryland Library community gathered in Annapolis for Maryland Library Legislative Day on February 13th to advocate for libraries. The Senate and the House of Delegates voted to declare the day as Maryland Library Day. The audio recording of the Senate resolution, introduced by Senator Kasemeyer and the House resolution, introduced by House Speaker Michael Busch are available online. (Click on the audio for the proceedings for February 13th. The declaration in the Senate is on Session #2 about seven minutes in; the declaration in the House is about 19 minutes in.)

Throughout the day, advocates were able to meet with most, if not all of the Senators, Delegates or their legislative assistants to talk about what libraries are doing and ask for support of funding for the Public Library Capital Grant Program. Additionally, about 40 advocates were able to participate virtually by contacting elected officials using Capwiz.

The reception in the evening was attended by about 150 people, including 37 elected officials and many legislative assistants. Other guests included Dr. Lillian Lowery, State Superintendent of Schools, and Maureen Sullivan, President of the American Library Association.

Many thanks to everyone who participated in the 2013 Maryland Library Legislative Day and helped to make it a success!