Library Board Meeting Date: March 11, 2026
To: Library Board Members
From: Natalie Draper, Library Director
Title
Library Advocacy Update.
Body
Action Requested:
The Library Board receives an update regarding library advocacy efforts.
Summary Report:
On February 25th, Library workers and supporters from all over Minnesota attended Library Legislative Day at the State Capitol. Library Director Draper and Northfield constituent/SELCO staff member Pam O’Hara met with Senator Bill Lieske and Representative Kristi Pursell to discuss funding and other legislative priorities for 2025. Community members who wish to express support for funding that impacts local libraries may contact their representatives and share their thoughts on the matter.
Attached to this agenda item for the Board’s information and to prompt questions/discussion is (1) MLA documents detailing the funding priorities for 2026.
Helpful information related to state and federal funding impacts on the MLA advocacy page: <https://sites.google.com/gsuite.larl.org/mnlibraryadvocacy?usp=sharing>
Director Draper has postmarked “thank you” postcards if Board members would like to send a note to their representatives to thank them for their continued support of libraries.
Alternative Options:
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Financial Impacts:
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Tentative Timelines:
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