Library Board Meeting Date: March 10th, 2025
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 20th, 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 to discuss funding priorities for 2025. Krista Ross, SELCO director, Pam O’Hara and Natalie met with Kristi Pursell virtually and on Thursday, March 6th. 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) the newspaper column and two MLA documents detailing the funding priorities for 2025. (2) is a list of all the priorities, (3) is a closer examination of what staff feel are the highest priority requests.
Helpful information related to state and federal funding impacts on the MLA advocacy page: <https://sites.google.com/gsuite.larl.org/mnlibraryadvocacy?usp=sharing>
Alternative Options:
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Financial Impacts:
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Tentative Timelines:
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