NEWS RELEASE

Among the many roles and responsibilities of public library trustees, advocacy continues to be one of the most challenging. Knowing how, what and where to advocate for your library is a skill that all trustees need to master. To help trustees build their advocacy skills the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is announcing this year’s Massachusetts Library Trustee Institute on April 27, 2019.

“For many in the library community, advocacy can be an uncomfortable exercise that is often left to the ‘outgoing’ people on the board.” said Rob Favini, Head of Library Advisory and Development at the MBLC. “At this institute, attendees will have the unique opportunity to connect with other Massachusetts library trustees and learn how to be a more effective advocate on the national, state and local level. Presenters will demonstrate that advocacy is every trustee’s job and a normal part of our everyday work that can lead to many benefits for libraries and the residents they serve.”

The keynote speaker is Kathi Kromer, Associate Executive Director at the American Library Association’s (ALA) Washington DC office. Ms. Kromer has extensive experience in raising awareness and in advocacy.  Prior to joining ALA, Kromer was with the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association for 11 years where she was their Vice President of Strategy and Outreach. She expanded their national grassroots program from 2,000 advocates to nearly 20,000 and identified Grasstop advocates within 39 chapters across the country. She also created a state advocacy program that helped raised awareness and generate over $15 million for 39 chapters.

A session sponsored by the Massachusetts Library Trustee Association will feature Libby Post, Strategist-in-Chief and President, Communication Services. Libby is well known for her work with libraries in Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York. Ms. Post’s advocacy work is centered on creating positive change. Whether it’s protecting funding or moving an issue forward, Ms. Post will offer tips learned from her own successful campaigns.

In addition, trustees will hear from a panel of local library foundation practitioners who will discuss the role of library foundations in advocating and advancing the development of libraries. During the lunchtime session attendees examine what’s happening in their own communities that may impact advocacy efforts and have the opportunity to network with fellow trustees.

Event details are as follows:

Massachusetts Library Trustee Institute
Saturday April 27, 2019
AC Hotel, 125 Front Street, Worcester, MA
Time: 9:30 am – 3:00 pm

Register: https://mblc.libcal.com/event/5158107?hs=a

 The Massachusetts Library Trustee Institute is made possible with federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Additional funding is provided by the Massachusetts Library Trustee Association.