Library Legislative Day is February 25

Virginia Foxx and Iris Morphew, Friends Volunteer

Once a year, Public Library Directors and their supporters travel to Raleigh to visit with legislators. Meetings are arranged, by library advocates, with all State Representatives (both Senators and House Representatives) to speak with one unified voice promoting public library services and their value to communities.   This year Library Legislative Day is on February 25.  In preparation for this special advocacy day, Ashe Library invited state and local elected officials to visit for a "Day in the District" to see first-hand how their constituents are served by the library.  U.S. Representative, Virginia Foxx and State Representative, Jonathan Jordan along with local Commissioner, Larry Rhodes and Mayor of Jefferson, Bluford Eldreth dropped in for a library tour on February 7.  They were all impressed by the community's involvement with the library and agreed that government support for libraries should be a priority.  




Friends of the Library assisted in making "Day in the District" a success by stopping in to meet with government officials while they visited.  

Karen Moll, State Friends President / local friends board member, spoke  with Rep. Jordan. She stated, "Mr. Jordan asked several important questions about who uses library services.  He also asked what the legislature could do to support those services."  Karen shared that continued funding was necessary to keep the current level of programs and services for all ages available to the community.  As noted by community comments on library "love notes," the library is "the People's University."

District Day activities included Valentine crafts and games in the children's department.   Special library book displays  were created by staff members Laura McPherson, showcasing library services, and Maria Holman, loving books "too much."  Music was provided by Connie Woolard on the hammered dulcimer and Mattie Grisham, a Friends volunteer worked the popcorn popper and served refreshments to all.
 

 
February is also know nationally as Love Your Library Month, and with the end of the month just days away, we'd like to encourage "library love" year 'round.