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-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of "Suess, Eric"
Sent: Friday, March 13, 2020 12:52 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [alacoun] Fwd: [alacol2] 2020 National Library Legislative Day Canceled



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From: Kathi Kromer <[log in to unmask]>
Date: March 13, 2020 at 10:40:42 AM MDT
To: "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>, "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>, "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>, "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>, "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: [alacol2] 2020 National Library Legislative Day Canceled
Reply-To: Kathi Kromer <[log in to unmask]>


The American Library Association has made the difficult decision to cancel National Library Legislative Day (NLLD) 2020 in Washington, D.C., on May 4 and 5.

ALA’s priority is the health and safety of all our library advocates. The venue for our event, the Georgetown University and Conference Center, is a high-risk area as the situation surrounding COVID-19 develops. As the U.S. Sergeant at Arms has declared that the U.S. Capitol, House and Senate Office Buildings, and the Capitol Visitors Center will be closed to the public until at least April 1, we have decided to cancel NLLD in order to be responsive to local developments and concerns.

ALA is acutely aware of the gravity of the situation for all the library advocates across the nation who depend on NLLD as a key opportunity to connect with their elected officials and to develop their advocacy skills. Though our in-person NLLD event will no longer take place in the way that we intended, ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office continues to uphold our mission: making sure that libraries have a seat at the table in Washington, D.C.—especially during a critical time for the field.

We are now working through the impact of this unprecedented situation. In addition to offering a robust digital campaign, we are exploring other options such as meeting with Congressional offices virtually as their schedules allow. Whatever the result, ALA will continue to build advocacy strategies based on the availability of the Capitol complex.

Details about virtual advocacy opportunities will be shared via email and on our NLLD webpage<http://www.ala.org/advocacy/nlld>. Information regarding refunds will be shared by email in the upcoming days. If you have questions, please contact: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>

In this time of uncertainty, there are many difficult decisions to make based on the needs and safety of the people you serve every day – library staff, volunteers, and visitors. Your actions and response to this public health crisis clearly demonstrate to decisionmakers the value of libraries. Thank you for your commitment to advocacy. We will be in touch again soon!

Thank you,
Kathi

Kathi Kromer
Associate Executive Director
Public Policy and Advocacy
202-628-8410  ▪  [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
www.ala.org/wo<http://www.ala.org/wo>

[ala_stacked_color]<http://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/wo>