02 Mar 2017 Conway County library director attends Library Day at Capitol

Library Director Jay Carter recently attended a Library Legislative Day at the state Capitol on behalf of all Arkansas libraries.

Carter, who is also president of Advocates for Arkansas Public Libraries, (AAPL), a lobbying organization for public library advocacy and legislation, headed up a group of Arkansas library directors and staff to meet with state legislators on behalf of library funding and support. In all, 15 public libraries from around the state participated to create awareness of the importance of libraries in local communities.

Each library displayed their current and recent library events, provided statistical information on library usage and related their own stories to legislators on how important library service is in their own communities.

The Crawford County Library System provided a lively backdrop with a bluegrass banjo player providing some Arkansas-style entertainment.

Overall, the response from legislators was positive, most seeing the need for public library support. AAPL plans to make Library Legislative Day an annual event.