Montanans For Libraries Coalition

The Montana Library Association invites library partners, professionals, and champions to join our coalition to publicly support Montana libraries. 

The Montanans For Libraries Coalition is an extension of Montana Library Association’s Government Affairs efforts. The Coalition is made up of library supporters including patrons, professionals, and partner organizations who advocate for the organization at the local, state, and federal levels. Join the Coalition to connect with other passionate allies who work to give a voice to Montana’s essential network of libraries.

How We Advocate

• Build a groundswell of library champions across the state who will take action and voice their support for libraries at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Build state legislator support for expanding library resource sharing programs that contribute to educational outcomes and save taxpayer dollars, including shared digital catalogues across libraries, interlibrary loan systems, and group subscriptions to digital resources that provide more access to audiobooks, e-books, and streaming services. 
• Protect existing federal funding and advocate for additional support for Montana libraries, and make sure our congressional representatives in Washington, D.C.,  understand the importance of libraries to Montanans.

Who are we?

• Library champions from partner organizations, local businesses, schools, and communities throughout Montana. 
• Librarians from every type of library, trustees, and patrons.
• Current or former school administrators, educators, legislators, librarians, students, business owners, community leaders, and creative communicators.

How do our members engage?

• Help spread the word about opportunities to voice support for libraries at interim committee meetings, during the legislative session, with our federal congressional delegation, and elsewhere. 
• Talk to local, state and federal officials, as well as library boards, friends, foundations, other non-profits and professional associations, and elected officials.
• Craft messaging, talking points, testimony, calls for advocacy and advocacy updates, and resolutions.
• Leverage expertise and relationships in various settings.

What is the time commitment?

• Attend monthly coalition meetings with occasional tasks between meetings 
• Occasional travel or time to virtually attend legislative interim committee meetings
• Reach out to learn more and join the coalition!