Voices for Libraries 2024 was held March 5-7, 2024 in Washington D.C.

The Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) is pleased to announce, “Voices for Libraries 2024.”  This event invites library advocates from every state to travel to Washington, DC to talk with legislators about the importance of libraries and to advocate for support.

Who Should Attend

Representatives from all 50 states are invited to participate.
Due to space limitations, we are asking that state delegations be kept to no more than six people.

State Captains

Each State Library Agency (SLA) will appoint a “State Captain.”  This individual will be responsible for coordinating attendees from their state, requesting and confirming meetings with their elected representatives, and reporting out on the meetings.  The State Captain will be the primary contact for each state and will serve as the communications conduit.  The State Captain can be the Chief Officer, a State Library Agency Staffer, a representative of the State Library Association, or any library advocate who is committed to fulfilling the obligations of the role.  It is intended that each state captain ATTEND the event in DC.

Schedule of Events

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

COSLA Spring Meeting 2024
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Library of Congress – Madison Building

This full-day gathering is exclusively for the Chief Officers. The Spring Meeting is a business and general interest meeting and is not related to advocacy.

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Voice for Libraries – Briefing Day
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
MLK Jr. Branch of the DC Public Library

The Briefing will include presentations from seasoned advocates and policy experts to ensure that everyone is prepared for their visits to the Hill. Briefing Day will include coffee and light refreshments at the start of the day, and lunch for all participants.  A registration fee will be collected for the Briefing Day to offset hospitality and administrative costs.

Library Advocates Reception

Reception – 5:30 – 6:30
Location TBA

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Voices for Libraries – Day of Action (Hill Day)
All Day
Individual Meetings as set by each state delegation.

Each state is responsible for setting its own meetings with their elected representatives ’ offices.  The meetings should be coordinated via the State Captain. COSLA will provide a meeting folder on the Briefing Day, to include general information and talking points.  Each state will produce its state-specific materials (using a provided template).

Voice for Libraries Registration

Registration is $89/person and is payable via credit card at the time of registration.*
Registration needs to be submitted for EACH delegate who plans to attend the Voices for Libraries Briefing Day event.
* If credit card payment poses an issue for your agency, please contact the COSLA staff. 

Lodging

A room block specifically for the Voice for Libraries event is available:
The Hamilton Hotel
1001 14th St NW,
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (877) 714-7625

DC Map of Event Sites

Questions?
Contact COSLA – [email protected]