A Word from Derek Wolfgram

Derek Wolfgram is Deputy County Librarian for the Santa Clara County Library District and 2013 President, California Library Association.

"I've had the opportunity to work with EveryLibrary with both of my organizations. EveryLibrary has been very helpful to CLA in rallying the community to write letters and get involved on behalf of SCA 7, a proposed constitutional amendment that would reduce the vote threshold for California library bond and tax elections to 55% - current law requires these measures to pass with a 2/3 vote. In Santa Clara County, EveryLibrary ran the social media for the independent campaign committee supporting a twenty-year renewal of a parcel tax for the Library District, and I'm pleased to say that measure passed with an astounding 82% yes vote.

While librarians are amazing at doing their work to provide information and inspiration to their communities, political work requires a different skill set - message discipline, working with voter data, and asking the community to take a specific action on our behalf. EveryLibrary provides excellent guidance to local libraries, but local officials and librarians remain in the drivers seat. Given the high level of credibility librarians have in their communities, they are the best messengers, but EveryLibrary provides excellent strategic and financial support behind the scenes.

John Chrastka and his board members are professional, knowledgeable, forward-thinking, and a joy to work with."

(ed note: This interview was originally conducted by AnyThink Library for an article they did about EveryLibrary on October 9th, 2013 called “EveryLibrary Helps to Shift Perception of Libraries at the Polls”.  Used by permission of Mr. Wolfgram)