PLA2014 Sessions about Ballots and Elections

Our work as a Super PAC for libraries is focused on helping communities win library elections.  

Each election is unique but there are some truths about talking to voters in an Information Only or Vote Yes setting that come from hard earned experience.

And there is a wealth of experiences being shared at PLA 2014 in Indianapolis (March 12 - 15).  As you start your conference calendar, check out these excellent sessions on doing campaigns and make better plans for your next Election Day.  And join the all the presenters for a cocktail hour on Thursday 3/13 at 4pm est at Loughmillers Pub (301 W. Washington) to talk politics and libraries.  It will be an engaging conversation.

PLA 2014 Sessions about Elections or Ballot Advocacy

Thursday, March 13, 2:00PM - 3:15PM

Make it Happen Anyhow: Fundraising and Library-Building in Hard Times - PROGRAM
Aspen Walker, Amy Long

Douglas County (Colo.) Libraries DCL) lost two consecutive funding elections, and it seemed certain the county wouldn't get the new libraries needed to meet patron demand.

Learn how the Castle Pines community opened a library despite the odds and achieved phenomenal fundraising goals by engaging a league of fundraisers and advocates. Discover how DCL is building new community-driven libraries without raising taxes, and how to activate a library support movement in your own community.

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Friday, March 14, 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM

Millage Requests: Information Persuasion beyond the Lawn Sign - CONVERSATION
Juliane Morian, Jamie Morris

Does your library face the prospect of asking voters for a tax increase? Many library staff members face the dubious challenge of educating and

appealing to citizens without advocating to vote a certain way about a library levy. This session will tackle questions about your influence in web usability (design and content to include/exclude), the marketing behind talking points, and why we love pictures more than words when it comes to information.

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Friday, March 14, 4:15–5:15 PM

*Every Reference Question is a Vote for Library Funding – CONVERSATION
Patrick Sweeney, John Chrastka 

EveryLibrary is the nation’s first and only Political Action Committee for Libraries that works to win elections for libraries. At this session we’ll share what we learned while working on the battleground of library ballot campaigns. We’ll facilitate a dialog between librarians about the importance of politics in our daily routine and encourage each other to get involved in the fight for library funding at the ballot box.

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Tools for Winning at the Ballot Box – PROGRAM
Melanie Huggins, Charles Pace, Paul Zemitzch

St. Louis County (Mo.) Library (SLCL) passed a six-cent tax increase in November of 2012 with a 58 percent majority. Prop L was the first time SLCL had asked the voters for an increase in over 30 years.

Using a mix of social media, print, and paid media, the campaign was a success. Presenters will discuss the strategy and tools used to make the initiative a success.