ILLINOIS SECRETARY OF STATE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 29, 2000 CONTACT: Dave Druker or CONTACT: Randy Nehrt

Secretary of State White to Lead Library Advocacy Rally

SPRINGFIELD –– Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White will welcome hundreds of Illinois librarians and library advocates from academic, school, public and special libraries when they gather at the Illinois State Library to kick off "Library Advocacy Day" on Thursday, April 6, 2000. The event will mark the first time in four years that the statewide library community has organized its activities to bring their agenda to Illinois lawmakers.

"The time is right for this concerted effort to demonstrate the strength and commitment of the library community to issues vital to the role of Illinois libraries in the 21st century," said White.

The rally will kick off at 11:00 a.m. following a reception in the atrium of the Illinois State Library at Second Street and Capitol Avenue. Sponsors of the day’s activities are the Library Systems Directors Organization, the Illinois Library Association and the Illinois School Library Media Association.

Jean Wilkins, state library director and representatives of the sponsoring organizations will address the group and share the podium with Secretary White.

Following the program, participants will walk to the State Capitol for discussions with House and Senate Members about legislation important to libraries and library users.

The event is open to the public and all library supporters are invited to attend. Participants are asked to pay a $5 registration free to defray the cost of the event. The Rolling Prairie Library System in Decatur is handling registration and arrangements.

For additional information call 217-428-1852 or contact amandas@rpls.lib.il.us.