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Local Library Staff Visits State Legislators In Raleigh

Library staff from Catawba County traveled to Raleigh last week for the 2007 Library Legislative Day. Catawba County Library Director Karen Foss, Catawba County Library Public Information Officer Tammy Wilson, and Hickory Public Library Director Mary Sizemore attended Legislative Day, an annual event that draws librarians, library trustees, Friends of the Library and other library supporters to the state capital to meet with their local legislators.

Legislative Day provides an opportunity for library supporters to talk with legislators about issues affecting public libraries in North Carolina. The day began with a program featuring legislators sponsoring bills supporting public libraries , Secretary of the Department of Cultural Resources Lisbeth C. Evans, and State Librarian Mary Boone.

Following the program, Foss, Wilson and Sizemore met with Representatives Ray Warren, Mitchell Setzer and Mark Hilton, and Senator Austin Allran to discuss two pieces of legislation currently before the House and Senate. House Bill 405 and Senate Bill 452 calls for a $3.7 million increase in State Aid to Public Libraries Fund, which would provide local libraries with additional funds for books and other materials, technology, and other public service related activities.

House Bill 694 and Senate Bill 803 calls for state funding of the North Carolina Online Homework Help program, a new service aimed at students in grades 4 – 12 that would provide online access, either at the library or from a home computer, to a subject specialist to assist students with homework assignments from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. seven days a week.

Both pieces of legislation, if passed, would positively affect library service in Catawba County. “ Librarians at Catawba County Library System want to be able to offer the most up-to-date information and technology to our citizens, and State Aid is essential for us to do that," said Karen Foss, director. Hickory Public Library Director Mary Sizemore agreed, adding, “The Online Homework Help program would also provide a valuable new service for Catawba County and Hickory Public Library cardholders.”

“Not only would students be able to access the online help, but also parents seeking help for their children, people going back to school, or those completing their GED can use the Live Homework Help,” said Sizemore. She added, “The online tutors are certified teachers, college professors, retired teachers, and others who are experts in their fields. What an incredible resource this would be.”

Legislative Day is sponsored by the North Carolina Public Library Directors Association and funded by Friends of the Library groups from across the state.