Citizens for Maryland Libraries (CML) works to build greater public awareness of the need for and services of our Maryland libraries. It is:
- a strong statewide network of individuals and organizations - people who value Maryland libraries; and
- the major voice of citizen advocates for library service and libraries across the state of Maryland.
Highlights
Kiss & Tell Why I Love My Library Week (February 13 - 18, 2012)
This campaign celebrates libraries. It is an initiative of Citizens for Maryland Libraries (CML) and public library Friends groups, school PTA groups, and some college and university libraries in Maryland. We want everyone, especially elected officials, and administrators in K-12 schools, colleges and universities, to know that "libraries offer services that are essential to the well-being of our communities."
Several public library Friends groups, school PTAs and college and university organizations have set up display areas within their buildings where they are distributing materials to encourage all those who care about libraries to have a Hershey Kiss® & tell everyone why they love their library. People who go to the participating libraries to pick up postcards to send messages to elected officials, school and college administrators, family members and friends are eligible to enter into a drawing for a prize provided by the sponsoring library organizations. Those who can’t get to a participating library can still tell us and elected officials why they love their library. Complete our Kiss & Tell form to tell us and elected officials why you love your library. We would like to use your stories for future advocacy purposes.
Programs not to be missed at the 2012 MLA Conference!
Maryland Library Association Conference May 9 - 11, 2012
"Choose Your Own Journey: Don't Stop Believin"
"Creating Community Coalitions for Friends, Trustees and Staff"
Sponsored by the Trustees Division and Friends of Maryland Libraries
Friday, May 11th
Presenters include Ari Brooks, Executive Director, Friends of the Library, Montgomery County; Brien Poffenberger, president, Hagerstown-Washington County Chamber of Commerce; Pat Fisher, Citizens for Maryland Libraries; Susan Schmidt, American Library Association, Association of Library Trustees and Foundations. The panel will identify strategies for reaching out to the community to create advocacy coalitions and fundraising partnerships for your libraries.
Other programs of interest for trustees include a statewide update by the Division of Library Development and Services (DLDS), Thursday afternoon; the MLA Legislative Panel advocacy summary of the state and federal activity during the 2012 session and what we can expect over the next year, Thursday afternoon; Digitization Projects, learn the process and steps for two projects which have been funded by LSTA grants by DLDS, Thursday afternoon; and Futures and Trends of eReaders by DLDS on Friday morning.
This is a partial list of programs available. In addition to programs enjoy our keynote speakers and social events. A full conference schedule will be available online along with registration at www.mdlib.org
in early January. Be sure to check it out and plan to join us in Ocean City.
Mary Lou Dewey Advocacy and Awareness Grant
Donate to the Mary Lou Dewey Advocacy Grant and Annual Awards funds.
CML Board Meeting Schedule
March 3, 2012
Abingdon Branch, Harford County
June 2, 2012
TBA
Sept. 8, 2012
TBA
