Tips for hosting a listening session

• Scheduling
• Promotion
• Follow-up

Resources

• Sample news release
• Invitation letters
• Follow-up calls to candidates
• Confirmation letters
• Thank you to candidates
• Advocate sign-up sheet (PDF)
• Sample talking points
  Link to Waukesha County Federated Library System for their talking points in PDF.

Hosting a Library Listening Session

Reaching out to those running for the Wisconsin State Legislature is an important part of the I Love Libraries campaign. It is important that current and future legislative leaders understand that there are many voters who care strongly about libraries of all types.

One way to reach candidates for the state legislature is to host a library listening session. Invite key library supporters in your community to inform candidates about the resources libraries offer and speak about the challenges of meeting the increased demand for library services.

Eastern Shores Library System and Waukesha County Federated Library System hosted listening sessions earlier this summer. Nicolet Federated Library System has schedulede four sessions in September in the following locations: Brown County Public Library; Algoma, Shawano; and Marinette. South Central Library System members are holding four sessions in September and October in Plain, Middleton, DeForest, and Madison. Milwaukee County Federated Library System will hold one on October 23 at Franklin Public Library. Several others are hosting them as well; consult with your system office for details.