Take your concern to the elected officials responsible for making appointments. Often, these elected officials are unaware of library issues until a voter contacts them directly.
To begin this process:
1. During an election cycle, contact every candidate running for an office responsible for
appointing library board or school board members.
2. Ask for meetings with the candidates to discuss library issues.
3. Educate the candidates about your library concerns and provide documentation to
support your position.
4. Ask the candidate to complete a Family Friendly Libraries Candidate Questionnaire.
5. You may also want to use the Family Friendly Libraries Candidate Cover Letter.
6. Consider campaigning for candidates who share your views on library issues.
7. Encourage candidates, if elected, to utilize the candidate questionnaire to determine
whether potential appointees are suitable.
8. Identify individuals in your community who share your community’s standards and are
willing to serve as appointees on the library board.
9. Ask suitable individuals to compile resumes outlining their qualifications for the
library board.
10. Once officials are elected, contact them personally and share your recommendations
for appointees to the school board.
Guide to Lobbying Candidates
Who Will Appoint Public Library Board Trustees
