Sen. Warner contacted VLA leadership to participate in a conference call with him. He wanted to learn about library issues. Those who participated were pleased with how candid he was. Among the topics discussed were: e-rate, provisions of a security bill that will give more access to library records and broadband access in rural areas.
Phil Abraham, VLA’s lobbyist, reported on the recent session of the General Assembly and its many challenges. The governor’s budget initially cut state aid to libraries by 2%. He and library supporters worked to get it restored. The Library of Virginia had funding cut for its public records project, it has been restored. Though the General Assembly has finally passed a budget, the Governor still can make changes; Phil thinks he won’t in these areas.
Betty Dillehay, director of Matthews County Public Library, received a citation from VLA for her work as co-chair of the Legislative Committee.
The VLA Conference this year will be held October 24-26 in Williamsburg; the 2013 conference will be held there, too, but at the end of September.
VLA’s Paraprofessional Forum Conference is May 20-22 at the Koger Center in Richmond; there are 45 registrants.
This year’s annual VLA Conference will have two noted speakers, Nancy Dowd and Hillary Jordan. Nancy Dowd is author of Bite-Sized Marketing and is the Director of Marketing for the NJ State Library. Hillary Jordan won the 2006 Bellwether Prize, established by Barbara Kingsolver to recognize literature of social responsibility, for her first novel, Mudbound.
