Library legislative season kicks off this month and continues through April. During this time, Massachusetts libraries will be hosting networking opportunities attended by legislative leaders, library staff, volunteers, trustees, Friends, governing bodies like the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, advocacy groups like the Western Mass Library Advocates and supporters like you.
Libraries are important social institutions and grow strong, functional and vibrant communities. Here are ways to support public libraries:
■Visit your local library. Attend programs and check out items, and do this frequently. Haven’t been to a library in a while, or think they don’t have the things you’re looking for? You may be surprised by what libraries offer. Libraries are about so much more than books. Don’t love us from afar, come visit. Find a library near you at bit.ly/2RY2qBr.
■Support your library’s Friends group. Become a member, or donate a little bit of your time.
■Join the Western Mass Library Advocates at wmladvocates.org. WMLA sponsors Library Legislative Breakfasts as well as many other advocacy initiatives. At the Leverett Library, a Legislative Breakfast is planned for Feb. 21, from 7:30 to 9 a.m.
■Tell your legislative and municipal leaders how important libraries are to your community. Your message matters. Find your legislators at bit.ly/36WasPr.
Natane Halasz is director of the Leverett Library, located at 75 Montague Road.