On February 14, 2017, librarians and library supporters gathered in Annapolis for the Maryland Library Legislative Day. The day got off to an early and delicious start with breakfast provided by LLAM. Participants enjoyed coffee and pastries while the Legislative Panel of the Maryland Library Association (MLA) briefed attendees on current issues. LLAM’s Joan Bellistri briefed attendees on UELMA, the Uniform Electronic Legal Materials Act, and asked for their support.

After breakfast, participants headed to the State House for the Senate and House presentations. Kathleen Teaze (MLA President), Irene Padilla (State Librarian), Cathy Dixon (CALD President), and Jay Bansbach (MSDE School Libraries Program Specialist) presented on the floor of the Senate and the House. Librarians and library supporters viewing the presentations also received recognition.

Throughout the day, librarians and library supporters made delegation visits where they met with legislators and their staff to build support for libraries in Maryland. Maryland Library Legislative Day came to a close with an evening reception in the President’s Reception Room at the Senate Office Building.