Massachusetts Libraries for Hurricane Relief

During the week of October 23 – 30, Massachusetts libraries will make a difference to the victims of hurricane Katrina.  The Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) and the Massachusetts School Library Media Association (MSLMA) urge libraries to suspend collection of overdue fines and ask patrons to contribute to hurricane relief instead. Here are the details:

• Librarians should work with their governance boards, Boards of Trustees or municipal authorities to ensure that legal obligations are met. (Public libraries, see: MGL chapter 44, section 53)
• At the end of the week, libraries should send their contributions to the hurricane relief effort of choice.
• By November 4, write malibraries@comcast.net to let us know how much your library’s patrons raised and where you contributed it. 
• MLA and MSLMA will contact you and statewide media to let them know about our success!

If your library is unable to run the program during the week of October 23 it’s fine to do it earlier.

Resources to make the campaign easier:

• a media release for local customization and distribution
• an 8 ½” x 11” flyer in .PDF format
• a list of library-related relief efforts, though libraries should give to any charity they feel is appropriate