The Central New York Library Resources Council held its Syracuse-area Legislative Breakfast at the CNY Philanthropy Center last Friday, December 12.
The breakfast was all about advocacy and Google Glass. Rene Battelle from the Marcellus Free Library gave a presentation on the new technology and the legislators, their representatives and attendees had a glimpse through the looking glass, so to speak.
Over fifty library advocates had the opportunity to “speed date” their regional representatives:
* Senator Valesky and his assistant, Jessica DeCerce
* Senator DeFrancisco and his assistant Deb Cody
* Assemblyman Will Barclay
* Representatives for Assemblymen Stirpe (John Mannion), Roberts (Danielle Pomeroy) and Magnarelli (Craig Swiecki)
* Congressman-Elect Katko was represented by Erin O’Connor and Theresa Robinson
* Syracuse Mayor Miner was represented by Councilwoman Pamela Hunter
* Governor Cuomo’s regional representative, Anthony Vilardo
Christine Richie, a CLRC Legislative Committee member from Beauchamp Branch Library, brought four student advocates along. They had an opportunity to speak to each legislator about how important the library is to them.
Those that wanted, tried on the Google Glasses. Assemblyman Barclay had this to say. “It’s great that the Marcellus Library has the Google glasses. It’s wonderful having the patrons try them out and I hope they’ll provide an educational and entertaining tool for libraries.”
Senator DeFrancisco said, “The annual Legislative Breakfast is a great way for me to hear about the innovative projects our local libraries are undertaking. I particularly enjoyed the presentation on Google glasses and the opportunity to try on a pair!”
The event proved that we are more than books – the possibilities a library can offer are endless.
A big thanks to all that came out to chat about their libraries and to Mike Neppl from NYLA, for coming to Syracuse to advocate locally.
For more pictures of the event, check out CLRC’s Facebook page
See you on the CLRC Advocacy Bus to Albany on Wednesday, February 25!