On May 4 and 5, 1998, the 24th annual National Library Legislative Day was held in Washington, D.C.

The American Library Association reports that 450 librarians and library supporters visited congressional offices to seek support for library legislation now pending in Congress. They also provided their senators and representatives with informational packages in order to familiarize them with important library issues. Legislative Day was sponsored by the District of Columbia Library Association and the American Library Association.

Monday, May 4 was an all day briefing session designed to prepare Library Legislative Day participants for an informed and effective day of congressional visits on Tuesday, May 5. During the briefing session, several important topics were discussed and examined, including copyright bills, government information dissemination, discounted telecommunication rates, budget appropriations, and education issues. Carol Henderson, Director of the ALA Washington Office, described the changes that have occurred in the congressional climate and why it was important for participants to familiarize legislators with today's libraries.

The major part of Tuesday was devoted to meeting the congressional members. New Hampshire was represented by State Librarian, Kendall F. Wiggin and Matthew Higgins, Federal Relations Coordinator for the New Hampshire Library Association. The New Hampshire contingent was able to meet with the state's congressional delegation and their aides or assistants. Issues discussed during the visits included funding for the Library Services and Technology Act, the Internet School Filtering Act, library telecommunications discounts, public access to government information, copyright/intellectual property, and literacy/reading programs.

The day closed with a champagne reception at the Cannon Caucus Room which gave participants an opportunity to chat with members of Congress and their staff to reinforce the day's message.