Representative Mark Falzone received the Library Advocacy Award from the Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) at the Massachusetts State House on Tuesday, March 9th. Susan McAlister, President of the MLA, presented the award at the 24th Annual Library Legislative Day in front of an enthusiastic crowd, praising him for his “unwavering support as a Legislator and as a Citizen.”

The MLA expressed their appreciation for Representative Falzone’s work as Founder and Chairman of the Legislative Library Caucus, a group of dedicated legislators in the House and Senate who advocate for libraries.

“The Library Caucus, which Representative Falzone founded, has given our public libraries a voice in the Massachusetts Legislature,” said Susan McAlister. “I appreciate his support and look forward to continuing to work on these issues with him.” The Library Caucus has organized overwhelming support for library funding in the state budget, just last year getting 113 of the 160 Representatives to stand behind funding for the Regional Public Library System.

“Representative Falzone has been a fantastic and courageous leader in advocating for libraries and a very capable representative of the interests of Wakefield citizens generally, but especially in this regard,” said Sharon Gilley, Director of the Wakefield Public Library. “I’ve looked to representative Falzone for guidance, instruction, and trusted him to organize other legislators and advocates. I was deeply pleased that the entire library community acknowledged his work in this area.”

"I was there when State Representative Mark Falzone had the "Library Advocacy Award" presented to him by the Massachusetts Library Association,” said Ewa Jankowska, Director of the Saugus Public Library. “I wasn't surprised watching librarians give him a standing ovation because he is really devoted to libraries. Over the last three years, the staff of the Saugus Public Library has felt his support in helping get back the library’s certification. He definitely deserves this award.”

Representative Falzone also spoke Tuesday at a rally in front of the State House, urging public library workers and users to contact their state legislators. “You need to tell us your story,” he said, as supporters cheered and passing cars honked in support. “You need to hold us accountable. The services that libraries provide for young families, the unemployed, job-creating small businesses, students, and for the elderly are too important to not have a voice in this process.”

“I, and the entire Lynn Library, appreciate all of the support Representative Falzone has given to libraries over the years,” said Nadine Mitchell, Chief Librarian of the Lynn Public Library. “He has changed the way that libraries are advocated for on Beacon Hill.”

“We are extremely grateful to Representative Falzone for the leadership role he is taking for libraries, not just in our local area but through the entire commonwealth,” said Nancy Ryan, Director of the Lynnfield Public Library.

State funding for public libraries and for the regional public library system has fallen in recent years and is facing further potential cuts in the upcoming budget for Fiscal Year 2011. Meanwhile, library use has risen dramatically across the state.