POSTED 6/18/09 With the proposed cuts of library support in next year's state budget, access to books and other materials will be slashed (House Bill 1416) or burned (Senate Bill 850) when combined with expected cuts in local funding as well. Currently, if your local library doesn't have what you need, there is a good chance that another public library nearby does. By sharing materials, public libraries can quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively, satisfy your needs. But if state support of public libraries is cut--along with funding cuts for interlibrary loans--there is a real chance you will not be able to borrow what you need. Everyone --Children, Parents, Teens, Adults, Job Seekers, Seniors, and even public librarians-- is asked to speak up in support of these valuable library resources. Please contact your elected state officials and ask that library funds be level-funded in next year's budget so that books and other materials will still be available for you to learn from, to laugh or cry about, and most importantly, to meet whatever need you and your family may have.
Thank you for stepping up your efforts and recruiting more library advocates at this critical time. |
Summer Reading Federal Funds Could End If State Cuts Pass Parents and teachers know that when their kids take a break from reading, they run the risk of losing important reading skills before school starts back up. For more than a half-million Pennsylvania kids, the Summer Reading Club in public libraries maintains and improves their reading skills over summer vacation. But the Summer Reading Club's future is bleak if state budget cuts become law. You see, the club and numerous other vital library services are supported by federal (LSTA) library funds which require state government to fully fund libraries. Two budget proposals in Harrisburg fall short of what's needed and would cost Pennsylvania anywhere from $1 million (H.B. 1416-Rendell/House Democratic bill) to $3.8 million (S.B. 850-Senate Republican bill) in federal funds, lost money that threatens the future of the Summer Reading Club and much more. Parents and teachers, kids and librarians are urged to speak up now to prevent the loss of vital federal funds that support great programs like the Summer Reading Club. Please contact your State Senator and State Representative ASAP. Urge them to keep library appropriations in next year's budget at the same amount as this year. This will keep library doors open and will maximize Pennsylvania's return of federal dollars which, in turn, insures that the Summer Reading Club will continue next year. Please send copies of your personal notes, personal letters and emails to: Governor Ed Rendell and Clare Zales, Commissioner of Libraries Visit www.palibraries.org for legislative updates, Talking Points, FAQ, Advocacy, Nuggets and Soundbites. Please complete and send in a Commitment Form to let us know about your advocacy. Please let Glenn Miller know of any feedback you receive from your legislators. Send him an email at, glenn@palibraries.org or fax to 717-766-5440. Thanks for stepping up your efforts and recruiting more library advocates at this critical time. Margie Stern, Coordinator, Youth Services |
