Request to Support Funding of Libraries by State

Was forwarded this email message by the Nazareth Library -

(Correction: Rep. Dally was kind enough to reply to an email I sent on this topic, and the vote is expected today, however, he no longer serves on this committee as indicated by the Library Association, so I've removed the contact info.)

Good morning Library Stalwarts:

It appears that an important vote may take place today—Monday, June 08, 2009 at 2:00—in the House Appropriations Committee on S.B. 850, a bill that slashes library funding by 53%. There is some dispute about whether or not a real vote will take place or just debate. But let’s err on the side of caution and try to call the office of every member of the House Appropriations Committee right now with PaLA’s message:

Level-fund libraries---help us keep serving your constituents.

1. Libraries are bursting at the seams serving the unemployed, their families, and others most in need. Don’t cut our funding and force us to close our doors for people who most depend on us. S.B. 850 will force library closings.

2. Cutting state funding will cost Pennsylvania badly needed federal funds. Federal money pays for shared resources, incentives for local projects, and vital programs like the Summer Reading Club (525,000 kids reached last summer.) Passage of S.B. 850 will result in the loss of about $3.8 million in federal funding.

If your State Representative is on list below, please do two things ASAP:

1. Call his/her office with our urgent message. Call their Harrisburg Office. If you cannot get through, leave a message at the District office

2. Spread the word to others to do likewise.

I realize that the window here is tight. But every call that we can generate in a short period of time may help make a difference in final decisions coming in a matter of weeks.

Thanks for keeping the pressure on.

Glenn

Glenn R. Miller

Executive Director

Pennsylvania Library Association