Help us secure funding for key library programs
District
Dispatch: 3.09.2015 by Kevin Maher
The appropriations process is in full
swing and library priority programs face tremendous scrutiny from Members of Congress
in search of programs to cut or put on the chopping block. This is your time to
be heard and let Congress know how important continued funding is for the Library Services Technology Act (LSTA) and Innovative
Approaches to Literacy (IAL).
You can make the difference. Members
of Congress need to let the Appropriations Committee know of their support for
continued funding. Contact your Senators and Representative and ask them to add
their name to both “Dear Colleague” letters supporting LSTA and IAL currently
being circulated. Many Members of Congress will only add their names if they
hear from constituents. Note: these letters are due before
the end of the month so you will need to call this week.
For a list of who signed the letters
last year, view the FY
2015 Funding Letter Signees document (pdf).
Support Funding for Library Services
and Technology Act (LSTA)
LSTA is the only source of funding
for libraries in the federal budget. The bulk of this funding is returned to
states through a population-based grant program through the Institute of Museum and Library Services
(IMLS). Libraries use these funds to, among other things, build and maintain a
21st century library that facilitates employment and entrepreneurship,
community engagement, and individual empowerment.
Please contact your Senators
(202-224-3121) and Representative (202-225-3121) this week and ask them to sign
on to a letter supporting LSTA being organized by the members listed below.
Your Members of Congress will need to contact these offices by March 20 to add
their name to the letters:
• Senate
LSTA letter: Senator Jack Reed
(staffer Moira Lenehan-Razzuri)
• Representative
LSTA letter: Rep. Raul Grijalva
(staffer Norma Salazar)
Support Funding for Innovative
Approaches to Literacy (IAL)
IAL is the only federal program
supporting literacy for underserved school libraries IAL has become the primary
source for federal funding for school library materials. Focusing on low income schools, these funds
help many schools bring their school libraries up to standard.
Please contact your Senators
(202-224-3121) and Representative (202-225-3121) this week and ask them to sign
on to a letter supporting IAL being organized by the members listed below. Your
Members of Congress will need to contact one of these offices before March 20
to add their name to the letters:
• Senate
IAL letter: Senators Jack Reed
(staffer: Moira Lenehan-Razzuri)
(staffer: James Rice)
• House
IAL letter: Reps.
Eddie Bernice Johnson
(staffer: Don Andres)
