#FundLibraries: Tell Congress to Fund Libraries

As previously reported on RF, and as you likely already know, the President’s budget proposal on February 10 completely eliminated funding for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL).

We seek funding of at lest $206 million for LSTA and $27 milllion for IAL. The LSTA amount is important because of the formula: at that amount, larger states will get their full share but some smaller states will get a bit more.

The funding, which flows from the federal government through the states, often via grants, is vital for supporting early literacy, bridging the digital divide, and in some cases supporting digital content, especially for smaller libraries.

The ALA’s Fund Libraries Campaign encourages asking legislators to sign “Dear Appropriator” letters. One can see on this page if one’s legislators are supporters. RF already shared ALA hopes for a Twitter campaign. The #Fund Libraries page also provides information on encouraging senators and representatives to sign on via email.

Email Your Senators to urge them to #fundlibraries

Email Your Representatives to urge them to #fundlibraries

The total amount is comparatively tiny but benefits millions. RF joins the ALA in asking all who care about libraries to urge Congress to act. We already have great bi-partisan support, but we cannot afford not to advocate for the good of our readers.