It’s Memorial Day weekend and with the beginning of summer at hand, our state elected officials will be in their home districts meeting with constituents at picnics and parades and baseball games.  When you see them out and about this weekend (and next week when they will still be back home,) remind them that libraries need to be a top priority in the next state budget.

Our request is for level funding of all library programs next year, a request based on two strong and compelling reasons:

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 those people who depend on us the most.

2.  Cutting state funding will cost Pennsylvania badly needed federal funds.  Federal money pays for shared resources and incentives for local projects.  H.B. 1416 (Governor Rendell’s proposal) would cost Pennsylvania about $1 million in matching federal funds.  S.B. 850 (Senate Republican proposal) will cost even more---about $3.8 million in lost federal funding.

Both of these bills will end up reducing library services for the public.  That’s why we need to stay on our message which seeks level funding.  Level funding helps us to keep services available and does not fritter away badly needed federal dollars.  We’re a relatively small piece (about $94 million) in the grand scheme of $28 billion state budget.  Libraries represent about three-tenths of one percent (0.3%) of the entire state budget.  With strong support from library users, making libraries a top priority for level funding can be achieved.

Of course, S.B. 850 cuts deepest of all.  Were it to become law, books, DVDs, access to computers, lending between libraries, online databases, programs for kids, and professional staff would be slashed to the bone.  The POWER Library databases that schools and public libraries count on would come to an end.  There would be no more Keystone Funds for library buildings or improvements.  In short, it would be a disaster for Pennsylvanians who depend on good quality library services.

These next 10 days are an ideal time to make our case.  Be respectful, but don’t be bashful.  And don’t be afraid to show your passion for your local library.  Tell your legislators why your library makes a difference to you and your family.  Short messages are good.  Personal stories are the best.  You can find more information on our website, www.palibraries.org.

If face-to-face isn’t your style, write a note or a letter, or send an e-mail.  If you don’t know your legislator’s name go to: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/session.cfm  and type in your zip code in the upper right (“Find Members By Zip Code.”)  This will give you the name, address, and an email address for your state senator and state representative. 

If you send an email, please send a copy also to these folks:

http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Governor/govmail.html     (Gov. Ed Rendell)

gzahorchak@state.pa.us     (Dr. Gerald Zahorchak, Secretary of Education)

mzales@state.pa.us      (Clare Zales, Deputy Secretary of Education)

Sending copies of your message to these decision-makers, too, reinforces again the importance of level-funding libraries that will benefit millions of Pennsylvanians who rely on them, especially in these days.

Finally, thanks to many of you who have already met with, written, to, and called your state senator and state representative.  I’m beginning to hear back from them that they are hearing from you.  Great!  Keep it up!  If you can, let me know what you hear back from your legislators.

Please share this information, spread the word, and keep the faith.  Thanks for all of your strong advocacy. 

Glenn