Libraries are Education

Everyone thinks of school libraries and academic libraries as education – information literacy instruction as well as instilling a love of reading, and important research and analytical skills.  But public libraries are also education.  Whether focusing on early literacy classes  (sometimes called “Story Hour”), Teen Maker Spaces, Computer Classes, or Resume Writing, public libraries ARE education.

While education funding increases, library funding generally decreases.  The message that "Libraries Are Education" emphasizes that ALL libraries are education and should be funded as such.    

Library Advocacy Day in Albany is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2015.  Let's spread the message that libraries are education!  

If you have a story of how Libraries are Education, please email me (chenders@libraryweb.org) and we will send those stories onto Albany, the Governor and our state representatives. 

Cathy 

How important is the public library to you and your family? Action needed now!

Governor Proposes 4.7% cut in Library Aid 

The Governor released the executive budget yesterday and the news is not good for libraries. The core details are as follows:

• $81.6M in library aid
• $1.3M MTA tax reimbursement
• $14M library construction fund

The Governor broke with his own precedent and did not include the legislative add-back from the previous year’s enacted budget into the present year’s baseline aid (if included aid would have been $85.6M). In effect, he proposed a 4.7% cut from current funding levels.

In a year the state is allegedly so flush with revenues that the Governor is proposing both tax cuts and new spending programs, it is obviously frustrating that he would reverse his established practice and commitment to libraries.

There is a 21 day and 30 day amendments period – during this time, the Governor could decide to add the $4M back in, and that’s where immediate advocacy efforts are needed from you. 

You can help, click here to send a message in support of New York Libraries. Once at the site, click the Take Action button and an e-mail form will allow you to easily send message to our elected officials. 

Thank you for your support.

Cathy