As of January, 2012, the state has completely eliminated all state-sponsored funding for public libraries. Unless the California State Legislature acts to change this, funding will evaporate for the long-standing cooperation agreement among public libraries that allows residents of one community to freely use a library in another community. For example, Santa Clara County Libraries charge an $80 per year fee to any Santa Clara resident who wants to use their libraries. What if all libraries charged for use?
With the loss of California State Library Services Act funding, public libraries will no longer be able to provide free universal access to information through the sharing of books and other materials. Free public libraries level the playing field by providing information to everyone regardless of economic status. They support democracy by keeping citizens informed. They provide resources for those looking for work, attending school, or learning to read. And library attendance is at an all time high. Let’s keep our libraries free and open to all. Write to these legislators TODAY. Tell them how important it is to you to ensure that equal access continues and ask them to reinstate funding for the California Library Services Act.
These two Budget subcommittees have jurisdiction over library funding issues at the State Capitol. You may contact these members via email, mail or fax.
CONTACT BEFORE APRIL 19th when the CA State Senate’s Education Finance subcommittee meets:
- Senator Carol Liu, Chair
Senate Budget Subcommittee Number 1 on Education Finance
State Capitol, Room 5061
Sacramento, CA. 95814
Phone (916) 651-4021
Fax: (916) 324-7543
Email: http://lcmspubcontact.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/ContactPopup.php?district=SD21 - Senator Ted Gaines (*)
Member, Senate Budget Subcommittee Number 1 on Education Finance
State Capitol, Room 3060
Sacramento, CA. 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4001
Fax: (916) 324-2680
Email: senator.gaines@senate.ca.gov - Senator Rod Wright
Member, Senate Budget Subcommittee Number 1 on Education Finance
State Capitol, Room 5064
Sacramento, CA. 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4025
Fax: (916) 445-3712
Email: http://sd25.senate.ca.gov/contact
CONTACT BEFORE May 2nd when the State Assembly’s Education Finance subcommittee meets:
- Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, Chair
Assembly Budget Subcommittee Number 2 on Education Finance
State Capitol, Room 2188
Sacramento, CA. 95814
Phone: (916) 319-2011
Fax: (916) 319-2111
Email: http://lcmspubcontact.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/ContactPopup.php?district=AD11; - Assemblyman Bill Berryhill
Member, Assembly Budget Subcommittee Number 2 on Education Finance
State Capitol, Room 3141
Sacramento, CA. 95814
Phone: (916)319-2026
Fax: (916) 319-2126
Email: http://arc.asm.ca.gov/member/26/?p=email - Assemblywoman Julia Brownley
Member, Assembly Budget Subcommittee Number 2 on Education Finance
State Capitol, Room 2163
Sacramento, CA. 95814
Phone: (916) 319-2041
Fax: (916) 319-2141
Email: http://lcmspubcontact.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/ContactPopup.php?district=AD41& - Assemblyman Brian Nestande
Member, Assembly Budget Subcommittee Number 2 on Education Finance
State Capitol, Room 4139
Sacramento, CA. 95814
Phone: 916-319-2064
Fax: (916) 319-2164
Email: http://arc.asm.ca.gov/member/64/?p=email - Assemblyman Sandre Swanson
Member, Assembly Budget Subcommittee Number 2 on Education Finance
State Capitol, Room 6012
Sacramento, CA. 95814
Phone: (916) 319-2016
Fax: (916) 319-2116
Email: http://lcmspubcontact.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/ContactPopup.php?district=AD16&