We are library lovers, and we know you are too. Please share your love of libraries with your representatives to ensure they are the best they can be.
Nationally:
Please call your senators and congressperson today!! The President’s proposed budget would eliminate all federal funding for libraries of all kinds. As this ALA press release says, the return on investment from federal funds is enormous. Your state library provides interlibrary loan, all kinds of information databases, and consulting services through Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) funding. Your library WILL suffer if these funds are cut.
California:
SCA 3 by Senator Bill Dodd is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Governance and Finance Committee on Wednesday, March 29. The bill, which is sponsored by the California Library Association, seeks to lower the local vote threshold for library construction bonds from the current two-thirds vote to 55%. This bill would bring libraries in line with the same 55% vote threshold that is currently afforded K-12 schools for local construction bonds.
As of March 13, the author’s office informed CLA (California Library Association) that they are in receipt of only 8 letters of support for the measure. The last time a similar bill was heard in the Senate Governance and Finance Committee (SCA 7-Wolk – 55% vote for library bonds and special taxes), the Senators received upwards of 100 support letters each. It is essential that library supporters demonstrate their enthusiasm for SCA 3-Dodd so that the legislature understands this is a priority issue for libraries and their communities.
Please take a moment today to send your letter of support for SCA 3-Dodd. Below are the Senators who should receive your letters no later than March 20th. This deadline will ensure that your group or community is appropriately listed in the official Senate Governance and Finance Committee analysis that is made available to the legislature and the public.
In your letters, please indicate how important public libraries are to your community, the many services you provide to patrons daily, and the critical need to have the infrastructure that will support these vital services. Please stress how essential it is to give your local community the tools and the authority to decide if they would like to levy a library bond for new construction, renovation, or expansion by a 55% vote. (For your ease of use, here is a sample letter.)
Senate Governance and Finance Committee – Hearing: March 29, 2017
The Honorable Mike McGuire, Chair (D-Healdsburg) Note: Co-author of SCA-3
California State Senate
State Capitol, Room 5061
Sacramento, CA. 95814
Fax: (916) 651-4902
The Honorable Janet Nguyen, Vice Chair (R-Garden Grove)
California State Senate
State Capitol, Room 3048
Sacramento, CA. 95814
Fax: (916) 651-4934
The Honorable Jim Beall (D-San Jose)
California State Senate
State Capitol, Room 2082
Sacramento, CA. 95814
Fax: (916) 651-4915
The Honorable Ed Hernandez (D-West Covina)
California State Senate
State Capitol, Room 2080
Sacramento, CA. 95814
Fax: (916) 651-4922
The Honorable Bob Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys)
California State Senate
State Capitol, Room 4038
Sacramento, CA. 95814
Fax: (916) 651-4918
The Honorable Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens)
California State Senate
State Capitol, Room 5050
Sacramento, CA. 95814
Fax: (916) 651-4933
The Honorable John Moorlach (R-Costa Mesa)
California State Senate
State Capitol, Room 2048
Sacramento, CA. 95814
Fax: (916) 651-4937
And SCA 3 author:
The Honorable Bill Dodd (D-Napa)
California State Senate
State Capitol, Room 5064
Sacramento, CA. 95814
Fax: (916) 651-4903
Also please reach out to your local representative in support of this bill.
Thank you for making a difference at your library!