Q: The budget for the state of Illinois is in a shambles. There are many competing needs, some a matter of life and death. Why should state support of library services be a priority at this time?
A: Libraries are the first line of defense when people are troubled. Most recently, libraries have served as community access points for job seekers with free high-speed computer access and information, and often training for the effective job search. Computer access and computer classes are often booked solid, the demand is so great.
Libraries usage is breaking all records, not only as a source of free access to information but also as a free source of entertainment, education and enrichment. Library staff is also referring patrons to other sources of help and support.
Making sure libraries are adequately funded is the most effective way of using tax dollars to strengthen employment, help small businesses, and improve the education of our children throughout the state.
Q: Exactly what was cut by the Illinois General Assembly and what services am I losing?
A: The state of Illinois’ grant program which funds the regional library systems and supplements public and school library budgets was cut by 50% when the General Assembly passed the FY10 budget. Secretary of State Jesse White moved quickly to reallocate some federal library monies that had already been promised in the federal Library Services and Technology Act discretional grant program to ameliorate the cuts. But the cuts will be felt all over the state ranging from no money to purchase books and other library materials, no money for programs such as story hours for children, to reduced hours. Regional library systems received a 16.5% cut resulting in layoffs and cessation of some library support services.
Q: What do you want me to do?
A: If you are a legislator, we want you to commit to support full state funding for grants to public, school and regional library systems and also to commit to NOT supporting State budgets that fail to include the required statutory grant funding.
If you are a library advocate, we want you to contact your Representative and Senator beginning October 8, 2009. Urge them to commit to the promise above.
Making contact is easy. You can use email, U.S. mail, fax, or just make a telephone call. Actually, use every medium! We want to underscore the importance of libraries to our communities. When prompted, be sure to give us the email addresses of other library advocates and urge all your library advocate friends to join in this important campaign.
Q: What’s the time frame for this Campaign?
A: This is a targeted campaign. The Campaign will kick off at the ILA Annual Conference in Peoria on October 8, 2009 at 10:30 pm in the Exhibits Area with Secretary of State Jesse White in attendance. If you are planning to attend the conference, be sure to join us!
The timing is critical. Members of the Illinois General Assembly will reconvene in Springfield on Wednesday, October 14 for the Veto Override Session, which might last as long as two weeks. We want to use all media—email, U.S. mail, fax, and phone to tell our story to legislators and get their commitment for future restoration of the monies lost.
Q: How can I help?
A: Make time beginning October 8 to contact members of the Illinois General Assembly who represent you and your favorite library. View the sample letters on this site, and visit ILA’s CapWiz page for email addresses for members of Illinois General Assembly and an easily-submitted template letter. Contact others and urge them to contact legislators. We want to raise a strong voice for libraries using every medium possible.
Q: How will you use my name and email address if I become a “fan” on “Restore Funding to Illinois Libraries” on Facebook?
A: We are hoping for thousands of fans, and will use the number to impress legislators. Additionally by becoming a fan, you will be the first to receive news and updates on the campaign. Becoming a fan will connect you to the heart of this campaign.
Q: I am not on Facebook and probably will not join. But I love libraries. How can I participate in this campaign? I really want to help.
A: Put the campaign website address in your favorites and check it often. The website is up and growing with links to news stories, running score card showing the names of legislators who have signed the campaign promise, a place for you to tell your library funding story, and more. Keep wwwsaveillinoislibraries.com open on your browser and check it often.
Q: What’s the end goal of this campaign?
A: We want every legislator in Illinois to sign the campaign promise to restore funding for Illinois libraries and system in the future when funding is available. An up to date tally of legislators appears on the website. Check and see if your legislators have signed the pledge. If not, get in touch via email, snail mail, phone, or fax and encourage them to sign the promise today!