[Publib] ALA and Funding

[James Casey]

I heard on the radio this morning that Illinois may be getting $8.8 billion in stimulus money.  I sure would like to see a mere $10 million or so go into public library construction grant projects.

There are so many small public libraries in our state that cannot even afford to have a single full time staff person (let alone an MLS librarian) that finding money at the local level for capital improvements is all but impossible.  Nevertheless, who can continue library service in a building with a leaky roof, dead HVAC and ripped up carpets?  The need for capital expenditure on our library buildings is HUGE.  ---- Having been on the State Library's Construction Grant Review Sub-Committee since 1999, I've seen hundreds of grant proposals from libraries that might just as well shut their doors if the state funding isn't received.   And then, of course entire townships, villages, and even counties would be without a functioning public library.

By the way, I am voting for Michael Golrick for re-election to ALA Council.  He has done a great job for us.

James B. Casey - My own views
Director of Oak Lawn Public Library
ALA Council Member since 1996


From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Michael Golrick
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2009 3:45 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] ALA and Funding


Hi-

I was reminded in the conversation about federal funding for libraries, that the re-authorization of IMLS and LSTA are scheduled for this session of Congress. These are critical sources of funding, and while construction was taken out sometime in the '90s, LSTA funding provides for many critical services provided by state libraries, and also provides (in some states) the opportunities to try new things.

Funding has never been at the authorized level. For some reason Congress does not understand that if the funding were closer to the authorized level, a new formula would kick in and EVERY state would receive more money (often significant for libraries).

So, when the ALA Washington Office asks....call your federal legislators. Your state library can tell you how the funds are spent in your state.

Michael Golrick
mailto:michael.golrick at gmail.com<mailto:michael.golrick at gmail.com>

ALA Councilor-at-Large, Candidate for ALA Council 2009 (Please vote for me)
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