Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Save Federal Funding for Libraries

JCLC Logo
Save Federal Funding for Public Libraries
As you may have heard, the proposed federal budget calls for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the grant program, the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).  Public and school libraries, and cultural institutions across the nation depend on IMLS and LSTA grants to provide additional financial support for programs, library materials and technology.
The Jefferson County Library Cooperative, a non-profit 501(c) 3, provides and administers the funding for the services that link all 40 Jefferson County libraries with one computer system/online catalog, delivery services and many other services using one library card.
Past IMLS grants have enabled JCLC to perform required computer upgrades along with the following programs:
  • Upgrades to our computer system that provides access to 2 million items in 40 libraries, internet connectivity to 40 library locations, access to the AL Virtual Library, Homework Alabama, educational reference databases and business databases to name only a few of our resources
  • A mobile training lab for job training & workforce development
  • Wireless and self-check capabilities
  • Adaptive technology for low vision residents
  • Build an updated collection of medical books and online resources
  • A specialized Kids Catalog to our system.
On the state level, the following services to Alabama public libraries will be cut or severely curtailed: Statewide Summer Reading Program, Homework Alabama, Learning Express Library, Services to the Blind and Physically Impaired, Ancestry.com Library Edition, and Chilton Auto Repair Manuals Online.
Please encourage your representatives to restore the IMLS funds to the federal budget. Jefferson County cannot maintain a "world class" library system without these federal appropriations.  
Please take the time to write or call your United States Senators and Representatives.  We've provided their contact information below.  Every call, fax, e-mail, or handwritten letter counts!
Honorable Richard Shelby
304 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510
Phone:  202-224-5744
Fax:  202-224-3416
 
Honorable Luther Strange 
G-12 Dirksen Senate Office Building 
Washington DC 20510 
Phone:  202-224-4124 
Honorable Gary Palmer
330 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4921
Fax: (202) 225-2082
Honorable Terri Sewell
2201 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2665
Fax: (202) 226-9567
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