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<title>[District Dispatch] ALA Seeks $100 Million in Stimulus Funding
As U.S.
Libraries Face Critical Cutbacks, Closures</title>
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FYI<br>
<br>
Suzanne L. Sager<br>
Oregon ALA Chapter Councilor<br>
<br>
-------- Original Message --------
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<th align="right" nowrap="nowrap" valign="baseline">Subject: </th>
<td>[alacro-l] ALA Seeks $100 Million in Stimulus Funding As U.S.
Libraries Face Critical Cutbacks, Closures</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th align="right" nowrap="nowrap" valign="baseline">Date: </th>
<td>Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:25:46 -0400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th align="right" nowrap="nowrap" valign="baseline">From: </th>
<td>Don Wood <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:dwood@ala.org"><dwood@ala.org></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th align="right" nowrap="nowrap" valign="baseline">Reply-To: </th>
<td><a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:alacro-l@ala.org">alacro-l@ala.org</a></td>
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<tr>
<th align="right" nowrap="nowrap" valign="baseline">To: </th>
<td><a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:alacro-l@ala.org"><alacro-l@ala.org></a></td>
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<title>[District Dispatch] ALA Seeks $100 Million in Stimulus Funding
As U.S.
Libraries Face Critical Cutbacks, Closures</title>
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<div class="Section1">
<p><strong>PRESS RELEASE</strong><o:p></o:p></p>
<blockquote style="margin-top: 5pt; margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<p>Washington - The American Library Association (ALA) is asking
Congress for
$100 million in stimulus funding to aid the nation’s working families
during
the current economic crisis. Aid is sought to stem the bleeding of
critical library services that help Americans with job searches, small
business
development, financial literacy and other essential assistance in hard
economic
times.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Public libraries are facing the most severe cutbacks in decades as
budget
shortfalls hit cities, towns and rural areas across the country,
according to
the association. From Los Angeles to Boston, libraries are cutting
hours
and services; some are even facing the threat of closure at a time when
their
support is needed most.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>ALA’s recommendation comes as Congress holds hearings this week on
economic
growth and job creation, including a Joint Economic Committee Hearing
tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Public libraries depend heavily on local property taxes to
maintain
operations. Across the country increased foreclosure rates, lower home
values and fewer sales have sharply reduced available funds, forcing
libraries
to cut services and hours.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>“America’s free public libraries provide a lifeline for citizens
in need
across the country,” said ALA President Jim Rettig. “Ensuring Internet
access, career workshops, business seminars and other economic support
services
are vital links in the nation’s financial recovery. This is no time
to cut much-needed support, reduce hours or close library doors.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Rettig pointed to a recent ALA study showing that 73 percent of
all
libraries nationwide provide the only free Internet access in their
communities. In rural areas the rate rises to 83 percent, according to
the 2007-2008 report on public library funding and technology
access. Many libraries are reporting double-digit growth in
computer use this year, he said.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>The National League of Cities recently estimated that a 3.6
percent decline
in property tax revenues is likely to affect city budgets until 2010.
In
response to these budget shortfalls, libraries are being forced to cut
back on
hours or even close neighborhood branches.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>The Trenton, NJ, public library will close its four branches and
lose about
half of its 57 employees by Nov. 1. The city of Milwaukee is
considering
closing two of its 12 branch libraries. In Newton, MA, outside of
Boston,
four branch libraries closed this summer; four others in nearby areas
also
closed or are on the chopping block.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Many cities are choosing between cutting staff and reducing
hours.
Others, such as Fort Worth, TX, are looking at both, with proposed cuts
of more
than 100 library jobs along with reduced hours. The city is facing an
estimated
annual shortfall of more than $20 million. Additionally, a number of
communities are also facing shorter hours and fewer days of operation
in
Florida.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>ALA’s recommendation for stimulus funding seeks support for basic
library
services across the country as well as specialized assistance to help
Americans
deal with the current economic crisis. In particular, funds are being
requested to:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>• Expand critical employment activities and services such
as resume development, job bank web searches and career planning
workshops;<br>
• Reinstate or supplement evening and weekend hours of
operation at libraries to provide the greatest possible access to
services;<br>
• Promote financial literacy, housing counseling and small
business development assistance; and<br>
• Acquire additional resources and materials to help keep up
with increased demand for economic services nationwide.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Investments in libraries often yield high dividends for
communities.
Studies show economic returns from salaries and wages paid to staff,
construction costs, employment services and library purchases. A
recent
Pennsylvania study points out that for every dollar invested in the
public
library, the community receives a return of $5.50. A similar report
from
Florida shows a $6.54 return on investment.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>“Economic studies demonstrate the positive impact of spending in
local
communities,” said Joe Matthews, an internationally recognized expert
on
library management with an MBA degree from the University of
California,
Irvine.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>“Known as the multiplier affect, every dollar spent in the
community will
ripple through the economy with an impact ranging from 7 to 11 times
the
initial spending,” he added. “The proposed stimulus spending for
America’s public
libraries will have an enormous impact on local economies, helping
communities
across the country get back on track financially.” Matthews is an
acclaimed author and professor at San Joe University.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p># # #<o:p></o:p></p>
</blockquote>
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<br>
To view this post in its entirety, please follow the link below:<br>
<a moz-do-not-send="true"
href="http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=996">http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=996</a><br>
<br>
Best regards,<br>
<br>
W. Alston Roberts III<br>
<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:wroberts@alawash.org">wroberts@alawash.org</a><br>
<br>
<br>
<o:p></o:p></p>
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<br>
<div class="moz-signature">-- <br>
<img alt="Portland State University logo"
src="cid:part1.04030502.02070501@pdx.edu" align="left" height="35"
width="165"><br>
<br>
<p
style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Suzanne
L. Sager<br>
Library East, Cataloging<br>
Portland State University<br>
<br>
503-725-8169<br>
503-725-5799<br>
<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:sagers@pdx.edu">sagers@pdx.edu</a></p>
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