ALA: Calling All Members to Support LSTA Funding

-- School Library Journal, 3/13/2008 8:48:00 AM

Here’s another chance to help with federal library funding. The American Library Association is asking members and library supporters to contact their Senators in Washington, DC, by Friday, March 14 to urge them to support the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and the Improving Literacy Through School Libraries Program.

Here’s what you need to do: Ask your representative to sign the “Dear Colleague” letter that being circulated in the House and Senate.

The Senate letter was started by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Susan Collins (R-ME) and is addressed to the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriation Subcommittees. It specifically requests that the Senate include President Bush’s request of $214.4 million for LSTA and to increase funding for the Improving Literary Through School Libraries program for fiscal year 2009. 

LSTA and Improving Literacy Through School Libraries are two of the most important federal programs for libraries. When placing the call, make sure to ask your Senator to call Elyse in Reed’s office at (202) 224-4642 or Nikki in Senator Collins office at (202) 224-2523. Do not call Elyse or Nikki directly.