Illinois libraries are struggling to cope with unprecedented usage: job seekers are making use of computers and free access to the Internet to find employment. Families with extremely strained budgets are flocking to the library for books, CDs, DVDs, games, and programs — all free. Children are coming to the library in record numbers for afterschool help or a safe place to stay. Everyone from preschoolers to senior citizens is using the library as a free gateway to both fun and education as budgets are tighter and resources are scarce. At the same time, local property taxes, the major source of funding for public libraries and schools, are decreasing. The FY10 budget, passed by the Illinois General Assembly in July, cut state General Revenue funding for grants to public libraries, school libraries, and regional library systems by 50%. For the regional library systems that support libraries of all types around the state, it's becoming impossible to supply the needed extra assistance at a time when libraries are being heavily used by Illinois residents desperate for their services.
Library advocates are keenly aware that the state of Illinois is in a severe budget crisis, and ask members of the Illinois General Assembly to restore funding when the budget is healthier. Specifically, we are asking legislators to commit to libraries by taking the following pledge:
“Recognizing the importance of libraries and library systems to our communities and to the livelihood of the citizens of the state of Illinois, I (lawmaker) will work to oppose any additional cuts to library per capita grants in FY10. Furthermore, I will work to fully fund library per capita grants when additional state funding becomes available in the future.”
If you are willing to make this pledge, please send a copy of it to pledge@saveillinoislibraries.com or visit www.saveillinoislibraries.com/pledge and let Illinois know that you stand with its libraries.
