[OPLINLIST] Support for Ohio Libraries from ALA

[Hickson-Stevenson, Pamela]

>From ALA:

 

NEWS
For Immediate Release
June 23, 2009

 


ALA president Jim Rettig releases statement on proposed Ohio library
budget cuts


Proposed library cuts largest on record


CHICAGO -Since January 2009, Ohio public libraries have lost
approximately 20 percent of their state funding. Currently Governor Ted
Strickland has proposed an additional 30 percent reduction. The
following statement was released by American Library Association (ALA)
President Jim Rettig in response to Gov. Strickland's proposed library
budget cuts.  

"A projected 50 percent reduction in funding for Ohio's libraries would
result in unprecedented national disaster," said ALA President Jim
Rettig.  "We understand that in a recession difficult choices must be
made, but libraries are part of the solution when a community is
struggling economically, and are a necessity in efforts to get Americans
back on their feet.

"From coast to coast, libraries have been first responders to the
national economic crisis. They have been inundated by job seekers and
users looking to better their lives through education. This also is the
case in Ohio, as Ohioans are depending on their local libraries for free
Internet access, employment services, personal finance resources, small
business development and education and cultural programs. 

"What will happen to the people of Ohio if their right to free access to
information is taken away? The Governor's drastic proposed library
budget cuts are the largest in history and will impact more than 8
million registered library card holders.  Every one of Ohio's 251 public
library systems could experience limited hours, program and staffing
reductions or, worse yet, closures.

"Libraries are so much more than bricks and mortar.  They are places
where everyone - regardless of age, race or income - can come together,
whether it's for information, self-help or to find their place in the
community.  

"I encourage all Ohioans to contact the Governor's office to express
their opposition to his proposal to cut library funding and urge Ohio
legislators to reject the Governor's plan."

The Ohio Library Council offers its libraries resources to prevent this
proposal from moving forward. They can be found www.olc.org
<http://www.olc.org/> ,or www.saveohiolibraries.com
<http://www.saveohiolibraries.com/>  .

 

 

Pamela J. Hickson-Stevenson, Ohio Chapter Councilor to ALA and

Assistant Director

Akron-Summit County Public Library

60 S. High Street

Akron, OH  44326

 

Phone 330.643.9102          Fax 330.643.9160

 

phs at akronlibrary.org <mailto:phs at akronlibrary.org>
www.akronlibrary.org <http://www.akronlibrary.org>  

 

Recognized as one of America's Best Libraries <<<<<
<http://www.akronlibrary.org/5star.html> 

 

The Akron-Summit County Public Library provides resources for learning
and leisure, information services, meeting spaces, and programs for all
ages that support, improve, and enrich individual, family, and community
life.

 

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