American Library Association: President’s budget strips library funding
Printer-friendly versionFor Immediate Release
Tue, 02/15/2011 - 18:00
Contact: Jennifer Terry
Washington Office (wo)
WASHINGTON, D.C.– American Library Association (ALA) President Roberta Stevens released the following statement today regarding President Obama’s 2012 budget request:
“The president’s budget proposal strips funding away from one of our greatest resources for lifelong learning – our libraries. Libraries are fundamental to meeting the reading and information needs of communities nationwide. During this difficult recession, they rose to the challenge of helping Americans get back to work through vital assistance with online job searches and applications as well as resume development. In addition, many libraries hold classes to teach the critical 21st century digital literacy skills that are essential to thriving in today’s global economy.
“Libraries are being used by millions of people every day. When we invest in them, we invest in the future of our country. We ask Congress to restore the support for America’s libraries.”
The president’s budget requested $194 million for assistance to libraries to be administered by the Institute of Museum and Libraries Services (IMLS). This request is approximately $20 million below the current funding level.
Like last year, the president chose to consolidate the Improving Literacy Through School Libraries program with several other literacy programs.
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Comments
Libraries as Entrepreneurs
This might be a good time for libraries to catch the entrepreneurial spirit and figure out ways to fund ourselves.
Tough Choices
In an age of tough choices, I can appreciate the President’s position of needing to cut somewhere. He is trying to compromise. Everybody views their own agenda as being the most important. But, think about this way. Can you read in a house that is freezing cold? Can children be inspired to learn without a teacher? Can we live without access to health care? Can we have security without a military, police, prison guards and parole officers?
Surely, more cuts can be made in our country. Especially to the contracts awarded to private contractors. But, we are living in a time where cuts across the board are prudent and needed. You would say, it is an investment for tomorrow, but I say there will be only a poorer tomorrow if we don’t make careful and deliberate decisions today.
Can’t we agree that we can sustain some cuts to our libraries?
Yes cuts but not like an amendment by US Rep Garrett's (R-NJ)
While we read Obama’s cuts, this was what was worse! As you recall, late Monday evening U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ-5) introduced an amendment that would eliminate all funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) including funding for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), the primary source of federal dollars to libraries. Today, as the U.S. House of Representatives wraps up floor debate on HR 1, Rep. Garrett has made it clear to us that he is no longer “pushing” for a vote on his amendment. Once the House passes H.R. 1, - likely today or tomorrow - the budget will be sent over to the Senate where they will have the opportunity to make amendments and vote on this year’s budget bill.
Really, now
Come on…are we really surprised that a president who has continually lied to the American people
and undermined our constitution as well as our heritage would support an institution of integrity
which helps so many Americans? Let’s get real.
Budget Reduction NOT Elimination
O.K. Requested Federal funding for libraries is being reduced from $214,000,000 to $194,000,000 sooo this means 91% remains. Way better than being eliminated and in these tough budget times we should be grateful and set an example of cooperating with the policticians to implement reasonable budget reductions that will (or should) be asked of all government agencies. Please ALA lead the pack in cooperation rather than knee jerk rejection and demonstrate how responsible libraries .
And this was purported to be the smartest president in history?
A Nation deceived….