Save Our Libraries!
This is very serious stuff.
For Immediate Release
January 13, 2003
ALA launches Campaign to Save America's Libraries
Rally kicks off effort to sustain library funding, services
The American Library Association (ALA) will publicly launch the Campaign to Save America's Libraries - a public awareness effort focused on the impact of library funding cuts nationwide - at its Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia. ALA President Maurice J. (Mitch) Freedman and library advocates from across the country will speak out against cuts in school, public and academic libraries on Friday, January 24, at noon in Pennsylvania Convention Center room 108A.
"Librarians and our users cannot afford to be quiet about drastic cuts forcing libraries to close their doors earlier, lay off experienced library staff, eliminate periodical collections and reduce programs and services," Freedman said. "These cuts are deeper than those sustained even in the Great Depression, and they are affecting library services in schools, college and university campuses and communities everywhere."
Millions of Americans pass through libraries each year, but without adequate support, these resources may not be there when students, families, senior citizens, professors, business people and others need them most. In a recent national poll, the ALA learned that more than 90 percent of adult Americans believe public libraries will play an important role in the future. An accompanying study confirmed that when the economy goes down, public library use goes up. Libraries have reported that circulation has increased significantly since March 2001, when the National Bureau of Economic Research pegged the beginning of the latest recession.
"Only free countries have free libraries. Americans cannot afford to lose access to this vital school, campus and community resource," Freedman concluded.
Help President Freedman kick off this dynamic new campaign and send a strong message that librarians and library advocates will not be quiet about threats to library funding, services and staff by joining the rally at noon!
-M!
(Librarian and proud member of ALA)
