Dear Library Advocate, I want you to get really angry, I mean really fed up with the way libraries and library systems are being treated by the State of New York. The NYS Division of Budget has proposed a $20 million cut, that's right the largest cut ever in Library Aid, a 20% reduction in funding, that no other educational institutions are being asked to bear, to resolve the state's deficit for fiscal year 2008-09.
This cut will be devastating to library services throughout the state, no library or system will go unscathed, if this happens layoffs may occur, services will be curtailed or costs passed onto to local libraries and their patrons.
I urge you to go our website www.nyla.org immediately and click on Contact Your Elected Official button to send a letter to your state legislator opposing this proposed cut that the Legislature will consider when they return to Albany on November 18th for a special session. The letter is editable so you may include your own comments about how libraries are essential in your community, how library systems save your library money and provide vital services. Or call/visit your legislators in person if possible between now and next Tuesday.
The library community needs to act now in a strong, aggressive and united fashion in order to prevent this outrageous proposal from becoming reality.
Michael J. Borges
Executive Director
New York Library Association
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