Friends of the Newark Free Library

To: Friends of the Newark Free Library

Dear Friends:

The eighteenth annual DLA Library Legislative Action Day will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2009.  Since the first event in 1992, library supporters have influenced legislation and funding to benefit libraries throughout Delaware. 

Please join us this year.  You will have the opportunity to personally thank your legislators for their support for libraries and to influence future legislation and funding for your library. 

• Please register by April 15th, so we can schedule a meeting time with your senator and representative.  Orientation will take place at the Delaware Division of Libraries this year. 

• In light of the current state budget scenario, we are redrafting our funding request pages. Please check the DLA website at http://www2.lib.udel.edu/dla/ in a week or so for current information.  You may duplicate this material and share it with fellow library supporters.

 As in prior years, there will be a lunch buffet on the balcony of Legislative Hall.  We hope you will be able to join us for this very important day.

 Sincerely,
James McCloskey and Cathy Wojewodzki
Legislative Action Day Coordinators

To register, Please send the following information to
James McCloskey, Library Director
Wilmington University
320 N. Dupont Hwy.
New Castle, DE 19720

or via  FAX (356-6880)  email to anna.c.mccloskey@wilmu.edu

Name
Address
Library
phone number and/or email
and the names of the State Representative and Senator you wish to visit.
(Most of us live in the districts represented by Representative Terry Schooley and Senator Liane Sorenson.)

Tentative Schedule
9:00 - 9:30     Registration and coffee hour
9:30 - 11:00    Information sessions to bring everyone up to date on library issues
11:00              Speaker: Senator Bethany Hall-Lon            
                      How to talk to your legislators: Discussion & Practice time
Noon              Lunch in Legislative Hall, Governor's Proclamation, & appointments with legislators
By 2 pm         We will be finished

Write a letter to a  a legislator find name here

Dear (insert Name of Legislator),

When America’s economy began to plunge, library use across the country soared.

As more Americans turn to their libraries to make use of traditional services, many are also finding exciting new programs and opportunities to gain the skills and information they need to overcome the challenges of a weakened economy.

The (INSERT LIBRARY NAME) is no exception to the national trend. Our library use has (INSERT FIGURE OR GENERAL STATEMENT ON INCREASED USE). Some of our most popular services include (INCLUDE LIST OF PROGRAMS THAT YOUR LIBRARY OFFERS THAT DEAL WITH ECONOMIC ISSUES SUCH AS RESUME BUILDING COURSES, ONLINE JOB SEARCHING, ACCESS TO NO-FEE INTERENT, ETC.)

Libraries want to continue doing everything they can to help the public access the information they need and to see children excel in school and life. I understand the challenges facing Americans and how the library can be a source of help –in both the short and long terms.

That is why the economic stimulus package currently being considered by the Congress is so important. For some time now, the American Library Association (ALA) has been urging Congress to include funding for libraries in any economic stimulus package. Educating our elected officials on the many ways libraries are aiding their constituents during this time of economic downturn is key to ensuring decision-makers work to protect one of our nation’s greatest resources – libraries.

When city budgets take a hit, libraries are often one of the first casualties. But it doesn’t have to be that way – especially when the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act currently includes many provisions that state and local officials can utilize to strengthen libraries.

It is a hard time for our nation, but it can also be a time of great opportunity, thanks to the efforts of the Obama Administration and the new Congress to quickly move the economic recovery package forward.  I encourage everyone who values their libraries to call our Senators and tell them specifically add public libraries to  the use of government service funds.

Speak up for libraries and remind elected officials that the wisest use of taxpayer dollars is an investment that goes right back to the source – the public.

Dear Friends of the Newark Free Library,

        On January 28th members of the Newark Friends and several other Friends groups met with

Paul Clark, President of New Castle County Council and Anne Farley, Director of Special Services for

the County.  The Newark Friends requested the meeting.

          We are very concerned about the recent reductions in library services and programs due to the

large shortfall in next year’s New Castle County budget.  Anne explained the number of measures

that staff is taking to save money by making library services even more efficient.  We emphasized

the wide range of services which we provide as mentioned earlier in a letter to the editor in

the Wilmington News Journal (reprinted next).

          However, after our discussion with Paul, it became very evident that the only way

further reductions can be prevented is for County Council to support a tax increase.  This means

that a majority of council members will have to vote yes on a tax increase for New Castle

County residents.

          Because many citizens will be opposed to a tax increase for county services, those of us who

support libraries must contact our New Castle county representative and explain why we

support libraries, and oppose further reductions in library services even though it might mean

a tax increase. 

          As members of various Friends groups, we may even want to attend a council meeting to

register our support of libraries and a tax increase and/or hold a special meeting with council

members and include citizens that support libraries from each council district.

          We also need to tell our State Senators and State Representatives that we do not want the state

to cut library funding.  You will need to contact them to let them know your support of libraries.    

The New Castle County vote on the budget will be in late spring so the time to act is now. 

          Please let me know if you are interested in meeting to develop and implement a plan to save

our libraries from further reductions. 

                                                                             Judy Taggart

                                                                             President, FNFL

More than Ever, We Need our County Libraries Open

It is important that New Castle County residents do not allow our libraries to experience additional cost-cutting measures.  Closing Thursday evenings and Sundays, and greatly reduced budgets for books and other mateirials are too much already.

Our libraries are even more criti­cal during these difficult financial times. We may not realize the com­prehensive services and activities libraries provide for free. They include best sellers; current feature films and TV shows on DVD; music CDs; audio books; movie and music nights for all ages; newspa­pers and magazines; comfortable reading chairs; Internet access; re­sources to write strong, powerful re­sumes and Wi-Fi access.  Some libraries offer basic computer classes.

Visit the New Castle County Web site: www.nccdelib.org. Or stop by your library to discuss your informa­tion needs with knowledgeable li­brary staff. Consider a contribution to purchase a book. A gift plate with your name will be placed in the book.

Judith A. Taggart      

               Friends of the Newark Free Library Newark