Certainly, the budget doesn't reflect that. Government officials say the budget maintains this year's funding level for library programs and competitive grants awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, part of the Interior Department. The cuts target specific library initiatives hand-picked by members of Congress. Throughout the budget, Mr. Bush has tried to eliminate pet projects inserted by individual lawmakers, said White House spokeswoman Jeanie Mamo. The president has said repeatedly that he's committed to education and the reading initiative, which is a very large chunk of the budget.
Libraries spend money very well.
They serve their communities very well. In each of the last four years, Congress provided libraries with more money than former President Bill Clinton requested. The money is used to enhance technology and provide outreach to certain groups, such as people with disabilities. Or it could buy nearly 1.1 million hardcover books or 161,463 magazine subscriptions. While Ms. Sheketoff criticized the budget level, she declined to say whether she thought Mrs. Bush should have tried to secure more money.