Currently, Public libraries as part of a consortium also can function as after school learning centers. Many places particularly in large urban areas like Chicago, Baltimore, New York and Miami perform that service, however the bulk of the grants are used by schools. Legislation introduced by Rep. Becerra in the House would allow public libraries to be the lead agency. We support this initiative. No public institution maximizes a modest amount of federal funds to greater public benefit than libraries.
Libraries are efficient users of federal dollars.
Both school and public libraries have made great strides towards the goal of full Internet access. However, effective public access is far from complete. We believe that the E-rate telecommunications discounts are critical to our nation s libraries. The library community believes that this program must be continued in its current form. The first three years of this E-rate fund have created the stimulus for more schools and libraries to connect to the Internet, particularly in areas where the discounts have been the greatest.