Yet, the last time there was dedicated federal funding for school libraries was during the 1960 's and 1970 's with the first Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Since then, school libraries have not had a consistent source of funding. While this state aid is a small fraction of our total operating expenses, it is crucial to our operations. Libraries are shown to be key community-building institutions, the one place that people of all opinions and backgrounds can gather, learn and discover. Please tell us a little about your own beliefs on government support for libraries as community centers.
Libraries are one of the most important institutions educating our youngsters.
Research shows that time spent with books in library programs helps children succeed in school and in life. The development of new information technologies has complicated many issues that our public policymakers face every day. Ask a locally known journalist to moderate the discussion. Issue a press release to local media that expresses your library 's commitment to educating voters. Take your board chair, key member of your Friends group, a member of the PTA, students or college administrators to a meeting with the local or campus newspaper 's editorial board.