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From the President
Today I was able to meet with staff in Don Perata's office as part of Day in the District, along with a group of representatives from libraries in Oakland, Albany, Alameda City, Alameda County, and Contra Costa County. (If I've forgotten anyone, please forgive me!) Even with the rainy weather, it was a nice meeting. Did you make a visit today? Are you making one next Friday? There's still time to sign up!
Our meeting lasted for an hour, which is longer than I'm used to, so it was almost luxurious to have time to bring the staffer up to speed on library issues. Because we had the time, most of us were able to highlight the many successful programs we offer, collaborations we've created, and our individual needs. It was especially nice to have Friends, Commissioners, and other supporters in the room, talking about how valued libraries are and how much additional support, through PLF, TBR, and bond measures for facilities will help all libraries.
If you have never visited with a Senator, Assembly member, or their staff, I encourage you to take advantage of next Friday's possibilities. Don't be afraid - the legislative staff and the legislators themselves appreciate knowing about libraries and their needs, and you'll likely be with other library supporters from your district. One visit doesn't always mean that the legislator will help, but the more and more that they hear the messages we have to deliver, the more likely they are to keep us in mind and find ways to support us. Sometimes, the legislator is obviously not a library supporter, so remember to be polite, highlight the positive impact that your library has on their constituents, offer to assist your representative with research or information if they ever need it, and keep coming back. If you have a Friend, Foundation member, or Commissioner you can bring with you, the impact will be that much greater. Last, the Legislative Committee has a list of priorities to help you know what they are focusing on this year.
Remember, the legislators work for us! Although I know that my representatives are library supporters, one of my colleagues in the room today did politely remind the staffer that people who use libraries and who work in libraries and who support libraries are all voters. That will usually get their attention!
I'm attaching Diane Smikahl's message letting you know where to check for appointments with the legislators and how to sign up. She's done a great job coordinating the Day in the District activities, and I want to take a moment to thank her. Please join me in doing so! She also has listed talking points that will help you when you meet.
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Day in the District is fast approaching! I hope you will be able to join the effort to make sure every California State Legislator has an opportunity to meet with library representatives on January 25th or February 1st. Remember to register for appointments at www.legiday.net (username=member, password=member), then click on the legiday icon!
The primary focus of Day in the District is to strengthen the relationship between legislators and the libraries in their District, and this is an ideal time to demonstrate the many positive services offered by your library. Libraries are used more in poor economic times than in wealthy times, and Day in the District provides an opportunity to encourage your Legislators to support better funding for libraries statewide.
The following "talking points" may be helpful as you prepare for your meetings:
* Libraries across California provide reading resources, lifelong learning opportunities, career development, educational support, and access to technology and information to every California resident.
* Historically approximately 0.05% of California's general fund moneys are directed to California libraries through the State Library. In 2007, these funds sustained major cuts amounting to $14 million dollars. We hope to have these funds restored as soon as possible, as these reductions have impacted important services and programs that are supported by these funds, including the following:
o The Public Library Foundation (PLF) which provides a small amount of funding distributed on a per capita basis to every public library in the state. In 2007 , PLF sustained major cuts, reducing the financial distribution from $0.58 per capita to $0.39 per capita.
o Transaction based reimbursement (TBR) which promotes sharing of resources by reimbursing academic, public, and special libraries for a small portion of the cost of serving people from other jurisdictions through Inter Library Loan and reciprocal "over the counter" borrowing arrangements. These funds were reduced by $7 million in FY 2007-8 to balance the California State budget.
* These cuts were felt by libraries through the state. Telling your legislator what this means to your library in terms of cuts, reduction in staff or programs, or other anecdotal stories will let them know how these reductions translate to changes in service.
* Facilities construction continues to be imperative and we continue to need the support of our legislators. The ideal way to pass this may be to include library construction in a bond package for infrastructure.
* California literacy programs supported in whole or in part by funds by the California State Library are facing reductions in FY 2008-9. Funding provided through the State Library is scheduled for a 10 percent reduction in the Governor's proposed 08/09 budget.
* Studies in other states show that every $1 invested in library services delivers at least $4 in economic value to citizens.
* Remember to thank your legislators for their support of California libraries!
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Thanks very much for visiting your legislator. And now that you've got some practice, I look forward to seeing you in Sacramento on Legislative Day!
Posted by Monique le Conge, 2008 CLA President on January 25, 2008 7:09 PM | Permalink