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CLA Call To Action

CALIFORNIA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES 2021

Presented by the Advocacy & Legislative Committee to further the mission of California libraries

The California Library Association Executive Board works with the CLA Advocacy & Legislative Committee, CLA lobbyists and association members to make a difference for California libraries and the communities they serve, working primarily at the state level; some support is offered for local and national advocacy. CLA is a non-partisan organization.

CLA supports local libraries and their advocates in building strong relationships with communities, legislators and leaders through Day in the District and other outreach.

CLA actively advocates for:

1.    Restoration of Funding
a.    Full restoration of California Library Services Act: $3,630,000
To support resource sharing of electronic and physical items among all libraries.

b.    Lunch at the Library: $1,000,000
Serving nearly 300,000 meals to children at 219 public libraries, and over 32,000 children attending programs to stop the summer slide while getting their meals.

c.    Zip Books: $750,000
Serving over 45,000 people in 83% of California counties and 327 public libraries. Focus is on rural and underserved populations who cannot get to a library.

d.    Career Online High School: $750,000
California adults complete their high school diploma online, with 793 students graduating and able to move on to post-secondary degrees. 28 California Counties participating, with local matching funds.

2.    Equitable Access to Critical Library and Information Services
a.    Broadband Equity for California Communities
WiFi, lendable hotspots,and broadband  to support education, workforce development, and community well-being.

b.    Equip California Libraries to Address Disaster Needs  
Funding for generators, communication, air filters, PPE, etc.

c.    Lifelong Learning
Support for early education, adult and youth literacy in all its forms; career support and economic development; after-school programming; veterans services; and assistance to vulnerable populations.

CLA generally supports the positions taken by the American Library Association in other key action areas, including:
 
•    Equity, inclusion and anti-racism
•    Intellectual Freedom
•    Privacy
•    Net Neutrality
 
CLA also monitors all state legislation that may impact items on the above list or that are identified as having an impact on libraries, library funding and/or library staff.
Approved and adopted by the CLA Executive Board on October 26,2020