Dear Friends of the Alameda County Library and Write to Read,
You may have heard on the news that the governor’s proposed state budget for 2011-2012 eliminates funding for public library and literacy funding. This would have a dramatic impact on libraries in Alameda County and on our literacy program.
The Governor’s Budget proposes a decrease to libraries of $30.4 million in fiscal year 2011-12, resulting in the elimination of General Fund for the following programs: The Public Library Foundation, California Library Literacy and English Acquisition Services, and the California Library Services Act.
What this means to Literacy Students and Programs in California:
Library Literacy programs receive funds through the California Library Literacy and English Acquisition Services Program (CLLS). It enables Californians of all ages to reach their literacy goals and use library services effectively. California has approximately 3.4 million adults with below basic literacy skills. Libraries serve over 20,000 adults annually in over 800 library branches and other outlets statewide. As a result, these adults are voting for the first time, reading newspapers, reading aloud to their children, and securing jobs. Tutoring is nearly always delivered by volunteers, thus further well-utilizing California’s resources.
Public libraries across the State were braced for significant funding cuts. However, the total elimination of ALL State support for local library services is of deep concern. Since the 2000’s, public libraries have been hit hard with deep reductions, which have totaled more than 75% in some programs. The very real fear is that once these services are eliminated they will never be reinstated.
You can express your support for California Libraries by:
- Calling State Senator Carol Liu by February 1, at (916) 651-4021;
- Calling Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla by February 7, at (916) 319-2011 or sending her a message on the attached pre-printed postcard;
- Writing, faxing or calling the key legislators listed below;
- Spreading the word about the need to speak up on behalf of California libraries.
Chairs of the Senate and Assembly Budget Committees
The Honorable Carol Liu
Chair, Senate Budget Subcommittee
Number 1 on Education Finance
State Capitol, Room 5061
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4021
Fax: (916) 324-7543
The Honorable Bob Huff
Member, Senate Budget Subcommittee
Number 1 on Education Finance
State Capitol, Room 5097
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4029
Fax: (916) 324-0922
The Honorable Roderick Wright
Member, Senate Budget Subcommittee
Number 1 on Education Finance
State Capitol, Room 5064
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4025
Fax: (916) 445-3712
The Honorable Susan Bonilla
Chair, Assembly Budget Subcommittee
Number 2 on Education Finance
State Capitol, Room 2188
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 319-2011
Fax: (916) 319-2111
The Honorable Bill Berryhill
Assembly Budget Subcommittee
Number 2 on Education Finance
State Capitol, Room 3141
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 319-2026
Fax: (916) 319-2126
The Honorable Julia Brownley
Assembly Budget Subcommittee
Number 2 on Education Finance
State Capitol, Room 2163
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 319-2041
Fax: (916) 319-2141
The Honorable Brian Nestande
Assembly Budget Subcommittee
Number 2 on Education Finance
State Capitol, Room 4139
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 319-2064
Fax: (916) 319-2164
The Honorable Sandre Swanson
Assembly Budget Subcommittee
Number 2 on Education Finance
State Capitol, Room 6012
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916)319-2016
Fax: (916) 319-2116
You Can Help Save California Public Library & Literacy Funding!
For more information, the latest updates and actions needed, please visit: http://www.cla-net.org/
or on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/saveCAlibs
Alameda County Library
Write to Read
2450 Stevenson Blvd.
Fremont, CA 94538-2326
Phone–510-745-1480
