Good afternoon.

 

Yesterday, I sent a link to resources that reflect some of the work ALA is doing to ensure that libraries are included in federal COVID-19 recovery plans. Those resources include a template letter that ALA sent to every member of Congress, and that can be adapted for use at the state level.

 

Today, I want to share the one-pager that details the reasoning behind that request—and how federal funding relief can support libraries across the country. It is attached as a PDF and will be uploaded to the website shortly. It was sent to federal legislators earlier today and will be included in a call-to-action going out this evening. It may also help you, at the state level, as you begin to formulate your own requests to state lawmakers.

 

Some requests for you:

• We are hearing that a few state libraries have asked their public librarians to leave wi-fi on and post passwords in places that are visible from outside of the building. Please share examples via #librariesstrong, if you have them.
• If your association has provided any resources to libraries about safe protocols for curbside pickup, please also share them via this list or #librariesstrong.

 

Feel free to forward this update to committees or your statewide lists, as desired.

 

Thanks, everyone. Stay safe, be well.

Megan

 

Megan Murray Cusick, MLIS

Assistant Director, State Advocacy

American Library Association

50 E. Huron Street

Chicago, IL 60611-2795

312-280-2423

800-545-2433 ext. 2423

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