Libraries losing funding at critical time

Libraries losing funding at critical time

Apr 17 2020

“Just when people need their libraries the most, funding is decreasing.” That’s the urgent warning from American Library Association President Wanda Brown.

Librarians are delivering books; expanding their e-book, audio and movie collections; providing virtual educational programs; offering job support to waves of newly unemployed workers; and even using 3D printers to create protective equipment for healthcare professionals.

Fortunately, three U.S. congressmen — Reps. Andy Levin (D-Mich.), Don Young (R-Alaska) and Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) — are trying to raise support among their colleagues for $2 billion of additional funding for the nation’s libraries. “As schools have shut their doors and moved toward online learning, the resources made available digitally through libraries are more critical than ever,” Young says. “Our libraries are serving as a pillar of safety and stability for communities. They need financial support to meet this critical moment.”

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