NJ Libraries Advocacy Update 3/26

THREATS TO NEW JERSEY LIBRARIES

As many of you know, Governor's Christie's budget proposes cuts to the following budget lines: Library Network Aid (eliminated), Per Capita Library Aid (cut in half), Virtual Library (eliminated).  Additionally, the budget proposes moving the State Library under the auspices of Rutgers University, and there is a bill pending (A2555) to eliminate the 1/3 of a mil minimum funding for municipal libraries. For more details on these threats see NJLA's Legislative Alert.

We are working with the library community to develop an advocacy plan to address these threats. As our advocacy efforts develop we will be in touch with CJRLC  members through our listserv, webpage, blog, and all channels at our disposal.

We are asking for the restoration of 10.4 million dollars to local libraries. These funds provide libraries with Internet connections, website and email hosting, interlibrary loan, delivery of library materials, electronic resources, as well a library for the blind and handicapped.

Here are things you can do:

1. See resources collected by NJLA at: http://njla.pbworks.com/Save-New-Jersey-Libraries
    
   
2. Use the talking points from Norma Blake. Also see thee  "Facts for Advocacy"
    
   
3. Encourage your friends, family, and customers who support library service to Become a Library Champion at http://www.ilovenjlibraries.org/ so we can continue building our base of support and bring them into the capwiz system.
   
   (direct links to capwiz are: http://capwiz.com/ala/nj/home/ and http://capwiz.com/ala/nj/lmx/u/?jobid=145361623&queueid=4898333736. Note: NJLA prefers you point everyone to: http://www.ilovenjlibraries.org/)

   

4. Bookmarks for you to print and distribute! http://njla.pbworks.com/Library-Champions-Bookmarks (thanks to Heidi Cramer for providing)
    
   

5. Bookmarks to put in items sent via the Velocity Delivery Service. 
   | PDF | WORD |
   Let's let people who use delivery know that this service will end without action!

6. Join (and encourage your friends, family, customers and colleagues) the Facebook Group Save NJ Libraries!

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For more detailed news from the NJLA President

and a Sample Resolution for Library Boards and Commissions, CLICK HERE