Here is how to support North Carolina’s libraries:
On the Local Level: Experience all that your local area libraries have to offer – high speed internet, free movies, deep selection of high quality books and other information services, programming, etc. and tell your local city/county commissioners that libraries are important to you and the future youth of our country and must continue to be supported.
On the State Level: Call or email your state representatives to support House Bill 590.
Look up your state representatives by address here. It reflects the first proposed increase in state aid in many years – state library funding has been reduced by 38% per capita since 2000.
On the National Level: Ask your U.S. House of Representatives and Senators to support the following:
- Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and include specific language regarding support for school libraries (some NC schools are getting rid of school librarians in favor of instructional technologists). View NCLA’s call-to-action on ESEA
- IMLS (Institute of Museum and Library Services) – Primary federal funding agency for all of the nation’s museums and libraries; creates innovation and leading edge research. House bill was proposed in march to eliminate IMLS altogether. View NCLA’s call-to-action to continue funding IMLS
- LSTA (Library Services Technology Act) – Federal funding given to state libraries to help support all types of libraries including broadband, technology, resources, strategic planning, and innovation. NCLA’s call-to-action for continued LSTA funding
- Continued support for E-rate and Universal Service – Federal legislation that provides significant discounts to libraries and schools for access to broadband connectivity.
North Carolina Library Advocacy 