Take Action Now!

Important library services that many Illinoisans take for granted could come to an end as early as this December when library systems run out of money.  These systems, which have been running off reserve funding since the beginning of the fiscal year (July 2010-June 2011), will run out of money in December unless the state releases appropriated library system per capita grants.  We need the Governor's and Comptroller's help to release these critically needed funding, and help keep library services operating as expected.

Library systems have not received 47 percent of system funding from the State of Illinois for FY 2010 (July 2009-June 2010) and have not received any system funds for FY 2011 (July 2010-June 2011).  Many library systems have discontinued all but a few top priority services and have eliminated large numbers of system staff.  A number of systems only have reserve funds to operate through December 2010.

Illinois library systems are critical to library services, annually delivering more than 30 million items, which are loaned to library users statewide.  The online catalogs for more than 800 Illinois libraries are operated by the library systems and are used to circulate more than 45 million library resources per year to Illinois residents.  Library systems also serve all 102 Illinois counties with Talking Book Program services for residents unable to read conventional print material due to a visual or physical disability. 

Illinois library systems are actively engaged in merger negotiations, seeking new ways to reduce costs and continue top priority services.  Without the receipt of payments appropriated in the library system per capita grant program, however, library systems that serve all types of libraries and millions of Illinois residents will stop services and close before mergers can be completed.

Use CapWiz and please ask for their help in the release of payments to Illinois Library Systems.

If you weren't fortunate enough to attend the full ILA 2010 Annual Conference at Navy Pier last month, then you missed out on the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the Illinois Library Association's history of public policy advocacy.  Our ILA Advocacy Committee kicked off the effort that will define its efforts this year -- the creation of the ILA Legislative Network! -- In just one day, over 70 participants from across the state volunteered to be part of this effort!

You may be asking, what does that mean?  What is the ILA Legislative Network?

The ILA Legislative Network recognizes that when done properly, grassroots lobbying can be the most effective form of lobbying, because it puts a premium on matching constituents and community leaders to their individual legislators.  In an era where lawmakers are being constantly bombarded, being able to carry a message in a lawmakers home district can often tilt the field in the advocates favor.

So this network is our new initiative that aims to organize and mobilize our volunteer advocates in support of libraries in individual state legislative districts throughout Illinois-- from community to community across the state. The long term vision of the ILA Legislative Network is to create a sustained organization, subdivided by geographic region, that will help develop and implement advocacy strategies at the local level.

Put more simply:  Are you willing to call your legislator on behalf of libraries?  Send them an email?  Drop by their local office in your community and drop off information?  Write a letter to the editor?  More importantly, are you willing to donate a small amount of time to learn how to be a better advocate, and perhaps even become an advocacy leader?

If the answer to any of these questions is "yes", then you should sign up right away.  Participating is easy, and the great thing about advocacy is that you can find the areas to make an impact that fit right for you.

In the coming weeks and months, the ILA Advocacy Committee will be recruiting individuals, training volunteers, and taking action.  If you are interested in being a part of this exciting opportunity, please e-mail ILA's Advocacy Consultant, Mike Grady right away.  Or, if you have any questions about this initiative, you can reach out to Mike directly by e-mail as well.

Its easy, its fun, and it WILL make a difference.

From ALA:

"To better meet growing patron demand for online information and services, public libraries continue to expand free public access to the Internet via wireless connections.  A vast majority of libraries (70 percent) reported increased use of their wireless networks in 2009-2010.  Nationwide, 82 percent of public libraries now offer this service, and some states (and the District of Columbia) report universal WiFi access in their public libraries."

Illinois is 74.1% versus our neighboring states Wisconsin 92.3%; Indiana 79.8%; Iowa 80.2%, and Minnesota 92.8%.