| We are living in alarming times. Civic programs and public institutions that have been part of the fabric of our lives are being threatened. The list grows longer by the day. Libraries are on that list.
The American Library Association recently issued an alert that the President of the USA has issued an executive order that effectively guts and eventually eliminates the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The IMLS is the only federal agency that helps fund public, school, academic, and special libraries. Grant funds provide literacy services: ebooks for teens, workforce readiness, summer reading programs, early childhood development, Veterans services, rural and Tribal libraries, and more. A case now in front of the Supreme Court could eliminate the affordability of library-hosted broadband services.
Many libraries will no longer be able to afford the rates that give people free and reliable access to digital services like online learning, email, and the internet. Seniors, students, job seekers, and families will all be impacted.
We live in a place that values its libraries. Measure X, a modest library tax, was recently passed by over 80% of voters (a serious mandate!). In addition to this funding, the Berkeley Public Library Foundation supports our libraries with thousands of dollars for literacy projects, library innovations, and building improvements not covered by tax dollars.
With so many treasured institutions in jeopardy, it's hard to know what to do next. But together, we can ensure continued excellence and access to our wonderful Berkeley libraries.
Please join me in making a gift today.
Thank you for your support!
Sincerely, | 
1 comment:
Queers don't give up that easily,when it comes to kids.
--GRA
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