Sorry for the lack of postage lately.  And today’s update isn’t terribly exciting, but I thought some of my readers might want to jump on this particular bandwagon.
I sent this e-mail to my state reps and senator today:
Dear Sirs and Madam:
Citizens are turning to public libraries in record numbers. Library usage data across the state is rising steeply — libraries and their services (job search training, new skills and education services, Internet and computer access, safe and free place for families) are helping citizens survive the economic crisis.
That being the case, please consider the potential impact of the following:
- Maryland public libraries are currently threatened with a 10% cut in state funds for FY 2010.
- Funding for the county libraries and the Enoch Pratt Free Library would be cut over three million dollars.
- The State Library Resource Center would have an additional devastating one million dollar cut —- a cut back to a funding level below FY 2003 that would force reductions in services to every county library in the state.
- A 10% cut will undermine the ability of public libraries to help citizens survive this crisis.
Strong support of the state’s excellent public library system will have a powerful impact on Maryland’s ability to survive and rebound from the economic crisis. I ask that you please support increased funding — or at least a rollback of the proposed cuts to help our libraries serve their communities.
I signed off with my name and contact details (a thing one should generally do when sending a letter to representatives, FYI — it both reassures them that you are a real constituent and enables them to get back to you easily if they need/want to follow up).
If you live in Maryland, you can find out who your legislators are and how to contact them here.
You go, girl!