Advocate for State Funding for Libraries!

Photos from recent Library Legislative Breakfast at the Holyoke Public Library

Library Legislative Breakfasts - 2008

Advocacy for State funding for libraries is absolutely essential in tight economic times. Right now there are several opportunities for library supporters to get involved so our State Senators and Representatives are “on board” in declaring that library funding is a priority of theirs. The accounts of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners fund most of the State’s allocations for libraries, such as the Regions (account 7000-9401) and networks (7000-9506).

To participate in this movement, you are encouraged to attend one of the legislative breakfasts in all 6 senatorial districts of our area. See http://www.wmrls.org/wmrls/legislativebfast.html for details.

And, the Friends of WMRLS are chartering a roundtrip bus ride to the State House in Boston on April 2, Library Legislative Day. This is the “only way to go” with gas prices so high and the hassle of getting into Boston by car. There are several pickup locations, and the ride, with many other library supporters traveling, is always enjoyable. The bus costs just $20 for members of the Friends, or $25 for non-members. The post that follows includes complete information.

~ John Ramsay, Regional Administrator, Western Massachusetts Regional Library System