Out of Work Librarians Need Your Help NOW! Libraries are at the heart of Main Streets across the United States, but somehow, funding for library positions is not included in the U.S. Senate’s $80 billion Jobs for Main Street Act, also known as the “Jobs Bill.”
There's still a chance to make a difference. Your senators need to hear from you!
Within the “Jobs Bill” is $20.5 billion for “Creating Jobs that Provide Public Services.” It can’t be denied that librarians are pivotal public service providers as libraries are the only source of no-fee computer/Internet access for 71 percent of Americans – many of whom are out of work and rely on their library’s resources to find employment.
Government funding would offer libraries the opportunity to hire back staff released due to budget cuts, recruit new staff, or expand staff services around job searching and employment skills training.
Demand that our leaders in Washington revise the “Jobs Bill” to include librarians.
It’s easy!
E-MAIL
1. Personalize the form letter developed by ALA’s Office for Library Advocacy. Let your senators know what your library is doing to help people find jobs.
2. Fill out your contact information.
3. Click “Send Message.” An e-mail will automatically be sent to your senators.
CALL
If you’d rather act by phone, call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your senators’ offices. Find a list of senators here. Remember that telephone calls are usually taken by a staff member, not the member of Congress. Ask to speak with the aide who handles the “Jobs Bill.” After identifying yourself, tell the aide you would like to leave a brief message, such as: "Please tell Senator (Name) I would like the Jobs for Main Street Act to include the hiring and retaining of librarians.” You will also want to state reasons for your request.
This bill could come up for voting at any moment, so it is critically important that you ACT NOW!
Thank you for your help in making a difference for librarians on Main Streets across the United States. - ALA
~ Faith
1. Personalize the form letter developed by ALA’s Office for Library Advocacy. Let your senators know what your library is doing to help people find jobs.
2. Fill out your contact information.
3. Click “Send Message.” An e-mail will automatically be sent to your senators.
CALL
If you’d rather act by phone, call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your senators’ offices. Find a list of senators here. Remember that telephone calls are usually taken by a staff member, not the member of Congress. Ask to speak with the aide who handles the “Jobs Bill.” After identifying yourself, tell the aide you would like to leave a brief message, such as: "Please tell Senator (Name) I would like the Jobs for Main Street Act to include the hiring and retaining of librarians.” You will also want to state reasons for your request.
This bill could come up for voting at any moment, so it is critically important that you ACT NOW!
Thank you for your help in making a difference for librarians on Main Streets across the United States. - ALA
~ Faith
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