[SCLA] SCLA Advocacy Update: Response from Senator Gillibrand

[Anthony Giansante]

Colleagues and friends,

Weeks ago, SCLA sent letters to both NYS US Senators: Chuck Schumer and
Kirsten Gillibrand, and the three congressmen whose districts comprise all
of Suffolk County: Tom Suozzi, Andrew Garbarino, and Nick LaLota. These
letters were a response to President Trump’s executive order that
effectively eliminated IMLS funding and urged them to advocate for us, our
industry, and the communities/populations we serve.

We are happy to share that Senator Gillibrand has replied to The
Association’s letter. Accompanying this statement is a copy of the letter
SCLA sent to Senator Gillibrand and her office’s response. Take note that
Senator Gillibrand’s letter clearly states that “...libraries play an
important role in New York’s educational system and community development.”
Though there is more to do, this is a solid recognition of our work and the
vital role we have in our communities.

Reaching out to our representatives was a part of our advocacy efforts.
SCLA has written a Letter to the Editor of various local publications and
The East End Beacon is the first to publish it. Click here
<https://www.eastendbeacon.com/featured-letter-a-call-to-support-local-libraries/>
to
read it!

We still urge you, your friends, family, and colleagues to contact all
your federal
representatives <https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member> to ask
that they fight back and restore the rule of law by working to ensure that
the congressionally appropriated IMLS funds be restored and grant programs
be reinstated now, and that the IMLS is funded for years to come.
Additionally, for our colleagues in school libraries, Innovative Approaches
to Literacy (IAL) provides needed resources for addressing early literacy.
Therefore, it's vital that Congress continue funding for IAL.

We know that these are stressful times but we ask that you continue the
work you are already doing by staying active in your communities, reaching
out to your network of friends and family and asking them to support us by
contacting their representatives, and continuously remind everyone that
libraries are not luxuries – they are lifelines.

Thank you for your time and attention. We hope you enjoy Senator
Gillibrand’s letter.

On behalf of the Suffolk County Library Association Board,

Anthony Giansante

President

Suffolk County Library Association


-- 

Anthony Giansante (he/him)

Head of Emerging Technology
631-725-0049  // www.johnjermain.org
201 Main Street, Sag Harbor NY
<https://www.youtube.com/@jjmemlib>
<https://www.tiktok.com/@johnjermainlibrary>
<https://www.facebook.com/john-jermain-memorial-library>
<https://www.instagram.com/jjmlibrary/>
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