<div dir="ltr"><div><span id="gmail-docs-internal-guid-b4f75e8e-7fff-7bb8-b601-3d3ed48a7358"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">

</span></p><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfBHKMHAMpBw4d3OYKJ_WrfBKOzjNJ3p5CzXPB_u0EB1BiLGa65C2IgnakS0EVHaFai2X34pcvvhoL0vkIKGeV_xfo6o-ISf3tU1c9Ogzsgiu1nRWKUmwnSGFsNu6Fgfjx6IHHC?key=yMZrC52d-icTn67LnJcseMP0" width="521" height="157" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div>
</span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Colleagues and Friends,</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">We want to make you aware of a significant development regarding the future of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a vital source of federal funding for libraries nationwide.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">On May 1, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump Administration’s directive to eliminate IMLS. This action, brought forth by the American Library Association (ALA) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), comes just days before the planned layoffs of all IMLS staff on May 4. Here is a copy of the </span><a href="https://democracyforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AMERICAN-LIBRARY-ASSOCIATION-et-al-v.-SONDERLING-et-al-1_25-cv-01050-No.-36-D.D.C.-May.-1-2025.pdf" style="text-decoration-line:none"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline">temporary restraining order</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">This court order provides critical breathing room. However, it is only a temporary measure. The case is still under review, and the future of IMLS remains uncertain. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">This is where we come in.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">We must continue to advocate for robust federal support of libraries by urging Congress to fully fund the IMLS in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. These funds directly support essential services in our libraries like: grants, innovation, workforce development, digital equity, and more.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">We must continuously remind them that libraries are not luxuries – they are lifelines! Remind them that we work to provide critical access to information, technology, education, and opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds. Tell our congressional representatives that across Suffolk County, we see every day how library services increase the patron’s quality of life, connect communities, and bridge opportunity gaps. Without IMLS, these critical resources are at risk.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">We encourage every SCLA member to visit ALA’s </span><a href="https://www.ala.org/advocacy/fund-libraries?utm_source=PPA&utm_medium=action&utm_campaign=fy26fl-afteraction" style="text-decoration-line:none"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline">Fund Libraries Initiative</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"> today. There, you can:</span></p><br><ul style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" role="presentation"><span style="font-size:12pt;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Contact your elected officials with a few clicks</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" role="presentation"><span style="font-size:12pt;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Share stories from your library that demonstrate the importance of federal funding</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" role="presentation"><span style="font-size:12pt;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Amplify the message across your networks</span></p></li></ul><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Let’s show our representatives that library funding is not optional, it is essential. Remind them that we are directly involved with our communities and we know the importance of funding. Lastly, remind them that we are always informed and that we vote. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Thank you for your time and attention. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">On Behalf of the Suffolk County Library Association Board, </span></p><br><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Anthony Giansante</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">President</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Suffolk County Library Association</span></p><br class="gmail-Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div><br></div><span class="gmail_signature_prefix">-- </span><br><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><span><div dir="ltr" style="margin-left:0pt" align="left"><table style="border:none;border-collapse:collapse"><colgroup><col width="96"><col width="429"></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height:0pt"><td style="vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;vertical-align:baseline"><span style="border:none;display:inline-block;overflow:hidden;width:82px;height:94px"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfYgTLhYr_4LMdoLXuHhOY8_Kzfs0re5Q2XldtDfOOtKSkm-urHwSW2IaHe8BJfLLgG_i6vbj35F1pZN7iAfQQ_9ByONEUEaE4hJOhTWHiqOWlDnPvNaehaIHqjyrtWtwMt2TOK2ft2nglf0u3dDkyvxwDi?key=e4BpUktHlZ9qLEbyvNPwUA" width="82" height="94" style="margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px"></span></span></p></td><td style="vertical-align:middle;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;vertical-align:baseline">Anthony Giansante (he/him)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;text-align:justify;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline">Head of Emerging Technology</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-style:italic;vertical-align:baseline"><br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;vertical-align:baseline">631-725-0049  // </span><a href="http://www.johnjermain.org" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(17,85,204);background-color:transparent;vertical-align:baseline">www.johnjermain.org</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;vertical-align:baseline"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;vertical-align:baseline"><br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;vertical-align:baseline">201 Main Street, Sag Harbor NY</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;vertical-align:baseline"><br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;vertical-align:baseline"><span style="border:none;display:inline-block;overflow:hidden;width:27px;height:29px"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfRcomXcfJMH03GX44PxH0axCAy7fNDeYU6v7UyBY8QLHufzPn-Y1T_gTemfXpFf2Avk0CVj5HBLkEwyomRg1gWtVwlpwEfmHwDDLdvHA8avFKa1-7H255RvTm3WDkSgyYNdkZtUY7kcTjDPTmRpVUPvNFJ?key=e4BpUktHlZ9qLEbyvNPwUA" width="70.78991596638656" height="29" style="margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px"></span></span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@jjmemlib" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(17,85,204);background-color:transparent;vertical-align:baseline"><span style="border:none;display:inline-block;overflow:hidden;width:29px;height:29px"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfcQnj0qyqxqKSaR3h1HWphIC1hp9g73Ppnq-d3W3cjXSpR4iDU5m9IArhlgTHGc5mjSvFC12nri4fcjpUyKGCQdbvUU-nNaNS3U7ZrPjMUCFTuCrqBj5dKcyA2NuNivvV1zkyPEGj3ECl8lt0nPJ8nuFQ?key=e4BpUktHlZ9qLEbyvNPwUA" width="29" height="29" style="margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px"></span></span></a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@johnjermainlibrary" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(17,85,204);background-color:transparent;vertical-align:baseline"><span style="border:none;display:inline-block;overflow:hidden;width:29px;height:29px"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeWjwUjeZ0KJ3IdFu_pcu2t6O-Sfb_ERpG3B7IBOJn2L33SwN42jgqwvf-ChuUt07BvgxAekGTxX_o6h1sGxrPxTljo4Yuj59wLhMmWuLmLDToJ4e-GSwJcVh_MoV7DfBQrMAIExNkmTe6NArTtPFgf0Y8?key=e4BpUktHlZ9qLEbyvNPwUA" width="29" height="29" style="margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px"></span></span></a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/john-jermain-memorial-library" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(17,85,204);background-color:transparent;vertical-align:baseline"><span style="border:none;display:inline-block;overflow:hidden;width:29px;height:29px"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdtcnZUSs52_Y5Fy9PHqsS60CdiSBI3Ux8Sq5iXgcor0T_0Jbm_weSnwjIxaVopWBZP9effI6aHgNR2Qf-KA9YbqjOetZMFfWLizemAA5jzqjevxt13NXEpq0_w6jDaWvny9MTFt0KlZswg4iFBwsUfUzA?key=e4BpUktHlZ9qLEbyvNPwUA" width="29" height="29" style="margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px"></span></span></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jjmlibrary/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(17,85,204);background-color:t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