May 13 Letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi recommending additional funding for libraries in stimulus packages

Abstract

We are grateful that the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act includes fiscal stabilization for state, local, territorial, and tribal governments, schools, and colleges. Like those institutions, libraries have experienced significant revenue losses, resulting in thousands of furloughs and layoffs to date. Libraries also need dedicated fiscal stabilization. In addition, we appreciate the bill’s provisions to expand internet connectivity to library patrons. Fiscal stabilization is also needed to preserve libraries’ capacity to implement such programs.