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Save America's Libraries Fact Sheet

The Campaign to Save America’s Libraries was launched in January 2003 by then-American Library Association (ALA) President Maurice J. Freedman in response to state budget shortfalls and subsequent library funding cuts that threatened services coast to coast. Over the course of the year, rallies to “Save America’s Libraries” were held in Philadelphia, New York, California, Ohio and other communities. In many cases, these rallies and affiliated public awareness efforts averted or reduced funding cuts.

The recent announcement that Salinas, California, will close its John Steinbeck Library and two branches has shown again the need for a vigorous national campaign to sustain and grow vital library services. Help us spread the word!

America’s Libraries
There are more than 117,000 libraries of all kinds in the U.S. today. Most fall into three broad categories: public, school, and college/university. Today’s libraries are dynamic, modern community center centers for learning, information and entertainment. Libraries are America’s great information equalizers—the only place people of all ages and backgrounds can find and freely use such a diversity of resources, along with the expert guidance of librarians.

Library Patrons
Americans go to school, public and academic libraries more than twice as often as they go to movies. Studies show that two-thirds of households with children under the age of 18 reported using their public library in the past month. Over 90% of those surveyed believe libraries are places of opportunity for education, self-help and access to technology.

Budget Cuts
Launched in April 2004, the ALA’s library funding database (www.ala.org/libraryfunding) documents hundreds of published news reports about library funding cuts, fundraising and bond issues from around the country. Updated weekly, the database shows funding cuts in almost every state of as much as 50 percent. Projected and announced library funding cuts have topped $111.2 million in the past 18 months, including the elimination of all public library service in Salinas, Calif.; the closure of two library branches in Erie County, Penn.; and reduced operating hours at all public libraries in Spokane, Wash.

Value of America’s Libraries
Recent studies from Florida and South Carolina show libraries are not only a public good—but also an economic good—for communities. The fall 2004 Florida study found that libraries create jobs, increased gross regional product and increased wages. Florida public libraries return $6.54 for every $1 invested.

Libraries are among the most effective of all public services, serving more than 2/3 of the public with less than 2 percent of all tax dollars.

Other research, conducted in 12 states, shows a direct link between good school libraries and student achievement. These studies found that students at schools with well-developed libraries consistently score from 10 to 18 percent higher on reading and other tests. http://www.scholasticlibrary.com/download/slw_04.pdf

Campaign to Save America’s Libraries
The membership of the American Library Association—some 64,000 strong—will be working in communities across the country to sustain library funding and services on behalf of their patrons. We know that shortening library hours or reducing programs and services will hurt those who have the least access to such resources outside the library. Working with community members, educators, elected officials and others who rely on our nation’s vast network of libraries, ALA members will highlight the critical role libraries play in the lives of most Americans.

2/2005