New “Save America's Libraries” video, television PSA

Contact: Deborah Davis, Manager, Campaign for America's Libraries


312-280-2148

For Immediate Release


September 18, 2003

New "Save America’s Libraries" video, television PSA now available

A new video and television public service announcement (PSA) are now available from the American Library Association (ALA) Public Information Office to help the library community address the cutbacks facing libraries nationwide and garner support for library funding. The message is: "The future is @ your library, so make sure your library has a future." The video and PSA are part of ALA’s Save America’s Libraries Campaign, an initiative of @ your library®, The Campaign for America’s Libraries.

The five-minute video was created for use at meetings to educate influentials about the library funding crisis. The video promotes the value of libraries and librarians; showcases successful library rallies and outreach efforts across the country; highlights coverage of the funding crisis; and offers an action list of how to support library funding efforts. It includes appearances by author Ray Bradbury, activist Ralph Nader and Los Angeles Times film critic Kenneth Turan, among others.

The 30-second PSA showcases why libraries are needed more than ever in difficult fiscal times and encourages viewers to support their school, academic or public library. Libraries are invited to customize the PSA with local contact information at the end of the spot or use the version with the national tag that ALA developed. Both the video and PSA are closed-captioned for the hearing impaired.

The video and two versions of the PSA are available on VHS for $40 and on Beta SP for $50. The two versions of the PSA are available for broadcast by themselves on Beta SP (without five-minute video) for $40. Other formats are available upon request by calling the ALA Public Information Office at 800-545-2433 ext 5041.

An order form is available on the
@ your library Web site. Click on "PR Tools and Resources," and then click Shop @ your library. Before ordering the PSA, please contact your local television or cable station to determine the appropriate tape format. Libraries are encouraged to inform the Public Information Office of any local television placement.

The Save America’s Libraries Campaign was launched during the 2002 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia to address the budget crises facing libraries of all types across the country. A Save America’s Libraries Toolkit to help libraries develop their advocacy efforts on the funding issue, as well as new print PSAs and other related resources are available on the campaign Web site at
www.ala.org/@yourlibrary. Click on the Save America’s Libraries icon. The Campaign for America’s Libraries is ALA’s multi-year public education effort about the value of libraries and librarians in the 21st Century.