ALA Council passes resolution on connection between Iraq War, libraries

Contact: Larra Clark


ALA Media Relations Manager


312-280-5043
For Immediate Release


August 2, 2005

ALA Council passes resolution on connection between Iraq War, libraries

(CHICAGO) At the American Library Association (ALA) 2005 Annual Conference in Chicago, June 23-29, the ALA Council adopted a resolution on the connection between the Iraq War and libraries. ALA CD#62 states that: “ many of Iraq's cultural treasures, including libraries, archives, manuscripts, and artifacts, have been destroyed, lost, or stolen” and “ even a small fraction of these resources [spent on the war] would be more than sufficient for rebuilding and greatly enhancing the libraries and educational institutions of both Iraq and the U.S.”

The 182-member ALA governing body voted passed ALA CD#62 on June 29, 2005. The resolution:

  • calls for the withdrawal from Iraq of all U.S. military forces, and the return of full sovereignty to the people of Iraq;

  • urges the United States government to subsequently shift its budgetary priorities from the occupation of Iraq to improved support for vital domestic programs, including United States libraries; and

  • calls upon the United States government to provide material assistance through the United Nations for the reconstruction of Iraq, including its museums, libraries, schools, and other cultural resources.

The resolution will be sent to all members of Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, the President of the United States, and the press.

To read the full document, please visit the ALA Web site at:


http://www.ala.org/ala/ourassociation/governanceb/council/


councilagendas/annual2005a/CD62.doc.