WE WILL NOT BE SHUSHED'Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price

is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation.‘

- Walter Cronkite

ELEANOR CRUMBLEHULME:

“Cutting Libraries in a Recession is like

Cutting Hospitals in a Plague”

THE BAD NEWS

A majority of public libraries report flat or decreased funding despite rising circulation

9% of libraries reduced hours (16% of urban libraries)

65% report insufficient computers to meet demand

Layoffs, furloughs & hiring freezes Communities looking to privatization

WHY LIBRARIES MATTER: BY THE NUMBERS

62% of libraries are the only source of free internet access in the community

92% provide access to jobs databases 76% provide help to patrons filling out

online job applications 96% provide assistance to patrons

seeking e-government services 90% of libraries offer formal or informal

technology training

ECONOMIC IMPACT

Return on Investment (ROI), i.e. Florida study found every $1 spent created $6.40 in value.

Small biz development: access to business databases & resources for business plans

Workforce development: ESL, computer literacy

Proximity to library = $$. Users that visit the library report patronizing nearby businesses for other errands.

WAIT …THERE’S MORE!

The great information equalizer: anyone can use the library

Democracy requires an informed citizenry

Lifelong learning: collections & programs for preschoolers to centenarians

Services to new populations

….. AND MORE!

Libraries are part of the social safety net when a community is struggling economically

Defend privacy Civic engagement A Third Place

Librarians Protest at Los Angeles Mayor's House

YOU CAN HAVE MY BOOK WHEN YOU TAKE IT FROM MY COLD DEAD HAND

KNIT IN - TORONTO PUBLIC LIBRARY

BOOK BURNING PARTY - TROY LIBRARY

NOW WHAT?

CORE VALUES OF LIBRARIANSHIP

Access Confidentiality/Privacy Democracy Diversity Education and Lifelong Learning Intellectual Freedom Preservation The Public Good Professionalism Service Social Responsibility

ADVOCATE Build coalitions with your local library Spread the word – libraries matter:

write somebody/something! Decision makers Letters to the editor Social media. #libraries @RahmEmanuel

Join Friends of the Library or (ALA members) Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations (ALTAFF)

FOR MORE INFO

ALTAFF: www.ala.org/altaff/ ALA Advocacy www.ala.org/advocacy/ SaveLibraries.org ALA tracks Save the Library campaigns

www.ala.org/offices/cro/getinvolved/saveyourlibraries

CONTACT

Jessica Storrs, Research Librarian jstorrs@afscme.org Twitter: @afscmelibraries www.afscme.org/library Slides available at