LSTA Money Request

The following letter was sent to every conferee of the Labor-HHS-Education House and Senate Appropriations Committee. The conference report did have $171.5 million for LSTA's state plans. We are currently awaiting the President's veto of this legislation.

October 25, 2007

The Honorable Lamar Alexander
302 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510

Dear Senator Alexander :

On behalf of the 67,000 members of the American Library Association (ALA), I request that you include $171,500,000 for the Grants to State Library Agencies program within the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) in the fiscal year 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.

LSTA, the only federal program solely devoted to aiding libraries, consolidates federal library programs, while expanding services for learning and access to information resources in all types of libraries (public, school, academic, research, etc.) for individuals of all ages. It is administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and is distributed through state library agencies to individual libraries via formula grants. There is a requirement for a state match, which helps stimulate approximately $3 to $4 for every federal dollar invested.

LSTA funds are used to offer training on résumé development; help on web searches of job banks; workshops on career information; links to essential educational and community services; assistive devices for people with disabilities; family literacy classes; homework help and mentoring programs; access to government information; a forum for enhanced civic engagement, and so much more.

LSTA funds also help libraries encourage business development. Libraries serve as important links to the business community, assisting with job creation and training programs, as well as assisting with business development initiatives. For many small businesses the library provides research resources and staff they could not otherwise afford.

The President requested and the Senate recommended $171,500,000 for Grants to State Library Agencies. This funding level will allow full implementation of a 2003 law to provide a more equitable distribution of state formula grants. At this funding level, TN would receive $3,376,532 in FY 2008. If Grants to State Library Agencies is funded at this level, Congress will provide library users nationwide with improved patron access to information and library services that can be targeted to people of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, to individuals with disabilities, and to people with limited literacy skills.

As conferees meet to reconcile the difference between the Senate and House bills, we ask that you please support $171,500,000 for Grants to State Library Agencies.

Please do not hesitate to contact the American Library Association or me should you need any additional assistance as the appropriations process moves forward.

Sincerely,
Emily Sheketoff
Executive Director
American Library Association Washington Office