IFRT Members Community (Open)

 View Only
last person joined: 2 days ago 

The Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) provides a forum for the discussion of activities, programs, and problems in intellectual freedom of libraries and librarians.

The IFRT Members Community group is the central hub for discussion, library and events. It is visible to all ALA members but only IFRT members can participate in the conversation.

Back to discussions
Expand all | Collapse all

An Update: Build America's Libraries Act and the Budget Reconciliation Bill

  • 1.  An Update: Build America's Libraries Act and the Budget Reconciliation Bill

    Posted Sep 03, 2021 08:56 AM

    [cross-posted]

    We wanted to reach out and give you a brief update on what is currently happening with the federal budget reconciliation packet, or "Build Back Better" bill, and its relation to the Build America's Libraries Act. As you may be aware, last week, the House approved the Senate's Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 budget resolution, and it is now expected to be marked up by the House Education & Labor Committee on Thursday, September 9th. The committee must decide which programs will be covered with this allocated funding by this deadline. As the bill currently stands, libraries are not included.

    ALA has been reaching out to library leaders and advocates in targeted districts to call their legislators and urge them to include the $5 billion in funding outlined in the Build America's Libraries Act in the final budget bill. We are extremely grateful to the library advocates in these targeted districts who have taken action and made the call!

    Now more than ever is the time for your library community to post on social media to increase the overall visibility of this time-sensitive ask. You can use this sample tweet below, or create your own, along with ALA's Twitter graphic:

    .[@YourLegislators] Libraries across [Your State] are in urgent need of upgrades and modernization to continue supporting members of our community. Will you ensure that funding for libraries is included in the budget reconciliation package? #BuildLibraries

     

    If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact:

    Gavin Baker, ALA's Public Policy and Advocacy Office, gbaker@alawash.org

     

     

    Kristin

     

    Kristin Pekoll, CAE

    Assistant Director

    Office for Intellectual Freedom

     

    ALAAmericanLibraryAssociation

    225 N Michigan Ave, Suite 1300, Chicago, IL 60601

    312.280.4221

     

    Beyond Banned Books: Defending Intellectual Freedom throughout Your Library

    By Kristin Pekoll – Available Now at the ALA Store