Money for Rural Libraries

We all know that the libraries in the Southern Adirondack Library System are both culturally and technologically critical in our rural communities.  We provide internet access, computer literacy training, and provide information in all formats.   The Secretary of Agriculture has designated$100 million in USDA Rural Development CommunityFacilities funding for public libraries.  The program will provide educational opportunities and improve public services in rural communities.

From the press release:  The $100 million will primarily be provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The Recovery Act funds will help give rural communities the opportunity to improve their library facilities, enhance educational opportunities and improve economic conditions in America’s rural communities. Library construction or renovation projects also will create and save jobs for residents in the construction and library service fields.

NYLA Lobby Day
Legislative Breakfast Reception 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.�
NYLA hosts an informal buffet breakfast for legislators and staff to meet with library advocates from around the state in Meeting Room Six in the Concourse of the Empire State Plaza. Legislators are also given the opportunity at this time to have their photos taken for the annual READ posters and bookmarks that are used to promote the Statewide Summer Reading Program.

Rally and Speeches 11:30 a.m to noon
Library advocates rally in Meeting Room 6 to voice their support for library funding and provide a visual demonstration of the strength of the library community to legislators and their staffs. Various speakers are scheduled (Elected officials, NYLA leaders, etc).

Lobby Day Handout Advocacy materials are distributed to Lobby Day attendees to use in their meetings with legislators and staff.

Visits with Legislators Library advocates will visit one-on-one with their legislators to inform them of NYLA’s State Budget Priorities for the year.
SALS appointment schedule (pdf.)