[Iabs-talk] FW: I'm sure you have seen this

[David Meyer]

From: Ruda, Sharon [mailto:SRuda at ILSOS.NET] 
Sent: Friday, January 29, 2016 7:52 AM
To: 'David Meyer'
Subject: I'm sure you have seen this

 

Hi Dave, 

I think Rose Chenoweth has taken care of your project with Lin. This has
been sent to a gazillion people. This is basically correct. Due to 

(PA)99-0491 http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/99/PDF/099-0491.pdf
where the legislature did not appropriate any funds for the  talking book
and braille service, we lost 71% of our budget. The Illinois State Library
is a professional library with a staff of trained librarians. No matter what
happens with the funding, the talking book service will continue to be a
topnotch library for our patrons. 

Sharon

 

The following was brought to my attention today by the Director of Talking
Books at the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS).

 

Talking Book service is provided to anyone in Illinois who is blind,
visually impaired, or has physical disabilities that prevent the reading of
standard print. The service is funded by a blend of state and federal grant
funds. As a result of the current state budget impasse, the Illinois State
Library (ISL) informed Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) that
they can no longer fund Talking Book and braille services for RAILS, the
Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS), and the Chicago Public Library
(CPL) after FY2016.

 

RAILS will work on a transition plan with their Board, ISL, IHLS, and CPL
over the next several months to determine the best way to ensure that these
valuable services continue. Part or all of the service could be transitioned
to ISL. RAILS could also decide to fund part of the service through their
reserve.

 

This information applies to all partners and patrons.  The Illinois State
Library is the regional library in the state.  Funding being what it is in
Illinois, especially in this budget standoff year, state and federal funding
is no longer available to fund the subregionals as of July 1, 2016.  In the
meantime, RAILS and CPL are exploring all their options while considering
transition issues.  They won't know for at least two months, maybe more, how
they will be transitioning and how long they will continue to exist before
moving all or part of their services to the State Library.

 

They will keep members informed of the latest developments.

 

In the meantime, ALL are urged to contact their elected officials to
advocate for continued funding for Talking Book services - please spread the
word along!!

 

 

 

Sharon Ruda

Associate Director 
Illinois State Library 
300 South Second Street 
Springfield, Illinois 62701-1796
217-782-9435
1-800-665-5576 extension 1
Fax 217-782-6062 
sruda at ilsos.net

http://www.ilbph.org <http://www.ilbph.org/> 

 

Office of the Secretary of State Jesse White

 

 

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