[Nfbc-info] California private citizens call to action for library services

[Mary Willows]

I am writing this message, as a private citizen,to everyone I know because I 
am very concerned about library services in California.  I am asking that 
you read the letter below and consider writing a similar one to the people 
named at the top of the letter.  We all use the libraries one way or 
another.  So as private citizens, we should do what we can to preserve this 
fundamental free service.

The California Library Association is informing us of a major threat if the 
"trigger" is pulled in California legislature.  Please go to the CLA website 
and read more if my sample letter does not provide enough information.
Just a quick note to the Governor may save our library services in 
California.

Regards,
Mary Willows
**********

December 10, 2011



To:  The Honorable Edmund G.  Brown, Jr.  Governor



Cc:  The Honorable Darrell Steinberg, Senate President Pro-tem

The Honorable Bob Dutton, Senate Minority Leader

The Honorable John A.  Perez, Speader of the California State Assembly

The Honorable Connie Conway, Assembly Republican Leader





From:  Mary Willows, Teacher of the Visually Impaired

California School for the Blind

500 Walnut Avenue

Fremont, CA  94536

w- (510) 794-3800





Regarding:  Library Budget for 2011-2012 threats “Trigger”.





As a patron of the Alameda County Library System and the Braille and 
Talkingbook Library Service, I am very concerned about information which I 
have received that suggests that our California Library Services may be 
severely cut starting in January, 2012.  I am writing to erge the Governor 
and state leaders to consider the impact of a severe budget cut to our 
library services.  Do not use our last free access to educational materials 
to balance the budget.



Consider long term affects if 15 million dollars is cut to the Braille and 
Talking Book Library.  This is a federally matched program.  If we loose the 
state portion, we will also loose the federal matching funds.  This would 
have a devastating effect on the blind and print disabled people in 
California.



Consider all of the people who utilize the library to learn to read English. 
Literacy is critical for employment opportunities.



Consider the affecton cooperative loaning program.  As a resident in Alameda 
County, I have access to not only my local library inventory but, all of the 
books available in the countywide system .  This may no longer be available 
to me for research and educational materials.



Library services is a free, fundamental service to anyone who lives, works 
or owns property in California.

PLEASE DO NOT CUT LIBRARY SERVICES