For immediate release | February 9, 2016

91´«Ã½ disappointed at White House budget cut to state grants to libraries

91´«Ã½

Cutting funds to libraries hinders services being delivered directly to people in their communities
Washington, D.C. – After reviewing President Obama’s Fiscal 2017 Budget released today, Sari Feldman, president of the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½), issued the following statement:
“We are truly disappointed that the President’s budget does not recognize the value libraries bring to our country. Every day America's libraries create individual opportunity and community progress. It is ironic that the President has cut federal funds considering libraries are on the front lines directly serving all Americans without exception and that our work with individuals and communities advances our country in education, employment, and entrepreneurship. By cutting federal funds to libraries, the President’s budget is making it more difficult for libraries to do their job.”
Feldman said cutting nearly a million dollars to grants to state library programs means: fewer children will benefit from reading and learning programs; fewer people will get the skills training they need to seek and sustain employment; fewer small businesses can research markets in order to grow; fewer Americans can search for health care resources and maintain health records; and fewer parents can investigate how to send their children to college and apply for financial aid.
About the 91´«Ã½
The 91´«Ã½ is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with more than 58,000 members in academic, public, school, government, and special libraries. The mission of the 91´«Ã½ is to provide leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.

Contact:

Nancy Gravatt

Press Officer

91´«Ã½ Washington

Washington Office

ngravatt@alawash.org

2024038208

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