Dear [Legislator]
I am writing to ask you to support libraries in our community and across the state. As
(someone who works in a library that serves our citizens/students OR a supporter of
Texas libraries), I see the enormous impact our library has every day.
At the [name of library], [write a few lines about the services and impact your library has
on students, faculty, the community, business, etc. locally].
Last session, 64% of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission’s funding was
eliminated, and state support for libraries was dramatically reduced. Texas libraries
provide Texans with tools for educational success and innovation needed to build and
sustain an economically vibrant business environment. The cuts last session greatly
affected programs that citizens in every Texas community rely on for homework help,
college preparation, research, job searching, and career and test preparation.
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission is requesting $9.25 million dollars over
the next biennium for digital resources that would be available to our citizens in
academic, public and school libraries. This request is an exceptional item in the agency’s
budget. Leveraging the purchasing power of the state, this program yields enormous
savings and makes needed resources available. All Texans would have access to diverse
and timely instructional materials to help them succeed in school and in their jobs and
careers.
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission is also requesting $3.4 million for a
program that provides incentive grants to libraries working in partnerships to address
the state’s priorities of promoting educational opportunities, establishing a favorable
climate for business, and raising reading and technology literacy levels. This is also an
exceptional item in Article 1, General Government.
I am asking you to support funding for needed statewide library programs. Please work
with your colleagues in the [House or Senate] to ensure that funding is appropriated for
these two critical requests. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact
me. I look forward to working with you this session to insure that libraries continue to
provide Texans the services they need in today’s world.
Sincerely,