¾«¶«´«Ã½

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The fiscal year would, for the first time in 26 years, provide federal funding to modernize library buildings nationwide. If enacted, the bills would provide $20 million in new funding to improve public and Tribal library and museum facilities, which would be distributed by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), and to conduct a study of their physical condition.

In addition, the bills would provide funding for other crucial library programs, including a $3.6 million increase for grants under the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) administered by IMLS and a $3 million increase for grants under the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program administered through the Department of Education.

¾«¶«´«Ã½ (ALA) President Lessa Kanani'opua Pelayo-Lozada released the following statement:  

“We welcome the Senate Appropriations Committee’s historic proposal to bring needed investments in improving library facilities, from fixing leaking roofs to replacing ventilation systems to making accessibility renovations.

"Every community in America should have a great library, and today’s proposal is a crucial step in advancing that vision.

"ALA, library supporters and our champions in Congress have advocated forcefully for the Build America’s Libraries Act and other efforts to address the significant backlog of library renovation and construction projects across the country. We’re grateful that the Appropriations Committee is taking action to meet that need.

“We also appreciate the continued funding for vital library programs like LSTA and IAL. However, it is unfortunate that for some of these programs, even proposed increases would not keep up with the rate of inflation. 

“I am asking library advocates to remain engaged with their members of Congress to highlight the need for these investments as the House and Senate negotiate the final funding bills for next fiscal year."

###