ALA asks advocates to urge cosponsors for new legislation
Library Stabilization Fund Act (S.4181 / H.R.7486)
The spread of COVID-19 has caused significant financial losses for America’s libraries, resulting in disruption to core library services, thousands of furloughs and layoffs. The Library Stabilization Fund Act would allow libraries across the country to retain staff, maintain services, and safely keep communities connected and informed. Introduced by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and Representative Andy Levin (D-MI), respectively, on July 2, 2020, the bicameral legislation calls for $2 billion in emergency recovery funding for America’s libraries through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
Additional resources—including a one-page explainer on LSFA, sample social media posts, and a sample letter for state and local library associations/ boards of trustees—are available at www.ala.org/advocacy/library-funding.