Library Stabilization Fund Act Introduced in U.S. Congress, Legislation Would Establish a $2 Billion Fund to “Address Financial Losses and Bolster Library Services
The American Library Association (ALA) praised today’s introduction of the Library Stabilization Fund Act, introduced in both chambers by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and Representative Andy Levin (D-MI), respectively. The legislation would establish a $2 billion fund, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, to address financial losses and bolster library services, with priority to the hardest-hit communities.
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Stabilization funding would support a range of library services to patrons, enabling libraries to:
Maintain core library services and keep nearly 370,000 library workers on the job
Purchase cleaning and PPE supplies and train staff for safe re-opening
Expand technology and services to keep millions of library users connected to the internet
Strengthen collections and programs to address needs such as remote learning, job skills, access to government services and early literacy
The Library Stabilization Fund Act is endorsed by the following organizations:
Association for Rural & Small Libraries Association of Research Libraries Brodart Chief Officers of State Library Agencies Common Sense Media Council of State Archivists Edge Consulting Partners Follett / Baker & Taylor International Dyslexia Association National Association of Elementary School Principals National Association of Secondary School Principals National Center for Families Learning National Coalition for History National Coalition for Literacy National Digital Inclusion Alliance National Humanities Alliance National League of Cities OverDrive, Inc. Reading is Fundamental Reading Recovery Council of North America Reach Out and Read Society of American Archivists Urban Libraries Council
Gary Price (gprice@gmail.com) is a librarian, writer, consultant, and frequent conference speaker based in the Washington D.C. metro area.
He earned his MLIS degree from Wayne State University in Detroit.
Price has won several awards including the SLA Innovations in Technology Award and Alumnus of the Year from the Wayne St. University Library and Information Science Program. From 2006-2009 he was Director of Online Information Services at Ask.com.
