PLEASE HELP US TO REINSTATE $15.2 MILLION BACK TO CA LIBRARIES

Governor Jerry Brown's proposed Budget for FY 12/13 has NO money for CA public libraries. Without $15.2 million in state matching funds, California will lose its Federal Funding for libraries.

Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds provide funding for literacy programs, the Braille and Talking Books Program, a statewide Summer Reading Program for children and teens to prevent "summer slide" in reading ability, and other vitally important public library programs. An estimated 23% of California's adult English speaking population lacks basic literacy skills and read below the 6th grade level. The literacy program enables participants to reach their goals, including voting for the first time, reading to their children, and securing a job or a promotion.

Statewide over 22,000 students are learning to read in public libraries and 3,000 are on waiting lists. Internet access is now one of the most sought after public library services and is used by nearly half all visitors. Over the past year, 45% of the 169 million visitors to public libraries, connected to the internet. Public libraries stand out as one of the few community institutions that can address the computing and information needs of all kinds of users, from seniors who have never touched a keyboard, to young entrepreneurs launching a new eBusinesses strategy.

Regardless of income, patrons rely on library computers to find work, do homework, apply to college, secure government benefits, learn about critical medical treatments, apply for permits, connect with family and friends, and so much more.

Two-thirds of these people who use the computers, receive help from library staff, or volunteers. Please help by signing this petition to help restore once again $15.2 million to these vitally important library programs.

Thank you all for taking the time to read this and may God bless you :-)