In South Carolina, Advocacy Overturns Governor's Library Vetoes

By Norman Oder Jun 22, 2010 (Library Journal)

In less than a week, South Carolina library advocates and their allies not only got Governor Mark Sanford's veto of state aid to libraries overturned, but did so at margins State Library Director David Goble told LJ were greater than any other override vote--thanks to legislators' recognition that library Internet access is a key to the economic recovery.

Last week, Sanford vetoed $4,653,933 in state aid to public libraries and $1,172,758 in stimulus funds to public libraries, a decision that "is immediately catastrophic to the citizens who use our public libraries," Goble warned. Librarians and advocates got on the phone and the computer, contacting their legislators via the state's version of CapWiz, an application provided by the American Library Association.

The full article may be viewed by clicking the link in this post's title.

Support South Carolina Libraries!

Libraries across South Carolina need your support this week!

This week is National Library Week, a perfect time for you to send a quick e-mail to you state legislators and governor to let them know how important libraries are to you!

Libraries are in a perfect storm. They are busier than ever helping families survive during these tough economic times, yet public, school, and academic libraries are facing closures and elimination of librarians and library workers—the people who help those with a job application, teach 21st century skills, and nurture the love of reading in kids that will serve them the rest of their lives.

State governments provide much needed funding for libraries to provide public access to the Internet for everyone, databases for individuals and small businesses, homework help, and much more. Without this funding, libraries are in peril, and residents in South Carolina are denied critical resources when they need them most.

Please send an e-mail to your governor and your representatives today, and pass this message on to your friends and colleagues.

A link to a page of legislation impacting libraries may be viewed by clicking the link in this post's title.