Yes, it certainly does help contacting our government officials. Please note, New York Public Library is in the midst of a letter writing campaign so please help New York Libraries by contacting
your city council member. Thanks so much, Arezoo

-----Forwarded by Arezoo Moseni/MHT/Nypl on 05/19/2009 09:23AM -----

To: <[log in to unmask]>
From: "Senator Kirsten Gillibrand" <[log in to unmask]>
Date: 05/18/2009 06:36PM
Subject: Reply from Senator Gillibrand

May 18, 2009

Dear Ms. Moseni:

Thank you for taking the time and contacting me regarding increased funding for public libraries in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. I share your view on this issue, and believe that we need to invest in the modernization and expansion of our library system, which is why I supported the allocation of $274 million to carry out the activities of the Office of Museum and Library Services as part of the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Bill.

As we continue to endure this economic recession, the demand on public libraries continues to grow. More and more people are turning to their local libraries for assistance in finding jobs, accessing public assistance programs and procuring educational reading materials. We need to make sure that New Yorkers who are trying to educate themselves, put together and submit applications, increase their employability and sharpen their job skills have access to the resources they need to do so.

Many of New York's libraries are now over 50 years old, lacking both high speed internet as well as handicap accessible facilities. The conditions of these public resources are unsuitable for New Yorkers trying to cultivate knowledge and vital job skills in these uncertain economic times.

Libraries and other public service facilities should be held to the highest standard. It is clear that our public library system is in great need of additional funds and I will work hard to secure the resources needed to bring our libraries up to speed. Thank you for contacting me regarding this important issue. Please stay in contact with my office regarding any future issue or legislation that my concern you. For more information on this and other important issues being discussed in the United States Senate, please visit my website http://gillibrand.senate.gov and sign up for my e-newsletter.
Sincerely yours,
Kirsten Gillibrand
United States Senator

__________________________________________________________________ Mail submissions to [log in to unmask] For information about joining ARLIS/NA see: http://www.arlisna.org/join.html Send administrative matters (file requests, subscription requests, etc) to [log in to unmask] ARLIS-L Archives and subscription maintenance: http://lsv.uky.edu/archives/arlis-l.html Questions may be addressed to list owner (Judy Dyki) at: [log in to unmask]