Legislative Alerts

July 14, 2021

Now is a critical time for us to come together to secure historical federal funding for libraries. We need your help in making this push!

Congress will soon prepare legislation to make massive investments in our nation's infrastructure and communities, and we must ensure that libraries are included in the package. The Build America's Libraries Act (S. 127 / H.R. 1581) includes $5 billion in funding for library construction and renovation. Even if you contacted Congress in support of this bill a few months ago (thank you!), we still need you to send another message now, as Congress is making final decisions about an infrastructure package.

Over 150 bipartisan Members of Congress are supporting the Build America's Libraries Act to upgrade our library facilities, including Mark Pocan and Tammy Baldwin! However, crucial negotiations are happening right now. We need to speak up to ensure that libraries aren't left out of the final infrastructure package.

Will you urge your legislators to include funding for library infrastructure today? You can take action now through a form letter ALA has put together: Take Action Now! OR you can call your legislators which will have much more of an impact! If you have time for a more personal communication, you’ll find information at the links below to facilitate a phone call.

Contact info for U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin

Contact info for U.S. Senator Ron Johnson

Contact info for U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany

Contact info for U.S. Representative Mike Gallagher

Contact info for U.S. Representative Scott Fitzgerald

Contact info for U.S. Representative Ron Kind

Contact info for U.S. Representative Mark Pocan

Contact info for U.S. Representative Glenn Grothman

Contact info for U.S. Representative Gwen Moore

Contact info for U.S. Representative Bryan Steil

July 5, 2021

Wisconsin Library Association Thanks Wisconsin Legislature for Supporting Public Libraries

The Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) applauds the Wisconsin Legislature’s continued support of state aids to Wisconsin’s 381 public library locations.

During Joint Finance Committee deliberations on May 27, its members approved a significant investment in public library services to support new technology resources and enhanced services in the areas of workforce development and lifelong learning. The additional $2.5 million in 2021-2022 and $4 million in 2022-2023 state aid will enable regional public library systems to enhance the foundational infrastructure delivering additional resources to local libraries and their communities.

“Our members’ testimony at Joint Finance Committee hearings held around the state in April highlighted the tremendous difference that local public libraries make to citizens seeking reliable Internet access, online assistance for job creators and jobseekers, and lifelong learning programs from early childhood literacy to senior memory cafes,” said WLA President Sherry Machones. “We thank all sixteen members of the Joint Finance Committee for their recognition of and commitment to quality public library services and the full legislature for their affirmation.”

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