Page 3 - Libraries Act News Today

CALmatters Commentary: Time to invest in state’s libraries By Greg Lucas and Patty Wong California’s libraries are the hearts of their communities. That’s one reason 23 million Californians have library cards. But many of California’s libraries are 40 years of age or older, and like everything from power grids to two-lane highways, libraries eventually need to be repaired, renovated or replaced. Old wiring. Lousy plumbing. Nonexistent or antiquated fire alarm or sprinkler systems. Restr...

Since 1908, the American Library Association’s (ALA) Midwinter Meeting has taken place 107 times, with only a few pauses. Held virtually, this year’s Midwinter was the last in its current format; next year ALA will launch LibLearnX, a learning, networking, and collaboration experience scheduled for January 21–24, 2022, in San Antonio. Though this year’s event was the final meeting, it was a consequential one with more than 7,100 participants and marquee speakers such as Ruby Bridges, Et...

IMLS, NEA, NEH Score Increases in 2021 Budget Bill By Andrew Albanese | Dec 22, 2020 In a statement, ALA president Julius C. Jefferson said librarians welcomed the increase, and noted that despite Trumps proposals to eliminate the IMLS, Congress has increased the agencys funding by $26 million over the last four years. “There is an increasing awareness among decision-makers that libraries are an indispensable strand in a tattered digital safety net," Jefferson said. "Te...