Support funding of Florida's Libraries!

Dear Governor Christ, Speaker Cretul, and Senate President Atwater,
We the undersigned, on behalf of the citizens and library patrons of Florida, urge you not to eliminate the critical funding of the Florida's State Aid to Libraries Program.  In these difficult economic times, Floridians are depending on their libraries more than ever before. People on restricted or reduced incomes are turning to libraries to obtain the resources they need to educate themselves and their children. The unemployed rely on the internet services the library provides in order to rejoin the workforce.  In Pinellas County, the following critical services rely on state funding:-Talking Book Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped-Literacy Services for the Deaf through the Deaf Literacy Center-Delivery services that allow the effective sharing of resources-Library automation system support to provide residents with access to materials-Electronic databases that serve all residents-Operating and program materials-Summer programs for children and teensFlorida's libraries are being heavily impacted during this economic downturn. Shrinking local funds combined with higher demand are stretching resources to the limit. The loss of the State Aid to Libraries Program funding would result in the elimination of services which are of vital importance to our residents. Your support will help ensure the continued existence of valuable library programs and services. Please support the funding of the State Aid to Public Libraries grant program at the current funding level of $21.2 million. Thank you in advance for your support of libraries and the services they provide.