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Pittsburgh Protect Your Library

Pennsylvania's 2010-2011 Library Funding
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's Response to Governor Rendell's proposed 2010-2011 budget

On Tuesday, February 9, Governor Edward G. Rendell released his proposed 2010-2011 budget for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Governor's budget calls for another reduction in funding for public libraries and state-wide services, including ACCESS PA databases and interlibrary delivery.

With libraries across the Commonwealth still reeling from budget cuts in 2009-2010, these additional cuts are devastating. With this proposed budget, total library appropriations have gone from $93.3 million in 2008-2009 to $67 million in 2010-11. The Public Library subsidy alone has decreased from $75.1 million in 2008-09 to $58.8 million in 2010-11.

Read more...

Become a Library champion. Your support and action on behalf of the library is crucial. For suggestions on how you can help check out the list below.
Here's what you can do:

WRITE, GIVE, TALK,

  • Call, email AND write to Governor Rendell and your state representatives and state senators. Use this easy form to email them directly or click here for a list of elected officials.
  • Write letters to the editor. Tell people how you use the Library and why it is valuable.
  • Use our talking points and tell your own story about how the Library helps our community.
  • Visit your Library for a Pittsburgh Protect Your Library window cling or re-usable carry bag. Display these proudly and prominently. Tell everyone you can about the importance of the Library.
  • Donate to the Library as you are able. Round up your fines. Drop change in the jars at the checkout. Send a check in support of our annual appeal. Become a Donor Plus member.
  • Give of your time. Volunteer at your neighborhood Library. Encourage others to write letters.

Click here for Suggested Talking Points

 

Write!

Send an Email to Your Elected Officials NOW

Advocate for a permanent funding solution for Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Your voice matters more now than ever. Help us to continue to provide resources for literacy and learning by urging your elected officials to find a long term source of funding.
It's easy. Just choose your neighborhood library below and click "find" to pull up a form for writing your message to the appropriate elected officials.

A few helpful tips:

  • Keep the tone and wording of your letters courteous and respectful
  • Reference specific examples of how you use YOUR Library
  • Be an advocate FOR the Library, not against our local officials or government

Remember that your voices are the ones that matter the most. Keeping our messages consistent and respectful allows us to continue advocating for Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in a productive way that can yield vital support from our elected officials, from the City of Pittsburgh and from the State of Pennsylvania.

Step 1: Select your Neighborhood library

To determine which officials serve your community, please select the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh location that is closest to you or the one you use the most.

Main Library
Knoxville
Lawrenceville
Downtown & Business
Carrick
Hill District
Brookline
Squirrel Hill
Allegheny
Mt. Washington
 Sheraden
Hazelwood
Homewood
East Liberty
West End
Beechview
LBPH
Woods Run
South Side

Send an email or letter to Your Local Media

Tell them how valuable the Library is to you.

 

Talk!

Tell Us Your Story

Your library means a lot to you and your Library story means the world to us! Tell us how you use Carnegige Library of Pittsburgh, share your memories, communicate its importance to you, your family and your community! These stories help us to continue to provide you with the best possible services, programs and resources. They also prove what an important asset the Library is to the people of Pittsburgh. Tell Us Your Story! For inspiration, click here to read other users stories.

Visit one of our upcoming Public Forums

Click back regularly for more information on our upcoming Public Forums.

Attend public forums such as city and county council meetings, public hearings or other gatherings where public comment can be made.

Make a call

Call your state legislators, county and city elected officials about funding for libraries.

City Council: 412.255.2138
County Council: 412.350.6490
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl: 311
Governor Ed Rendell: 717.787.2500

Inform Your Friends

Talk to your friends and neighbors about the Library's funding issues and tell them how they can help.

 

Give!

Individual Giving

Your donation to Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh helps pay for and provide books, computers, denealogy resources, children's story times, research tools and much, much more. No gift is too small! As we continue to work toward finding a long term funding solutions, your gift to Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh helps us to continue to operate and to promote literacy and learning throughout the City of Pittsburgh.

Donor Plus

Get a Donor Plus card and enjoy all of the perks it has to offer!

And remember, Giving is about more than just money. For information on volunteering and more click here.