Bt Debra Lau Whelan -- School Library Journal, 1/25/2008 5:30:00 AM
Valentine’s Day and libraries don’t typically go hand-in-hand. But this year, the American Library Association’s (ALA) youth divisions are urging kids, parents, and library supporters to show librarians some love.
The American Association of School Librarians, the Young Adult Library Services Association, and the Association for Library Service to Children are asking library advocates to "flood federal elected officials' district offices with Valentines that express love for your library and its staff"—and ask for support for important legislation. Specifically, the organizations are asking supporters to urge lawmakers in the House and Senate to cosponsor the Strengthening Kids’ Interest in Learning and Libraries (SKILLs) Act and to support Library Services and Technology Act funding for libraries.
Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Thad Cochran (R-MS) and Representatives Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) and Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) introduced the SKILLs Act, which calls for a certified media specialist in every K-12 school across the country.
Currently, only eight lawmakers have cosponsored the bill. "A major grassroots effort is needed in order for this critical piece of library legislation to get passed," says the ALA. For more information, visit the I Love My Library Campaign.
