[NFBWATlk] Save our library! Act now!

[Marci Carpenter]

Save our library! This is not hyperbole. The state House and Senate have adopted their budgets and the WTBBL funding is still much, much less than it needs. Since their budgets have differences they must now negotiate a final budget. Two-thirds of WTBBL’s budget comes from the state. WTBBL usually gets its state funding through real estate document recording fees but this money is going down. Now WTBBL needs money from the general fund which will come through the Washington State Library. The federal grant that provides the other third of WTBBL's funding is on hold so WTBBL doesn’t know if it will receive that money which is due later in April.
 
We must act now to save our library. Once the state House and Senate agree on their final budget we cannot get more state funding for WTBBL. We need everyone to call the Washington Legislative Hotline at 800-562-6000 <tel:800-562-6000> and send a message to your 2 state Representatives and your state Senators to fully fund our library by providing the $6.7 million for the Washington State Library. A revised copy of our fact sheet is included and can be sent to your legislators. Please encourage your families and friends to contact their legislators. 
 
Without an increase in their budget allocation or full funding of their request, WTBBL services will be cut back and most likely result in:
 
 
staff layoffs
potential closure to the public
require appointment only access 
reduction in phone hours 
limited access to readers’ advisors 
limited assistance with technology and download support 
reduction in the production of local braille and audio books
potential slowdown in the speed of circulation of library materials.

Marci Carpenter, President
National Federation of the Blind of Washington
Pronouns: she/her
206-604-5507 <tel:206-604-5507>
mjc59 at comcast.net <mailto:mjc59 at comcast.net>
 
The National Federation of the Blind enhances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. We know that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.
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