Headlines on the Florida Library website: “You Did It! The people of Florida roared – and the State's leaders listened.”

Right: Friends of the Broward County Library in Tallahassee for Library Days

During the State Legislative Session which is drawing to a close, ALL funding for State Aid to Libraries had been eliminated from the budget. Friends of the Library and citizens from all areas of the State bombarded the legislators and Governor Crist with emails, letters and even demonstrations. At the last hour, the full funding of $21.3 million was restored.

 
A message for legislators

The place (click for larger) The people (click for larger) The highlight (click for larger)

This year, 13 Broward County Friends and library staff spent March 10th and 11th scrambling through the crowded hallways from the Senate to the House, to make and meet appointments. Dividing into four teams, they saw almost 30 senators, representatives or their aides bringing them the message that libraries are vital to their communities at all times but particularly in these difficult times.

Libraries have become the “go to” place, providing everything from after-school tutoring to job applications and food stamp assistance to informative programs on resume writing and even home foreclosure.