Legislative Update -- May 23, 2024

May 23, 2024

The Dear Appropriator letters are final and our campaign for library funding was a success. The national results are:

  • In the House of Reps, 104 signed on to LSTA and 61 signed on to IAL

  • In the Senate, 41 signed on to LSTA and 33 signed on to IAL

  • 10,793 advocates sent 19,247 messages to Capitol Hill

In Illinois:

  • Senator Durbin and Senator Duckworth signed on for LSTA and IAL

  • Representatives Budzinski, Casten, Davis, Foster, Garcia, LaHood, Schakowsky, and Schneider signed on for LSTA

  • Representatives Casten, Davis, Foster, Jackson, and Schakowsky signed on for IAL

Thank you for taking action and supporting this effort. The next step is to send a thank-you message to your member of Congress who signed. 

Thank Members Who Support Library Funding
You can see a full list of members who signed on and find additional information about the federal budget at the #FundLibraries homepage.

We don't expect action on the federal budget for months... but that doesn't mean that library advocacy stops! Between efforts to engage the library community to vote, bridge the digital divide, oppose book banning, and more, stay ready to hear much more from us on how you can support libraries nationwide.

ILA Executive Board Report
The ILA Executive Board met on Thursday, May 16, 2024, via Zoom. Below are highlights of the meeting:

  • The Board approved the 2024-2027 ILA Strategic Plan, which will go into effect on July 1, 2024. The new plan will make its debut soon!

  • The updated ILA Employee Handbook was adopted by the Board.

  • Dawn Bussey was confirmed as the ILA Treasurer for FY2024-25.

  • The FY2024-25 Budget was approved by the Board. 

The next Executive Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, via Zoom.

iREAD Summer Reading Programs

Since 1981, iREAD provides high quality, low-cost resources and products that enable local library staff to motivate children, young adults, and adults to read.

Visit the iREAD website »