Good afternoon,
everyone. As we welcome the official start of summer this weekend, I want
to thank you for your dedication and commitment to the important work that we
do. As we continue to navigate a crisis we never imagined, we've learned
that libraries are needed more than ever. People in our communities have
lost jobs and moved to new ways of learning, and you are there every day,
leaning in and figuring out how we're going to help. As IMLS director
Crosby Kemper recently said, we are vitally important to the democratic fabric,
the public fabric in this country.
As you sent me
positive, optimistic, joyful stories from your libraries this week, I was once
again so grateful to have your partnership on this journey. I speak with
my state librarian colleagues each week, and nowhere do I hear of more
collegial, innovative, and caring library folks than we have in Georgia.
I'm inspired by how strongly you support and encourage each other. We're
not a state in which our Governor determines when libraries will open, so each
of you is dealing with difficult local decision-making, always considering the
best interests of your staff and communities. I'm in awe of all of you!
There is no
playbook that promises everything will be okay in the coming weeks and months,
no matter how much we and our patrons need one. But my promise to you is
that we at GPLS are committed to supporting you in everything you do, and to
fighting for every dollar to help you do your work. Just moments ago, the
Senate passed their version of the FY21 budget. While we've braced for
inevitable reductions, we are encouraged by signs that libraries will continue
to be supported by the general assembly, and our reductions were less than
anticipated.
Next steps:
a conference committee will be appointed to negotiate the differences between
the House and Senate and resolve a final budget. I'll share those names
when appointments are made, and we'll make our final push for library
funding. Not everyone knows how much the public needs us, but it's
essential that we make sure the decision-makers know.
Finally, I know
you are proud of the wonderful staff members who work in your libraries and so
clearly care deeply for their patrons. I hope you will share our
appreciation of the work they do, and perhaps this message, with them.
Our libraries are the nation's best because of our people.
Julie
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