The Library Guy

Florida Advocacy Webinar, January 26, 2012

2012-01-10T00:17:00.001-05:00

Source: Florida Library Association (FLA)
A webinar will be held to provide advocates with the most up-to-date information available prior to Library Day for those who will be attending Library Day as well as those who have questions prior to contacting their legislators. Sign up here

Florida Legislature Convenes Tuesday, January 10

2012-01-10T00:09:00.001-05:00

Source: Florida Library Association (FLA)
Since 2012 is a Reapportionment year for the Florida legislature, their 60 day regular session begins Tuesday, January 10th instead of in early March.

Key Legislative Leaders & Committees for Florida Libraries
SenateSenator Mike Haridopolos (r) – President, 2011-12 – Represents parts of Brevard, Indian River, Osceola, and St. Lucie counties / haridopolis.mike.web@flsentate.gov / District (321)752-3131 / Tallahassee (850)487-5056
Senator Don Gaetz (r), President designate – Represents parts of Bay, Escambia, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa Walton counties / gaetz.don.web@flsenate.gov / District (850)897-5747 / Tallahassee (850)487- 5009
Senator JD Alexander (r),Budget Committee Chair – Represents Hardee, Highlands, and parts of DeSoto, Glades, Okeechobee, Polk, and St. Lucie counties – Alexander.jd.web@flsenate.gov / District (863)679-4847 / Tallahassee (850)487-5044

Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee
Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto (r), Chair – Represents parts of Charlotte, Glades, Hendry, Lee, and Palm Beach counties / benacquisto.lizbeth.web@flsenate.gov / District (561)753-2440 / Tallahassee (850)487-5356
Senator Gwen Margolis (d), Vice-Chair – Represents parts of Broward, and Miami-Dade counties / margolis.gwen.web@flsenate.gov / District (305)571-5777 / Tallahassee (850)487-5121

House
Rep. Dean Cannon (r) – Speaker - Represents part of Orange County – Speaker designate 2011-12 – dean.cannon@myfloridahouse.gov / District (407) 623-5740 / Tallahassee (850)488-2742
Rep. Will Weatherford (r) – Speaker Designate - Represents parts of Hillsborough and Pasco counties – Speaker designate 2013-14 -will.weatherford@myfloridahouse.gov / District (813)558-5115 / Tallahassee (850)488-5744
Rep. Denise Grimsley (r) Appropriations Committee Chair – Represents Glades, Hendry and parts of Collier and Highlands counties / denise.grimsley@myfloridahouse.gov / District (863)385-5251 / Tallahassee (850)488-3457

Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Committee
Rep. Mike Horner (r), Chair – Represents parts of Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, and Polk counties / mike.horner@myfloridahouse.gov / District (407)943-3077 / Tallahassee (850)488-8992
Rep. Rachel Burgin (r), Vice-Chair – Represents part of Hillsborough County – rachel.burgin@myfloridahouse.gov / District (813)655-3742 / Tallahassee (850)488-9910

How To Protest Library Cuts

2011-12-16T18:21:00.000-05:00

Posted: 12/15/11 huffingtonpost.comThis is a battle for the survival of libraries not as book storehouses, but as cultural institutions where all are welcome and respected. That is why we stand in the streets and shout.Source

Education, Advocacy and Lobbying – Oh My!: What’s Allowed (and What’s Not) When Reaching out to Elected Officials

2011-11-28T19:34:00.000-05:00

Date: Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST

Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/222077842

Politicians, lobbyists and advocates alike use the terms “education,” “advocacy” and “lobbying” interchangeably. But what do they all mean? When associated with a government agency or a non-profit it can be very confusing to know what’s allowed – and what will land you in hot water. In this session we’ll look at both the letter and the spirit of the law when it comes to lobbying and advocacy, as well as specific criteria you can use to assess your own situation. Since local library supporters, whether staff, friends, trustee or board members, have the most influence in the legislative process, it’s important to know just how far you can go in connecting them with policymakers. Believe it or not, you have more latitude than you think. And, of course, as a private citizen no one can curtail your right to speak up and make a difference.

Grassroots Advocacy: Putting Yourself Out There

2011-11-02T20:28:00.000-04:00

Posted 10/26/2011 American Libraries Magazine
A grassroots push is a terrific advertising tool, and it can be really fun to pull off. It’s a wonderful motivator to get people out and keep them coming back to do more. An event can score press coverage, and it will allow you to frame the debate the way you want it to be seen. Having a rally, a march, or a read-in gets to the heart of activism and advocacy. Mobilizing people toward a common goal is an incredible achievement, in whatever form you accomplish it.
Source

A Purple Pajama Storytime (Oakland, Calif)

2011-06-07T07:01:00.000-04:00

The City Council may close 14 of Oakland’s neighborhood libraries and reduce services at each of the 4 remaining libraries to 3 days a week!

Oakland Library supporters with kids, have we got a treat for you! A Purple Pajama Storytime, plus PIZZA! Tuesday June 7, 5:30pm, at Oakland's City Hall!

City Council presents their budget recommendations on Tuesday, June 7. At the hearing on May 26, several council members stated that they have no other choice for Oakland's budget than Scenario A, which will close 14 branches (including AAMLO and the Tool Lending Library), en...d Second Start Adult Literacy, and leave only four locations which would be open three days a week with 3-5 staff. At Main, the Children's Room, Oakland History Room, and Teen Zone would close. Children's services, including storytime, would not exist at any location.
More Info at their website http://saveoaklandlibrary.org/

Libraries are Part of the Safety Net — No Wonder Governments Hate Them

2011-06-07T06:05:00.000-04:00

Published 6/2/2011
Libraries don’t need to be daycare centers to have community value, to be part of the safety net. Libraries are already, naturally, a part of the safety net, because they empower their community with equitable access to knowledge. And libraries can’t do that without librarians — someone who knows their collection, who knows their patrons, who has the right training and the right salary. Someone who has compassion, and the financial and social resources to act on that compassion without losing their mind.

If a community doesn’t feel ownership of its library, it’s going to go away. And if the people at the city and the county aren’t made to understand a library’s value for the community, they’re not going to fund it.
Source

Why Is One US City Stripping the Word 'Public' from Public Library?

2011-05-10T07:20:00.000-04:00

Published 5/2/2011
In an age of greed and selfishness, the public library stands as an enduring monument to the values of cooperation and sharing. In an age where global corporations stride the earth, the public library remains firmly rooted in the local community.

Since its inception the American public library’s prime directive has been to protect the public’s access to information.

Library usage is increasing by 15-30 percent while at the same time their budgets are being cut by 10-15 percent.
Source

Thank You Sign

2011-05-04T00:18:00.001-04:00

Below is the sample sign that we used on Tuesday morning to thank the Represenatives for all of their hard work on behalf of libraries here in FL. It measures 17" x 20"

Public library funding safe in state budget

2011-05-04T00:06:00.000-04:00

Aired 5/3/2011 NPR
In order to hold on to federal dollars, the libraries needed 21.2-million. Tuesday brought good news when Paul Clark, known around the Capital as "the Library Guy" for his lobbying efforts, learned that not only had lawmakers agreed to the 21.2-million- they added in an extra 100-thousand dollars.

"The money is really important, especially for rural counties, about 33 of the 67 counties here in Florida, that money represents almost 20-percent of their total income, and when you start taking away anything, you're taking away services they provide to the public."
Source

State aid to libraries budgeted at $21.3 million

2011-05-03T19:34:00.002-04:00

Published 5/3/2011 Suwannee Democrat
This morning, the House and Senate budget chairs of Florida agreed to fund state aid to libraries at $21.3 million. This is an increase of $100,000 from last year.
Source

News from the 2011 Legislative Session

2011-05-01T00:19:00.000-04:00

Hines Boyd: Libraries are essential service centers
Published 4/27/2011 Tallahassee Democrat

Florida library funding in crisis
Published 4/27/2011 Suwannee Democrat

Our take on: Libraries at risk & Imperiled court
Published 4/15/2011 Orlando Sentinel

Florida Senate Holds Firm on Zero State Money for Libraries
Published 4/15/2011 Library Journal

Funding cuts for local libraries expected to stun, not kill
Published 4/14/2011 HeraldTribune.com

Lawmakers debate cutting funding to libraries
Published 4/13/2011 Cfnews13.com

Legislature would cut – or eliminate – library funding
Published 4/12/2011 Sun-Sentinel

Legislative Committee Braces For Possible Cuts
Published 4/8/2011 ECB Publishing

State aid to libraries threatened ... again
Published 4/6/2011 Suwannee Democrat

The High Cost of Cutting Costs
Published 4/2011 St. Augustine News and Opinion – The Underground

Library supporters trek to Tallahassee
Published 3/30/2011 HardisonInk.com

Libraries face state aid cuts
Published 3/29/2011 - The Daytona Beach News-Journal

Wakulla County Public Library Funding in Danger of Being Cut
Published 3/26/2011 Wakulla.com

Collier commissioners seek time with governor, Senate president in Tallahassee
Published 3/23/2011 Naplenews.com

State Aid and State Library Cut Deeply in House Committee budget
Published 3/18/2011 Florida Association of Counties

State Aid currently 16.2 Million House/Senate Side

2011-04-29T21:24:00.001-04:00

State Aid Update as of 4/29/2011 4:00 a.m.

2011-04-29T03:58:00.001-04:00

When the House and Senate TED conferees reconvened this evening (Thursday 4/28) the House rejected the Senate offer that included the House accepting a $10 million economic development proposal and went back to their original $17.7 million position for State Aid and $1 million for the MLCs. Both Horner and Gaetz seemed to suggest that our issues will be bumped to the Budget Chairs.
Source: Received via email from Charlie Parker

Libraries traded for Panhandle jobs money

2011-04-28T17:42:00.000-04:00

Published April, 28 2011 Orlando Sentinel
Gaetz, a powerful lawmaker slated to lead the Senate in 2012, proposed a deal Thursday that would preserve $10 million in library funding in exchange for keeping the same amount of money tied to a bill he has pushed, SB 248, designed to help the Panhandle recover from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Source

State Aid to Libraries over the last 5 Years

2011-04-27T22:12:00.003-04:00

State Aid to Libraries in FL has dropped 30% over the last 5 years
2006-07 31.9 Million
2007-08 30.7 Million
2008-09 23.3 Million
2009-10 21.2 Million
2010-11 21.2 Million
2011-12 10.0 Million / 17.7 or 21.2 Million :-)

Articles about Local Library Funding in Florida (Besides State Aid to Libraries)

2011-04-27T21:43:00.009-04:00

Budget cuts put libraries in a bind (Miami-Dade)
Published 4/26/2011 Miami Herald
The number of people visiting Miami-Dade libraries increased from 5.9 million people in 2006-07, when the economy was humming, to 8.3 million in 2009-10.

State cuts may trim Treasure Coast libraries' collections, hours
Published 4/19/2011
Libraries are supported by state funds and county property taxes. Martin County uses state money to buy materials, including periodicals, online databases and DVDs, said Judi Snyder, acting director.

Funding cuts for local libraries expected to stun, not kill
Published 4/14/2011 HeraldTribune.com
The Sarasota and Manatee public library systems are preparing to absorb a loss in state funding, which in both counties is used to purchase multiple editions of new and popular novels, children's books, reference materials and audio or web-based books and databases.

The High Cost of Cutting Costs (St. Johns County)
Published April 2011 St. Augustine News and Opinion – The Underground
The economic downturn has resulted in increased library traffic throughout Florida. The St. Johns county public library system recorded a 7.1 percent increase in membership. This membership includes students whose public education system in struggling to keep afloat.

Library Board OKs $5.9 Million In Cuts (Jacksonville)
Published 3/31/2011 News4Jax.com
The board voted 6-0 on a $25.5 million budget that includes a 30 percent cutback in library hours, a reduction of about 100 employees and spending $879,500 less on materials.

Hines Boyd: Libraries are essential service centers

2011-04-27T17:24:00.002-04:00

Published 4/27/2011 Tallahassee Democrat
About 43 percent of Jefferson County's $294,000 library budget comes from this state and federal aid. Without it, Jefferson, and many counties like it, would be faced with a drastic reduction in library services at a time when those services are most in demand.

State funding for our libraries has dodged a big bullet in each of the last two legislative sessions as broad public support persuaded legislators to swing their budget axes in other directions. Let's hope this is not the year our libraries face a crippling blow to their critically important services.
Source

State Aid to Libraries - Final Week Starts Today

2011-04-26T22:12:00.011-04:00

Below are two of my friends that are at the Capitol today Wed 4/27. Natalie "The Library Gal" Binder and Jonathan McCaughan

Click image to enlarge

This is the final week starting Wednesday April 27th through next Mon/Tues for the Senate and House to make their decisions on State Aid to Libraries here in FL. Everyone can make a difference - contact your Representatives via phone, email or in person. For the rural counties here in FL the State Aid they receive is necessary for them to provide just your basic services to the public. The session ends May 6th but there is a 72 hour cooling off period for the budget.

Take Care
Paul

Public libraries feel strain of budget cuts

2011-04-25T17:15:00.000-04:00

Published Apr. 24, 2011 Bradenton Times
They’re the lone source of free computer and Internet access in most communities, allowing the unemployed to search for jobs, learn computer skills and spruce up their resumes. Millions use them to stay in touch with relatives, apply for government services or to seek health information.

Public libraries in their current form didn’t catch on in the U.S. until the 1800s, when free education for children became the norm and rapid immigration drove explosive population growth. Pittsburgh steel magnate Andrew Carnegie bankrolled construction of roughly 1,700 public libraries in the U.S. between 1881 and 1919.
Source

3 in 10 in South Florida don’t have Internet

2011-04-25T17:08:00.002-04:00

Published 4/23/2011 Miami Herald
Importance of having Internet Access:
• Distressed Florida homeowners looking for help with their mortgages can apply for the state’s new Hardest Hit Fund only via the Internet.
• Unemployment applications are handled primarily online, though a phone option does exist during specific hours Monday through Thursday.
• Social Security’s yearly estimates for those who have yet to retire will be available only online, a move designed to save $70 million.
• Applications for food assistance, temporary cash assistance, Medicaid and refugee assistance are handled online. Applicants without access can get a printed application — but they must first travel to one of the Department of Children & Families ACCESS Florida community partner offices or customer service centers.
• Appointments for immigration services must be made online.
Source

Library Appreciation Month (April)

2011-04-21T21:11:00.001-04:00

Click Image to Enlarge

Link to Proclamation from FLA's Website

State budget talks stalled until after Easter

2011-04-15T07:58:00.003-04:00

Posted Apr 13, 2011 St. Petersburg Times
Sen. J.D. Alexander, a Lake Wales Republican who chairs the Senate Budget Committee, announced that negotiations would be delayed until the week of April 25, following the Passover and Easter holidays. That would leave two weeks to settle all budget differences before the session's scheduled adjournment May 6.
Source

National Library Week Display at the Capitol

2011-04-14T12:05:00.003-04:00

Library Guy Called into Service

2011-04-13T23:31:00.004-04:00

Published 4/13/2011 FACC
The Orlando Sentinel reported Wednesday that libraries say the cuts could reduce library hours or possibly even force some branches to close. "And the sad part of that is the loss of access for people who depend on libraries for Internet access to government services, or to apply for jobs, and all those services that people depend on now that the economy is down,” Faye Roberts, director of the Florida Library Association told the Sentinel. The cut could also mean a loss of federal matching money for technology. Also Wednesday, perhaps not coincidentally, the Sentinel reported that the “library guy,” Paul Clark, is back at the Capitol with his sign urging lawmakers not to cut the library budget.
Source

Library Guy: Location, location, location!

2011-04-13T21:00:00.001-04:00

Published April 13th, 2011 Palm Beach Post
Clark was back in town on Wednesday, accompanied by his sons Jacob, 11, and Joseph, 10, who handed out bookmarks to lobbyists and lawmakers trekking along the bridge connecting the Capitol with the Knott Building, prime real estate according to the Clay County systems librarian.
Source

'Library guy' lobbies lawmakers for dollars

2011-04-13T19:54:00.007-04:00

Published April 13, 2011 Sun-Sentinel
Paul Clark, dubbed “The Library Guy” by lawmakers last year, is back in Tallahassee this week lobbying lawmakers to approve state funding for public libraries.
Source

‘Library Guy’ books Capitol time

2011-04-13T12:11:00.005-04:00

Published 4/13/2011 Orlando Sentinel
Last year, Clark spent two weeks in Tallahassee standing outside the legislative chambers and committee meetings with a laminated sign that said “Save Our Libraries.” At the time, lawmakers were threatening to drastically cut library funding to zero.

This year, a Senate proposal makes an identical threat. The Senate budget includes no fundings for public libraries, which rely on a mix of state and local funds to keep their doors open. A House proposal allocates $17.7 million to libraries.
Source

Legislature would cut – or eliminate – library funding

2011-04-13T02:06:00.000-04:00

State funding for the 67-county public library system has gradually fallen over the years. In the 2000-2001 budget, the state gave $33.4 million. Last year, the Legislature also threatened to eliminate money for libraries but came up with funding in the final budget negotiations between the House and Senate.

Legislative leaders expect to begin the process of aligning the House and Senate budgets this week, which will include the library funding issue.
Published April 12, 2011 Sun-Sentinel
Source

The State of America’s Libraries, 2011

2011-04-11T17:42:00.000-04:00

See link below
Link (PDF)

Press Coverage for Librarian of the Year in FL

2011-04-11T13:37:00.007-04:00

Click image to enlarge

Librarian of the Year
Neighbor to Neighbor May 2011 pg. 7
Website

Clay's 'library guy' named tops in Florida
The Florida Times-Union 4/21/2011

"Library Guy" Paul Clark Named Librarian of Year
Monticello News 4/15/2011

Library Guy wins third award for advocacy efforts
Clay Today 4/12/2011

FLA Award Winners Announced
NEFLIN Blog 4/11/2011

"The Library Guy" from Clay County named Florida's top librarian
The Florida Times-Union 4/11/2011

Libraries, Librarians and Library Supporters Honored
CapitalSoup.com 4/11/2011

Celebrate National Library Week, April 10-16, 2011

2011-04-11T07:03:00.001-04:00

Click image to enlarge

http://www.ala.org/ala/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/natlibraryweek/index.cfm

Public Libraries and Employment

2011-03-31T00:09:00.001-04:00

Click Image to Enlarge

Source:
Information from the Center for Library & Information Innovation (CLII) in the College of Information Studies at the University of Maryland

One Page PDF of Image

New resources available for library funding battles from ALA's Website

Library Day at the Legislature 2011 - Pictures

2011-03-29T19:42:00.011-04:00

Pictures from today

News Coverage
Florida Channel's - Capitol Update
Coverage begins at 24:45-25:55 into Video
Aired 4/1/2011

Library supporters trek to Tallahassee
Published 3/30/2011 HardisonInk.com

Libraries Fight to Save Funding
Aired 3/29/2011 WCTV

Thanks Scott, his family members and friends for being at the Capitol yesterday

2011-03-24T23:48:00.006-04:00

Scott Joyner, his niece and nephew and his friends were at the Capitol yesterday.

Florida Libraries Annual Statistical Report for Fiscal Year 2010

2011-03-24T20:33:00.022-04:00

Thank you Amy and Marian at the State Library for these latest figures

Florida Libraries Annual Statistical Report for FY 2010
Location	State Revenue	Total Revenue	Percent State
Alachua County Library District	$337,651	$16,739,680	2.02%
Altamonte Springs City Library	$8,926	$352,900	2.53%
Apalachicola Municipal Library	$0	$38,450	0.00%
Boca Raton Public Library	$0	$4,236,055	0.00%
Boynton Beach City Library	$53,993	$2,646,985	2.04%
Brevard County Public Libraries	$457,402	$15,549,410	2.94%
Brockway Memorial Library	$0	$413,872	0.00%
Broward County Libraries Division	$1,846,602	$62,555,557	2.95%
Charlotte County Public Library	$95,101	$3,207,909	2.96%
Citrus County Library System	$83,763	$3,337,098	2.51%
Clay County Public Library	$819,619	$3,444,514	23.79%
Collier County Public Library	$202,171	$8,622,054	2.34%
Columbia County Public Library	$502,468	$1,375,319	36.53%
Delray Beach Public Library	$45,742	$2,065,017	2.22%
Eustis Memorial Library	$0	$809,457	0.00%
Flagler County Public Library System	$26,379	$1,087,703	2.43%
Fort Myers Beach Library	$16,195	$1,180,065	1.37%
Gadsden County Public Library	$364,819	$885,173	41.21%
Heartland Library Cooperative
DeSoto County Library	$71,470	$358,222	19.95%
Glades County Public Library	$20,013	$91,308	21.92%
Hardee County Public Library	$52,318	$203,523	25.71%
Heartland Cooperative Office	$450,000	$620,308	72.54%
Highlands County Library System	$252,380	$983,001	25.67%
Okeechobee County Library	$139,968	$505,299	27.70%
Helen B. Hoffman Plantation Library	$0	$807,000	0.00%
Hendry County Library System	$138,584	$457,573	30.29%
Hernando County Public Library System	$628,118	$2,792,028	22.50%
Hialeah Public Libraries	$44,136	$2,105,796	2.10%
Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative	$910,388	$42,003,309	2.17%
Bruton Memorial Library	$0	$928,903	0.00%
Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library	$0	$40,324,998	0.00%
Temple Terrace Public Library	$0	$749,408	0.00%
Indian River County Library System	$100,167	$4,576,050	2.19%
Indian Rocks Beach Library	$1,492	$78,847	1.89%
Jacksonville Public Library	$819,841	$42,574,150	1.93%
Lake County Library System
Fruitland Park Public Library	$0	$246,882	0.00%
Helen Lehmann Memorial Library	$0	$122,501	0.00%
Lady Lake Public Library	$0	$397,675	0.00%
Lake County Library Services	$201,958	$3,732,149	5.41%
Leesburg Public Library	$0	$1,440,958	0.00%
Marianne Beck Memorial Library	$0	$63,899	0.00%
Minneola Schoolhouse Library	$0	$92,380	0.00%
Tavares Public Library	$0	$501,040	0.00%
Umatilla Public Library	$0	$260,641	0.00%
W.T. Bland Public Library	$0	$651,523	0.00%
Lake Park Public Library	$11,897	$322,692	3.69%
Lake Worth Public Library	$16,803	$544,559	3.09%
Lantana Public Library	$4,125	$180,211	2.29%
Lee County Library System	$631,092	$17,380,894	3.63%
Leon County Public Library System	$135,250	$6,766,268	2.00%
Levy County Public Library System	$71,813	$316,233	22.71%
Lighthouse Point Library	$9,775	$376,588	2.60%
Lynn Haven Public Library	$1,236	$246,556	0.50%
Maitland Public Library	$16,254	$698,300	2.33%
Manatee County Public Library System	$159,159	$6,802,631	2.34%
Marion County Public Library System	$147,941	$7,573,630	1.95%
Martin County Library System	$95,924	$3,882,920	2.47%
Miami-Dade Public Library System	$1,673,627	$76,149,115	2.20%
Monroe County Public Library System	$61,217	$2,498,356	2.45%
Nassau County Public Library System	$229,410	$1,358,876	16.88%
New Port Richey Public Library	$21,601	$757,204	2.85%
New River Public Library Cooperative
Bradford County Public Library	$264,215	$741,266	35.64%
Emily Taber Public Library	$45,098	$202,259	22.30%
New River Public Library Cooperative Office	$313,335	$348,591	89.89%
Union County Public Library	$60,699	$189,270	32.07%
North Miami Beach Public Library	$24,090	$716,845	3.36%
North Miami Public Library	$27,895	$1,070,636	2.61%
North Palm Beach Library	$16,957	$686,313	2.47%
Northwest Regional Library System
Bay County Public Library	$405,494	$2,256,907	17.97%
Gulf County Library	$41,648	$176,398	23.61%
Liberty County Library	$47,099	$118,846	39.63%
Oakland Park Library	$15,063	$568,071	2.65%
Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative
Destin Library	$0	$416,655	0.00%
Fort Walton Beach Library	$0	$680,971	0.00%
Mary Esther Public Library	$0	$256,193	0.00%
Niceville Public Library	$0	$786,371	0.00%
Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative Office	$83,387	$590,343	14.13%
Robert L.F. Sikes Library	$0	$553,106	0.00%
Valparaiso Community Library	$0	$238,699	0.00%
Orange County Library System	$813,962	$36,287,033	2.24%
Osceola County Library System	$194,011	$5,938,315	3.27%
Palm Beach County Library System	$889,077	$38,855,400	2.29%
Palm Springs Public Library	$15,790	$651,322	2.42%
Panhandle Public Library Cooperative System
Calhoun County Public Library	$130,910	$357,450	36.62%
Holmes County Public Library	$32,264	$146,696	21.99%
Jackson County Public Library	$260,591	$649,142	40.14%
Panhandle Cooperative Office	$387,425	$497,797	77.83%
Washington County Public Library	$71,844	$306,088	23.47%
Parkland Library	$0	$422,788	0.00%
Pasco County Library Cooperative
Pasco County Library System	$176,212	$6,752,902	2.61%
Zephyrhills Public Library	$0	$304,710	0.00%
Pinellas Public Library Cooperative
Clearwater Public Library System	$0	$5,750,815	0.00%
Dunedin Public Library	$0	$2,186,680	0.00%
East Lake Community Library	$0	$457,705	0.00%
Gulf Beaches Public Library	$0	$646,199	0.00%
Gulfport Public Library	$0	$763,902	0.00%
Largo Public Library	$0	$3,630,513	0.00%
Oldsmar Public Library	$0	$775,409	0.00%
Palm Harbor Library	$0	$1,145,166	0.00%
Pinellas Park Public Library	$0	$2,077,308	0.00%
Pinellas Public Library Cooperative Administration	$699,992	$1,404,630	49.83%
Safety Harbor Public Library	$0	$1,342,713	0.00%
Seminole Community Library	$0	$938,186	0.00%
St. Pete Beach Library	$0	$586,760	0.00%
St. Petersburg Public Library	$0	$6,344,168	0.00%
Tarpon Springs Library	$0	$1,199,153	0.00%
Polk County Library Cooperative
Auburndale Public Library	$0	$643,020	0.00%
Bartow Public Library	$0	$813,818	0.00%
Dundee Public Library	$0	$186,871	0.00%
Eagle Lake Public Library	$0	$49,379	0.00%
Ft. Meade Public Library	$0	$204,831	0.00%
Haines City Public Library	$0	$473,848	0.00%
Lake Alfred Public Library	$0	$93,348	0.00%
Lake Wales Public Library	$0	$772,234	0.00%
Lakeland Public Library	$0	$3,611,902	0.00%
Latt Maxcy Memorial Library	$0	$177,478	0.00%
Mulberry Public Library	$0	$127,725	0.00%
Polk City Community Library	$0	$91,733	0.00%
Polk County Historical/Genealogical Library	$0	$199,311	0.00%
Polk County Law Library	$0	$263,438	0.00%
Polk County Library Cooperative Office	$308,186	$2,051,930	15.02%
Winter Haven Public Library	$0	$1,678,555	0.00%
Putnam County Library System	$206,704	$934,825	22.11%
Richard C. Sullivan Public Library	$12,126	$595,220	2.04%
Riviera Beach Public Library	$11,632	$542,592	2.14%
Sanibel Public Library	$0	$1,767,248	0.00%
Santa Rosa County Library System	$328,576	$1,763,099	18.64%
Sarasota County Library System	$259,384	$10,247,050	2.53%
Seminole County Public Library System	$152,399	$6,014,796	2.53%
St. Johns County Public Library System	$118,469	$4,896,676	2.42%
St. Lucie County Library System	$117,509	$3,926,526	2.99%
Sumter County Public Library System	$450,249	$1,899,510	23.70%
Suwannee River Regional Library	$1,176,158	$2,787,635	42.19%
Taylor County Public Library	$82,949	$268,642	30.88%
Three Rivers Regional Library System
Dixie County Public Library	$46,534	$212,720	21.88%
Gilchrist County Public Library	$38,762	$158,532	24.45%
Lafayette County Public Library	$10,821	$165,258	6.55%
Three Rivers Regional Library Office	$278,432	$278,560	99.95%
Volusia County Public Library	$340,676	$19,338,661	1.76%
Walton County Public Library System	$21,719	$709,183	3.06%
West Florida Public Library	$110,137	$4,914,337	2.24%
West Palm Beach Public Library	$85,396	$4,865,448	1.76%
Wilderness Coast Public Libraries
Franklin County Public Library	$65,472	$266,742	24.55%
Jefferson County Public Library	$107,307	$272,422	39.39%
Wakulla County Public Library	$94,038	$380,791	24.70%
Wilderness Coast Cooperative Office	$314,365	$365,090	86.11%
Winter Park Public Library	$65,340	$2,926,070	2.23%
Grand Total	$21,799,186

Florida Senate Committee Eliminates State Aid to Public Libraries Funding

2011-03-22T21:05:00.002-04:00

Update 3/22/2011
House TED committee has $17,753,978 in their budget for State Aid to Libraries, and $1 million for Library Cooperatives. Senate has $0.00 for both.
CapWiz

Florida Library Association (FLA) - Library Day - March 29th 2011

2011-03-17T23:43:00.001-04:00

Come join me along with many other librarians and library supporters as we talk to our Representatives at the Capitol on the 29th of this Month.

Library Day Documents (From FLA Website)

More Information (FLA)

State Aid and State Library Cut Deeply in House TED budget – Contacts Needed Now!

2011-03-15T21:40:00.025-04:00

Just received 3/15/2011 from Charlie Parker
This morning the House Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee adopted a preliminary position that does the following:

-Reduces State Aid to Public Libraries from the current federal maintenance of effort level of $21,248,667 to $8,318,188 or a 60% reduction

-Consolidates the State Library and Archives, eliminating 7 positions and $437,875

-Takes away $532,289 for Library Resources in state General Revenue and replaces it with LSTA, thus reducing the LSTA funds available for other needs.

-Does not fund the library cooperative program which is at $1.2 million this year

Also remember this is early in the process. The House and Senate committees have not yet reported out their budgets and they have gone to the House and Senate floor. The session is scheduled to end May 6. But we have to act now – many of these legislators are new and need to see how strongly Floridians feel about their libraries.

Please contact your legislators and let them know about this problem along with the House leadership and TED committee members listed below. It is critical for them to hear from the library community now.

As Charlie Parker says "I know this is rough news, but please be very nice to these folks."

House
Rep. Dean Cannon (r) – Speaker - Represents part of Orange County – Speaker designate 2011-12
dean.cannon@myfloridahouse.gov
District (407) 623-5740 / Tallahassee (850) 488-2742

Rep. Will Weatherford (r) – Speaker Designate - Represents parts of Hillsborough & Pasco counties – Speaker designate 2013-14
will.weatherford@myfloridahouse.gov
District (813) 558-5115 / Tallahassee (850) 488-5744

Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Committee

In the House library budget issues will originate in this committee

Rep. Mike Horner (r), Chair – Represents parts of Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, & Polk counties
mike.horner@myfloridahouse.gov
District (407) 943-3077 / Tallahassee (850) 488-8992

Rep. Ritch Workman (r), Vice-Chairman – Represents part of Brevard County
ritch.workman@myfloridahouse.gov
District (321) 757-7019 / Tallahassee (850) 488-9720

Rep. Lori Berman (d) – Represents part of Palm Beach County
lori.berman@myfloridahouse.gov
District (561) 266-6645 / Tallahassee (850) 488-1662

Rep. Mack Bernard (d) – Represents parts of Palm Beach County – mack.bernard@myfloridahouse.gov
District (561) 650-6880 / Tallahassee (850) 488-8632

Rep. Jeffry Brandes (r) – Represents part of Pinellas County
jeff.brandes@myfloridahouse.gov
District (727) 552-2573 / Tallahassee (850) 488-5719

Rep. Douglas Broxson (r) – Represents parts of Escambia, Okaloosa, & Santa Rosa counties
doug.broxson@myfloridahouse.gov
District (850) 916-5436 / Tallahassee (850) 488-8188

Rep. Rachel Burgin (r) – Represents part of Hillsborough County
rachel.burgin@myfloridahouse.gov
District (813) 655-3742 / Tallahassee (850) 488-9910

Rep. Matt Caldwell (r) – Represents part of Lee County
matt.caldwell@myfloridahouse.gov
District (239) 533-2411 / Tallahassee (850) 488-1541

Rep. Brad Drake (r) – Represents Holmes, Washington and parts of Jackson, Okaloosa, & Walton counties
brad.drake@myfloridahouse.gov
District (850) 892-8431 / Tallahassee (850) 488-4726

Rep. Evan Jenne (d) – Represents part of Broward County
jenne@myfloridahouse.gov

District (954) 321-2760 / Tallahassee (850) 488-0245

Rep. Debbie Mayfield (r) – Represents parts of Brevard, Indian River, & St. Lucie counties
debbie.mayfield@myfloridahouse.gov
District (772) 778-5077 / Tallahassee (850) 488-0952

Rep. Peter Nehr (r) – Represents parts of Pasco & Pinellas counties peter.nehr@myfloridahouse.gov
District (727) 943-4880 / Tallahassee (850) 488-5580

Rep. Lake Ray (r) – Represents parts of Duval County
lake.ray@myfloridahouse.gov
District (904) 723-5300 / Tallahassee (850) 488-4388

Rep. Hazelle Rogers (d) – Represents part of Broward
hazelle.rogers@myfloridahouse.gov
District (954) 497-3367 / Tallahassee (850)488-8234

Rep. Richard Steinberg (d) - Represents part of Miami Dade County richard.steinberg@myfloridahouse.gov
District (305) 535-5445 / Tallahassee (850) 488-0690

Florida’s Multitype Library Cooperatives (MLCs)

2011-03-15T21:00:00.005-04:00

Information about Florida's 5 remaining Multitype Library Cooperatives (MLCs)
Click Image to enlarge

MLCs Informational Document (PDF)

Thank You sign available for download

2011-02-27T21:41:00.010-05:00

Click Image to Enlarge

I would print this off with minimum dimensions of 18" x 20". It is also available to be picked up in Tallahassee if you contact Charlie Parker cparker@tblc.org for arrangements.

This is the sign that I used this Thursday at the Capitol and would use at this moment in time until we find out what the Legislators decide to fund the libraries.
Sign (DOCX) Word 2007 Format

Return on Investment (ROI) sign available for download

2011-02-27T21:15:00.008-05:00

Click Image to Enlarge

This is one of my recent signs that I am making available for others to use. It is based on the ROI Brochure that can be found http://dlis.dos.state.fl.us/bld/roi/ I printed this one off at the FedEx Office Print & Ship Center on Thomasville Rd in Tallahassee since they are open 24 Hours. The dimensions are 18" x 24" and costs around $30 to print in color. I would recommend having some of the brochures with you if you decide to use this sign.
Sign (PDF)

The message was on the sign, six lessons learned by “The Library Guy”

2011-02-21T21:06:00.002-05:00

Presentation given to the "Management of Information Organizations" class at Florida State University on 2/21/2011
Presentation Slides (PDF)

Be the "Library Guy or Gal" For a Day

2011-02-19T08:18:00.000-05:00

The Florida Library Association is looking for folks willing to help us maintain a positive presence in Tallahassee while the legislature is at work. The shaded areas of this calendar identify key times for the “Library Guy or Gal” to be in the Capitol.

To coordinate your effort with FLA please e-mail Charlie Parker, FLA Legislative Committee Chair, at cparker@tblc.org and let him know when you are planning on being there. He can provide information about issues and where to be. Of course folks are also invited to tell the library story in the Capitol whenever you can. And groups are great – the more the better!
More Info

Rick Scott's budget leaves library funding untouched

2011-02-15T18:25:00.000-05:00

Published February 14, 2011 Times Union
One reason Scott may have held library funding steady is because a decrease would have affected $9 million in federal matching dollars.
Source

Push is on to save Volusia County library funding

2011-02-09T18:29:00.000-05:00

Published Feb 8, 2011 The West Volusia Beacon
Volusia County Library Advisory Board Chairwoman Sue Lombardi doesn’t have any trouble Saxon mess in Deltona: roadway of the future?
speaking her mind on the topic.

Her message to the county and the Florida Legislature: “Keep the libraries open.”
Source

Are You a Librarian Superhero

2011-02-02T23:26:00.005-05:00

Four librarians will be selected from your submissions and turned into cartoon superheros! Winners will be featured on a metal lunch box and unveiled at the American Libraries Conference in New Orleans!
1. To nominate someone you need to log into Facebook
2. Click Like at their website
3. Enter the Nominee’s name; where they work; and what makes them exceptional.
Include how this person makes a difference for the community and
patrons, and how the library is improved because of their process or
presence
Note: If they win you will need to provide contact information for the winner and a photo of the Nominee
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Are-You-a-Librarian-Superhero/177946468912677

First Coast libraries see rise in demand amid budget cuts

2011-02-01T19:25:00.000-05:00

Posted January 24, 2011 Florida Times Union
Source

Florida Library Snapshot Day - Today 1/25/2011

2011-01-25T07:50:00.000-05:00

A day in the Life of Florida Libraries
More Information at the website link below
http://www.flalib.org/snapshot_day

Libraries make plea to preserve crucial state funding

2011-01-20T00:12:00.000-05:00

...at least for the 2011-12 fiscal year. Gov. Rick Scott's transition team has recommended maintaining state library funding at the current level, $21.3 million.
Published 1/19/2011 The Gainesville Sun
Source

Articles about the Importance of Libraries

2011-01-15T21:37:00.002-05:00

Why Libraries are Important
Published July 3rd, 2010

Libraries never check out: More important to Florida, not less, in this digital age
Published March 23, 2010

Are libraries still relevant?

Campaign for Wisconsin Libraries Relevant for libraries everywhere
Updated 5/2/2006
Here are some of their points
# Libraries are essential institutions in a democratic society because they play a non-partisan role in providing the information that allows citizens to make informed decisions."

# Libraries are essential partners in creating educated communities because they provide opportunities for self-education, life-long learning, and self-improvement.

# Libraries are essential places of opportunity because they level the playing field making the world of information available to anyone seeking it.

More Articles to come

Return on Investment in Florida Public Libraries

2011-01-05T08:10:00.000-05:00

For every tax dollar received, Florida public libraries provide $8.32 in value
Read More Here

State Aid to Libraries in Florida

2010-12-30T22:19:00.001-05:00

Click Image to Enlarge

For almost 1/2 of the Counties in FL State Aid is 20% or more of the libraries total operating budget. (Data is from Fiscal Year 2009) Counties where it's 20% or more are highlighted in red.

1. Baker County 28.01%
2. Bradford County 42.97%
3. Calhoun County 45.15%
4. Columbia County 43.02%
5. Desota County 28.77%
6. Dixie County 30.88%
7. Franklin County 29.17%
8. Gadsden County 30.55%
9. Gilchrist County 30.76%
10. Glades County 24.14%
11. Gulf County 30.93%
12. Hamilton County (at least 25%)
13. Hardee County 36.13%
14. Hendry County 41.46%
15. Hernando County 23.52%
16. Highlands County 24.14%
17. Holmes County 28.43%
18. Jackson County 26.84%
19. Jefferson County 46.88%
20. Lafayette County 72.86%
21. Levy County 26.07%
22. Liberty County 48.45%
23. Madison County (at least 25%)
24. Nassau County 28.63%
25. Okeechobee County 31.29%
26. Putnam County 28.11%
27. Santa Rosa County 36.64%
28. Sumter County 22.31%
29. Suwannee County (at least 25%)
30. Taylor County 31.64%
31. Union County 42.03%
32. Wakulla County 33.26%
33. Washington County 28.97%

State Aid Breakdown for 2009-2010

2010-12-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

Click on the link below for some background information on State Aid and how much money was distributed to libraries throughout the state for Fiscal Year Oct 2009 - Sept 2010.
State Aid (PDF)

Advocacy That Made a Difference (Round Table Discussion)

2010-12-28T00:42:00.002-05:00

Presented at the NEFLIN Annual Conference 9/17/2010
This was a round table discussion in which I talked about some of the lessons I learned from advocating at the Capitol over the past 2 legislative sessions. I encouraged participants to bring their own stories and ideas of how we can work together as a team for advocating for libraries.

Handout - The Message is on the Sign. Lessons Learned by "The Library Guy" (PDF)

Press Coverage from NYT Award

2010-12-08T22:23:00.054-05:00

Click Image to Enlarge

"Library Guy" Garners National Recognition
Posted 2/4/2010 Jefferson Journal

Good News: Librarian lobbies for state aid for libraries
Posted 1/8/2011 Florida Times Union

I love My Librarian Award Winners Recognized in New York
Jan/Feb 2011 American Libraries Magazine

College News (PDF)
Spring 2011 FSU - College of Communication & Information Newsletter

FSU alumni awarded $5,000 for achievements as librarians
Posted 1/6/2011 FSView & Florida Flambeau

Tampa Bay area's good news came in big and small moments 2010
Posted 12/30/2010 St. Petersburg Times

Thanks to 'The Library Guy'
Posted 12/28/2010 The Ledger

Capitol Update Extended: National Recognition of “Library Guy”
Aired 12/23/2010 TV/WEB 1 Schedule WFSU-TV

‘Library Guy’ honored for his efforts
Posted 12/21/2010 Ocala Star-Banner

Tuesday's Daily Pulse
Published 12/21/2010 - Florida Trend

‘Library Guy' is recognized for his help restoring funding
Posted 12/20/2010 The Gainesville Sun

2 SLIS alumni win 2010 Carnegie/NY Times “I Love My Librarian Award”
Posted 12/16/2010 FSU CCI Alumni News

Paul Clark is 1 of 10 national award winners
Posted 12/15/2010 NEFLIN Blog

'Library Guy' receives national award
Posted 12/14/2010 St. Petersburg Times

Best Library Guy
Source
Aired 12/13/2010 ActionNewsJax (TV)
Note: I am one of 10 Librarians in the country that have won this award.

Persistent librarian wins award
Posted 12/13/2010 St. Petersburg Times

Ten Librarians Win 2010 I Love Librarians Award
Posted 12/10/2010 Library Journal

Paul Flemming: Let's talk restrooms, immigrants and libraries
Posted 12/10/2010 Tallahassee Democrat

Lobbying 'Library Guy' named winner
Posted 12/8/2010 Palm Beach Post

Fleming Island librarian receives national honor
Posted 12/8/2010 Florida Times Union

State Capitol Briefs - 'Library Guy' Wins National Award
Posted 12/8/2010 Florida Association of Community Colleges

Florida “Library Guy” Wins National Award – American Library Association
Posted 12/8/2010 CapitalSoup.com

Spotlight on I Love My Librarian Award Winners: “Library Guy” Paul Clark
Posted on 12/8/2010 Visibility @ your library

'Library Guy' Paul Clark humbled by national award
Posted 12/8/2010 Clay Today

Florida's Paul "The Library Guy" Clark wins national "I Love My Librarian" award
Posted 12/8/2010 SLA - Florida and Caribbean Chapter

Capitol “Library Guy” wins national “I Love My Librarian” award
Posted 12/7/2010 Palm Beach Post - Post on Politics

Florida "Library Guy" Wins National Award - American Library Association
Posted 12/7/2010 Florida Dept. of State - Press Release

Carnegie Corporation of New York/New York Times I Love My Librarian Award Winners Announced
Posted 12/7/2010 Carnegie Corporation of New York - Press Release

Introducing the 2010 I Love My Librarian Winners
American Library Association | @ Your Library Campaign

Press Coverage - Other

2010-12-07T22:05:00.002-05:00

Blatant Berry: Going to the Voters
Posted 9/1/2010 Library Journal

Alumni Notes
Posted 7/22/2010 Palm Beach Atlantic University Summer 2010 Current Newsletter

Press Coverage from Advocate of the Year Award

2010-12-07T09:00:00.011-05:00

Click Image to Enlarge

'The Library Guy' receives FAC honors
Posted 7/28/2010 Clay Today

Library Guy honored by FAC
Posted 7/28/2010 FLA Blog

News Clips
Posted 7/28/2010 Florida Association of Counties

Clay library staffer gets Florida county group's top lobbying award
Posted 7/27/2010 Florida Times Union

Press Coverage from March-May 2010

2010-12-06T17:14:00.022-05:00

Thomas L. Reitz: The good fight for libraries
Posted 5/24/2010 The Gainesville Sun

Editorial: The library guy
Posted 5/15/2010 The Gainesville Sun

The Library Guy
Posted 5/10/2010 Ocala Star-Banner

Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners Resolution honoring "The Library Guy" (PDF)
Posted 5/3/2010

Library guy" alumnus works to make a difference
Posted 5/3/2010 FSU Alumnus News

Libraries open our worlds
Posted 5/2/2010 Miami Herald

Many more loyal to GOP than to governor
Posted 5/2/2010 Sarasota Herald Tribune

Legislators Wait as Crist Weighs Budget
Posted 5/2/2010 The Ledger

Florida Library Funding: The Library Guy
Posted 5/1/2010 The Ledger.com

A mystery secretary of state, a library "lobbyist" and a guacamole crisis
Posted 4/30/2010 news-press.com

State Library Funding Restored - Lobbying Efforts Pay off
Posted 4/30/2010 Bradenton Times

'Library Guy' Gives Thanks for Job -- and $21 Million
Posted 4/28/2010 Palm Beach Post

`Library Guy' lobbies Capitol for public library funding
Posted 4/28/2010 Miami Herald

The face of library advocacy: Paul Clark, Library Guy
Posted 4/28/2010 FLA Blog

Library Guy shows how one man can make a difference in Tallahassee
Posted 4/28/2010 St. Petersburg Times

After Months of Lobbying, Florida Legislators Restore Library Aid
Posted 4/28/2010 Library Journal

Budget Compromise
Posted 4/28/2010 WFSU (NPR)

Budget includes $21.2 million for libraries, thanks to 'Library Guy'
Posted 4/27/2010 Palm Beach Post

In Midnight Deal, Florida Legislature Reprieves Public Library Funding
Posted 4/27/2010 American Libraries Magazine

Congratulations – You Did It Again!!!
Posted 4/27/2010 The Voice

Florida budget compromise hits lawmakers desks
Posted 4/27/2010 Businessweek

'The library guy' takes a Capitol victory lap
Posted 4/27/2010 St. Petersburg Times

House, Senate settle on $11.7 million for libraries; budget talks to go through weekend
Posted 4/23/2010 Palm Beach Post

Open Minds, Closed Libraries
Posted 4/2010 Book of Odds

Library funding slashed
Posted 3/22/2010 WTSP.com

Lawmakers piece together state budget
Posted 3/20/2010 St. Petersburg Times

Tampa Bay Library Consortiums' 2010 Library Champion Award

2010-10-23T18:03:00.001-04:00

Click Image to Enlarge

Wakulla County Resolution Honoring Paul Clark

2010-05-03T17:51:00.004-04:00

May 3, 2010

Click Image to Enlarge

http://www.mywakulla.com/docs/agendas/May172010/Tab9Attachment1.pdf (PDF)

Florida Dept. of State - Secretary of State - Letter of Appreciation

2010-04-30T18:06:00.000-04:00

4/30/2010

Click Image to Enlarge

Jefferson County Public Library - Certificate of Appreciation

2010-04-30T17:57:00.004-04:00

Received April 2010

Click Image to Enlarge

"Library Guy" Garners National Recognition

News from this past year's Legislative Session

2010-04-24T21:46:00.004-04:00

Medicaid and pay cuts are key remaining Florida budget issues
Published 4/24/2010 Naplenews.com

House, Senate settle on $11.7 million for libraries; budget talks to go through weekend
Published 4/23/2010 The Palm Beach Post

Secretary of State trying to save the libraries
Published 4/23/2010 The Palm Beach Post

Budget end games begin
Published 4/23/2010 Orlando Sentinel

Senate cuts library funding by $8 million in budget talks with House
Published 4/22/2010 The Palm Beach Post

House and Senate to debate library funding
Published 4/22/2010 Jackson County Floridan

Medicaid’s Uncertain Fate Slows Budget Talks
Published 4/22/2010 The Jacksonville Observer

National Library Week: Overdue in Tallahassee
Published 4/15/2010 The Ledger

Libraries nationwide face closures and reduced hours during National Library Week
Published 4/12/2010 Examiner.com

Libraries face more cuts
Published 4/9/2010 TMC.net

Libraries say budget cuts could kill book-sharing program
Published 4/4/2010 Daily Record

Our Voice: Protect the libraries
Published 4/4/2010 Daily Commercial

Budget cuts loom on horizon for libraries
Published 4/3/2010 The Suncoast News

State Lawmakers Slash Library Funding
Published 4/2/2010 Wokv.com

Taber Library facing 23 Percent Funding Cut from State Legislature
Published 3/31/2010 The Baker County Press

Leesburg signs on to oppose state library cuts
Published 3/29/2010 Daily Commercial

Library fund cut could be 'devastating,' co-op chief says
Published 3/26/2010 Tampa Bay Online

$880 million in aid a shot in the arm for state budget
Published 3/26/2010 Tampa Bay Online

Dear state legislature: please don't remove all state funding for our libraries
Published 3/26/2010 The Bradenton Times

Award-winning Pasco libraries again face cuts
Published 3/25/2010 Tampa Bay Online

Public Libraries: An Indispensable 'Nonessential'
Published 3/25/2010 TheLedger.com

Editorial: Knowledge-based economy needs services of public libraries
Published 3/25/2010 TCPalm

Libraries never check out: More important to Florida, not less, in this digital age
Published 3/23/2010 Palm Beach Post

Columbia County Public Library continues long-range planning, despite possible loss of state funding
Published 3/23/2010 Lake City Journal

Budget battle looms in e-library's future
Published 3/23/2010 Tampa Bay Online

Library funding slashed
Published 3/22/2010 WTSP.com

Capitol Update
3/22/2010 The coverage starts around 7:08 - 10:43

Libraries' popularity speaks volumes about recession
Published 3/21/2010 Palm Beach Post News

Florida public libraries could lose state funding
Published 3/21/2010 Bay News 9

Proposal to cut state money for libraries could impact Treasure Coast
Published 3/21/2010 TCPalm

Legislature proposes closing the book on library funding
Published 3/21/2010 The Florida Times-Union

Lawmakers piece together state budget
Published 3/20/2010 St. Petersburg Times

State funding cuts would impact library patrons, officials say
Published 3/20/2010 Orlando Sentinel

A Year Later, Florida Legislators Again Try To Axe Aid to Public Libraries
Published 3/18/2010 Library Journal

Legislature discusses cutting library funds
Published 3/18/2010 Highlands Today

Libraries fear funding cuts
Published 3/18/2010 Ocala.com

County's libraries need their state aid
Published 3/18/2010 St. Augustine Record

Funding cuts threaten libraries
Published 3/18/2010 Suwannee Democrat

Editorial: Funding libraries
Published 3/17/2010 The Gainesville Sun

State Lawmakers May Cut All Funding For Public Libraries
Published 3/17/2010 wjhg.com

Letters to the Editor
Published 3/16/2010 Tallahassee Democrat

Libraries of First Coast beaches fear effects of Florida's proposed cuts
Published 3/16/2010 The Florida Times-Union

State May Slash All Library Funding
Published 3/16/2010 wmbb.com

Library pleads for help preventing cuts
Published 3/15/2010 The Gainesville Sun

Local library funding deeply cut
Posted 3/15/2010 WTXL ABC 27

Our take on: Gutting libraries & Cheney's low blow
Published 3/13/2010 Orlando Sentinel

State library funding eliminated
Published 3/12/2010 Crestview News Bulletin

State Share of Library Funding Being Cut
Published 3/12/2010 Capitol News Service

Lawmakers propose eliminating state funding for libraries
Published 3/12/2010 Tampa Bay Online (TBO)

West Palm’s booming library fears elimination of state aid
Published 3/11/2010 Palm Beach Post Blog

Public Libraries In Danger of Losing Critical Funding; Please Help!
Published 3/11/2010 Wakulla.com

State Aid Funding For Public Libraries To Be Eliminated
Published 3/11/2010 WCTV