Save Illinois Libraries Success!

From Joe Harris, Director of the Shawnee Library System, about Save Illinois Libraries:

Very good news this morning! So far the count is that over 18,000 emails have been sent statewide. Notice that a partial payment of some of the system funds that we should receive has been posted on the Comptroller’s web site with a date of 1/20/2010. While we have not received the funds yet this is very good news. Apparently some payments are also going to other agencies including schools and colleges/universities.

Special thanks to everyone who sent emails and spread the word to colleagues, family, friends, and library users. This approach definitely works and we are planning future efforts. The Save Illinois Libraries web site still has the email form on it and it may still be used. Additional emails will only help.

Save Illinois Libraries

Take five minutes of your time today, January 20, 2010 and go to www.saveillinoislibraries.com. An easy-to-use form is available on the front page. Put in your information and use it to send emails to Comptroller Hynes and Governor Quinn asking them to release the money for library systems.
No money has been received this fiscal year, beginning July 1, 2009, which leaves the library systems unfunded. Money was allocated by the General Assembly, but payments have not been released.

Our goal is 3,000+ e-mails each to Comptroller Hynes and Governor Quinn. This has worked for library funding issues in other states, and it can work here, too.
Once you’ve sent your messages, go viral! You'll be able to ask your friends, colleagues, and co-workers to participate via email, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or MySpace, all with one simple click. Many libraries are urging their communities to become involved and email the Governor and Comptroller as well. They too can involve their family and friends. Spread the word.