Stand up for Fairfax Libraries, April 9th

(Re-posted from the Save Our Libraries blog on Reston Patch.)

Fairfax County Public Libraries have been subjected to relentless budget cuts for years.  As a result, our libraries have the lowest level of funding of ANY in Northern Virginia - funding even lower than the state average for Virginia. And this is in one of the wealthiest counties in the nation. 

http://www.scribd.com/doc/215800410/Fairfax-County-Spends-Little-on-Its-Public-Library-System-Terry-Maynard-April-1-2014

http://www.restonnow.com/2014/04/02/reston-2020-fairfax-library-spending-falls-short/

http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2014/feb/20/money-shelves-libraries/

http://www.wtop.com/41/3594972/Wealthiest-counties-Six-of-top-10-richest-counties-in-DC-area

In numerous public hearings held last fall speaker after speaker advocated for restored funding for our library collections and services.  In response, the Library Board has called for asubstantial increase ($2 million) in library funding to begin to repair the damage done by years of draconian budget cuts. But the recently released advertised budget from the County Executive proposes only a tiny increase- recommending merely an additional $250,000 to enhance the materials budget. Divided among 23 library branches that is truly a pittance compared to the millions in cuts the libraries have been subjected to over the past several budget cycles. 

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dmb/fy2015/advertised/fy2015-advertised-cex-presentation.pdf 

http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2014/feb/26/bulova-will-be-challenging-budget/ 

http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/article/20140225/NEWS/140229429&template=fairfaxTimes  

To make matters worse, the County Executive subsequently put forward a budget proposal in which not only would the meager $250,000 increase for libraries be eliminated, but library hours would be cut and library staff would be laid off.

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dmb/fy2015/advertised/fy2015-fy2016-possible-budget-reductions-list.pdf

Those who support more appropriate funding for our libraries will be speaking up at the County budget hearings this week before the Board of Supervisors. Representatives of the Fairfax County Government Employees Union (SEIU), the Fairfax County Public Library Employees Association, Friends of various FCPL branches, and community activists who fight for quality libraries will be joining together to speak as one for increased funding for our libraries and quality services in Fairfax County. We will advocate for library funding which is more in line with other jurisdictions in Northern Virginia. We will join together in a joint presentation along with leaders from the Fairfax County Government Employees Union and the state leadership for the SEIU.

Please join us at 4:00 pm Wed April 9 in Room 7 of the Fairfax County Government Center - 12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax VA 22035  
                        

                                                        PLEASE WEAR PURPLE

We will enter the Board of Supervisor's auditorium as a group in order to make a stronger impression. The more supporters who join us , the bigger the impact will be.

PLEASE JOIN US !!