Wilton Library has released a copy of a letter that was sent to Gov. Dannel Malloy by the Library’s executive diretor and board president, urging CT’s top official to rethink his proposed cuts to funding for public libraries in the state.

Library officials say budget cuts proposed by the governor will cause “perilous times for libraries in CT.”

An email sent to Wilton media from Library staff stated the following: “At a broad brush, this budget proposal impacts databases and our ability to borrow from any library within the state which ultimately is a cost savings in resources. Additionally, if these important services, Connecticard, The CT Library Consortium, and grants to public libraries are cut, new legislation would be required before these programs could ever be funded again.”

Similarly, CT’s state librarian Kendall Wiggin testified in front of the state appropriations committee on March 3. His testimony about the proposed cuts was direct and dire:

“The cuts to the State Library are some of the most severe I have faced. The proposed budget represents nearly a 30 percent cut in the State Library’s budget. It eliminates five long standing statewide programs and carries forward the 5 percent rescissions for most of the remaining line items. In addition to zero funding, Governor’s Bill No. 942, AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE GOVERNOR CONCERNING EDUCATION would repeal the statutes for all but one of the programs.”

Below is the letter sent to Gov. Malloy on March 2 and signed by Wilton Library Association executive director Elaine Tai-Lauria and president of the board of trustees A. P. Duffy:

Dear Governor Malloy:

Today, March 2, 2015 is designated as “Read Across America Day.” This 18 year old celebration of literacy aims to build a nation of readers. Unquestionably, the ability to read is the most essential component to ensure an educated and informed society. Over the years, Connecticut has admirably encouraged and supported literacy by funding programs such as Connecticard, the CT Library Consortium (CLC), and grants to public libraries. As the cost of acquiring library materials has escalated, public libraries have relied on “sharing resources” in order to fulfill the information needs of our communities. These programs have made library resources readily available to all of our citizens, and it made good economic sense!

Regrettably, your budget proposal and provisions of Governor’s Bill No. 942, AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE GOVERNOR CONCERNING EDUCATION will repeal funding for these programs. Such a move, we believe, will not lead us to a path of advancement and innovation. We urge you to revisit your proposal to eliminate the funding for Connecticard, the CT Library Consortium (CLC), and grants to public libraries. As the esteemed journalist, Walter Cronkite said:

“Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation”
Please support these essential public library programs. Thank you.

Yours truly,
Elaine Tai-Lauria
Executive Director
Wilton Library

A.P. Duffy
President
Wilton Library Assocation, Inc.