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April 6, 2017

The Honorable Tom Cole . The Honorable Rosa DeLauroChairman Ranking MemberSubcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Subcommittee on Labor, Health and HumanServices, and Education Services, and EducationHouse Committee on Appropriations House Committee on AppropriationsWashington, D.C. 20515 Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Chairman Cole and Ranking Member DeLauro:

We write to urge your support for the education, workforce, and economic development needs ofAmericans by providing $186.6 million for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) inthe fiscal year 2018 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill.

Libraries serve a vital role in our communities. Even as the economy shows signs ofimprovement, patrons continue to turn to their local library for free access to essentialinformation on a wide range of topics, skills training, and computing services.

Every day, libraries across the country provide no-fee public access to computers and theInternet in some of our most distressed communities. According to a recent American LibraryAssociation (ALA) report, 65 percent of all libraries nationwide say they are the only provider offree Internet access in their communities. In rural areas, 73 percent of libraries report they serveas their community’s only free Internet provider. This access is critical at a time whenapplications for many jobs and government services must be filled out online.

Libraries, however, provide more than just Internet access. According to another ALA report,more than 92 percent of public libraries offer services that help patrons conduct job searches,create resumes, access training for technology and technical skills, and innovate through the useof 3-D printers and makerspaces. Libraries also provide resources and specialized collections forsmall businesses to help in the creation of business plans and the development of new growthstrategies.

Moreover, libraries expose children to books and information to help them gain and enhancetheir literacy skills. Numerous surveys show that many of our nation’s children living in povertyhave very limited access to books at home. These children depend on their local libraries’ storytime and summer reading programs to help them prepare to learn in school and succeed.

Unfortunately, in the Trump administration budget blueprint, many libraries are facing cuts andsevere budget pressures, leading to closures and reduced hours. LSTA is the only federal

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program that helps public libraries meet community needs, provide enhanced services throughtechnology, reach underserved populations, and retain librarians while recruiting new entrants tothis important field. Consisting of a state formula program, which is amplified by a state match,and competitive grants, LSTA is more essential now than ever.

We urge you to provide $186.6 million thicyear, andii~ie~cthan currentfuiidihKfOithe grantsto states program. With this funding level, we can help ensure that Americans of all ages haveaccess to libraries, Internet, and information services; the resources they need to develop literacyskills and achieve academically; and the services and tools to search for, find, and create jobs.

Thank you for your continued support in sustaining and strengthening our nation’s libraries.

Sincerely,

~ül M. Grijalva Alma S. Adams

Member of Congress Member of Congress

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