President Trump’s proposed budget calls for the elimination
of The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). While many have
never heard of IMLS, we experience its benefits through our local libraries
every day.
Per capita, Whitman County Library District is one of
the top recipients of IMLS grants in Washington State. IMLS funding
supports early literacy efforts, downloadable eBooks and audio books,
technology classes for kids and adults (from Lego Mindstorms and Kids Coding
Camps to software and hardware instruction for adults and seniors), technology
equipment and telecommunication upgrades, The Rural Heritage online collection,
services to the blind and physically handicapped, staff and board training and
others.
Pick your favorite library service and IMLS likely played a
hand in it. And, even if you don’t use the library, your family, friends,
and neighbors probably do. Last year attendance at Whitman County Library
classes and programs reached an all-time high of 39,000, traditional checkouts
were steady at 121,000 and use of eBooks and other online resources topped
43,000; strong usage for a library district of just 15,000 people.
You won’t see a better return on your investment than tax
support for libraries. Whitman County Library spends a relatively small amount
to effectively educate and support people in every age group and from every
walk of life. IMLS funds stretch our local dollars, insuring us access to
reliable information and innovative services, resources that are taken for
granted and easily afforded by our urban counterparts.
If local library service is important to you, I encourage
you to call Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers at 509-353-2374 or in
Washington DC at 202-225-2006. To contact information for President Trump, our state senators or other legislators
who represent us all visit https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials or call the library at 877-733-3375 for assistance.
Sincerely,
Kristie Kirkpatrick, Director
Whitman County Rural Library District
102 S. Main Street
Colfax, WA 99111
509.397.4366
14 branch locations or online at www.whitco.lib.wa.us
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