Message from the President
All of us have been affected one way or another by this economic tsunami we’re currently trying to swim out of: whether by loss of funds or positions or both. We could sit around and complain – and no one would really blame us. But what would that accomplish? Absolutely nothing! We’d still suffer the same budget cuts…we’d just be more miserable.
What we need to do is “Come together”…unite in the same cause: bringing the word to our communities and our government leaders that libraries matter! Today more than ever. Let them know what vital services you perform on a daily basis, whether it’s storytimes for toddlers or PC classes for seniors. Bibliographic instruction for incoming freshman or research assistance for grad students. The Utah State Legislators need to understand how important it is for each and every school library to have at the very least a certified media specialist – and preferably a professional librarian.
Invite your community leaders to your library, let them see what you do, let them experience first hand how busy our libraries are. Support the school, public, special and academic libraries in your area. Visit them, share stories and ideas. Ask your students, patrons and neighbors to write letters or send emails to your elected officials and library boards, citing specific reasons why your library and staff are vital to the community.
If we “Come together” we can create a powerful voice for the future of Utah libraries. See you in St George in 2010!
Ruby Cheesman
ULA President 2009-2010