SPECIAL NOTICE
Some background…
All libraries in Illinois belong to one of nine library systems funded by the
state of Illinois. Libraries in the suburbs surrounding Chicago belong to the
Metropolitan Library System. These 464 libraries combine their resources
to save individual libraries thousands and thousands of dollars.
MLS is able
to negotiate prices for subscriptions to online information (databases) so
that our users have the best, most up to date information available. MLS
manages the automated online catalog system (SWAN) that 80 public
libraries in the system share.
MLS operates a delivery system that allows
our users to request an item from any of these 80 libraries and have it
delivered in a matter of days.
At the end of June, services from MLS were significantly reduced. Delivery
of items requested through interlibrary loans and the shared online catalog
will continue through November. If Governor Quinn does not fund library
systems in the FY2011 budget, library systems as we know them in Illinois
will disappear. The services that they make possible will change drastically.
Please contact Governor Quinn and ask him to “retain funding for
library systems in the FY2011 budget.”Ask him to “release the
funds that the state owes Illinois library systems for FY2010.”
Is it important to you to be able to get books from other libraries?
Enjoy it while you can –
The governor is working on the budget for next year and there’s a real
chance that library systems in Illinois may not be funded next year.
These funds are critical so that we can continue to share books and
resources with the 464 libraries in the Metropolitan Library System.
We need to show the governor how important libraries are to
the people (the voters) who use them.
Please contact Governor Quinn and ask him to retain funding for
IllinoisLibrary Systems in the FY2011 budget.
To email the governor, go to:
www.illinois.gov/gov/contactthegovernor.cfm
To mail a letter or call:
Office of the Governor
207 State House
Springfield, IL 62706
Phone: 217-782-0244
TTY: 888-261-3336
OR
Office of the Governor
James R. Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph, 16-100
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312-814-2121
