Thank you Trish for forwarding the Action Alert from ALA. I know many people have asked me how they could support School Libraries. Contacting Senators Stabenow and Peters to ask them to co-sponsor S.312 which is the bipartisan SKILLS (Strengthening Kids’ Interest in Learning and Libraries Act) is one such way. If you are interested in making a call, but need assistance with wording about school libraries --- below is a suggestion: Call Senator Stabenow (202-224-4822) and Senator Peters (202-224-6221). Most times you will have to leave a voicemail. You could say something like the following (modify this slightly to include your own 'voice') --- “I would like to ask Senator ______ to co-sponsor S. 312 the SKILLS Act which is the Strengthening Kids’ Interest in Learning and Libraries Act. It is a bipartisan act introduced by Senators Reed, Cochran, and Whitehouse. School libraries are critical to improving our education system and for preparing students to compete in today’s global economy. Multiple studies show that strong school library programs have a positive impact on student achievement. Senator ______, please support dedicated funding for effective school library programs under ESEA by co-sponsoring S.312. Thank you.” Please remember to include your name and address with zip code. Thank you very much, Kathy Kathy Lester, MLIS, MA MAME Past-President, 2014 School Librarian/Technology Integrationist East Middle School, Plymouth-Canton Schools *2012 **State Librarian's Excellence Award Winner* <http://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/0,2351,7-160-19270_20585-289712--,00.html> kathyL@mimame.org cell: 810-333-5873 On Thu, Feb 19, 2015 at 4:06 PM, Trish Burns <tburns@saginawlibrary.org> wrote:

*From ALA – *

· *Please take a moment and review the information below and act on it as you feel appropriate.*

·

· *Ensure the Future of School Library Funding <http://cqrcengage.com/ala/app/take-action?engagementId=80622>*

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provides federal funding for K-12 education programs. Reauthorization of legislation of this nature will determine federal education policy for the coming decade and it is imperative that dedicated funding for school library programs be included. We need you to contact both Senators from your state and let them know how critical school libraries are in improving our education system. Ask them to support dedicated funding for effective school library programs under ESEA by co-sponsoring S.312.

Trish Burns

Director, Public Libraries of Saginaw

505 Janes Avenue

Saginaw, MI 48607

989-755-9833

tburns@saginawlibrary.org

ALA Councilor for Michigan

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