State funding for critical library services is in danger due to the crisis in the state budget. The State Library of Kansas has been required to identify 20% of its 2010 budget request for possible reduction. Items that might be reduced or eliminated include Homework Help Kansas, Talking Books Subregional services, state aid to libraries and/or the Interlibrary Loan Development Program (ILDP).
It is unlikely that library services can entirely escape reductions. However, it is vitally important that librarians, library trustees and library supporters ask for their legislators’ support for maintaining adequate funding. Library supporters are urged to participate in Library Legislative Day in Topeka on February 19th, and to contact legislators directly in your community.
Jim Minges is the Director of NEKLS. You can reach him by email (jminges (at) nekls.org) or by phone. Visit the 
