If you’re down in the dumps about K-12 and higher education library funding, I have a couple stories that may brighten your day. Also, if you look outside, that might help. It’s sunny!

eSchool News posted a story today called “ALA: Spend stimulus funds on school libraries,” in which they highlight the ALA’s effort to get schools to spend some of their stimulus funds on their libraries (or media centers, as the case may be).

“This is an opportunity for school libraries to utilize these funds to make sure that students have access” to top-notch school library resources, said Melanie Anderson, associate director of the ALA’s Office of Government Relations. “It’s important for everyone to understand that when we talk about education, it’s not exclusive to the classroom.”

Anderson added that when schools have to stretch resources and cut funding, school libraries often are left wanting.

Later in the article, Ann Martin argues that any federal dollars set aside from technology in schools can go to libraries. It seems to me like now would be a really good time to become an outspoken advocate for the value your library is adding in your school. You’re probably doing that already, though, in which case I encourage you find a handful of other people to start advocating for you, too. Hey, more people talking up libraries never hurts!

In related news, Gov. Gregoire issued a press release today asking state legislators to “temporarily lift the levy lid for the K-12 education system, freeing up $68 million a year for local school districts.”

Gregoire said the approved funds would offset difficult cuts to education programs during these challenging times. She added that 75 school districts across the state would benefit from temporarily lifting the levy lid. Those districts are listed at www.governor.wa.gov/news/20090407.pdf.

Gregoire also proposes allowing higher tuition increases in community colleges and public four-year universities.

“This is not the time to falter on this state’s long commitment to a world-class system of public higher education,” Gregoire said. “The recession will end. In the meantime, we can’t inflict damage on our universities and colleges. It takes years to assemble talented professors, build programs and offer excellent education. We simply can’t afford — especially now — to deny thousands of students access to higher education. And we can’t afford to lay off thousands of faculty and staff and lose programs vital to our state’s future.”

All around, a good news day for K-12 and higher education libraries, at least inasmuch as the media advocating for library funding. Now it’s your turn to capitalize on the coverage, go out there, advocate, and make sure your library isn’t overlooked when they start handing out funding.

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