May 31, 2006

Proposition 81, Public Library Construction & Renovation Bond on June 6th Ballot

Action Needed:

There is less than one week to go before the June 6th primary election. We need your help to get the word out on Proposition 81, the public library construction bond on the June 6th ballot. You can help us to pass this ballot measure by:

• Sharing this information with your fellow PTA members, friends and family and encouraging them to vote by June 6th and to consider supporting Proposition 81.
• Writing a letter to the editor of your local paper in support of Proposition 81, (a sample letter is available on the California State PTA website at www.capta.org).

Background:

The California State PTA is supporting Proposition 81, the California Reading and Literacy Improvement and Public Library Construction and Renovation Bond, which will appear on the June 2006 statewide primary election ballot. This initiative would authorize the issuance of bonds up to $600 million for the purpose of financing public library construction and renovation. The California State PTA acknowledges the important role of community libraries in supplementing school libraries and providing expanded opportunities for all children and adults to develop skills for lifelong learning.

Despite predictions that libraries would become redundant with the widespread advent of the Internet, libraries have become more relevant than ever. Libraries across the state are experiencing tremendous growth, both in circulation and in patron visits. Libraries provide a resource for people needing assistance, instruction or free access to computers. They serve as community centers, providing homework help and a safe place for children to go after school to read, do research, or get help with homework.

The passage of this proposition does not result in increased taxes. In fact, the annual interest and principal payment will be less than $2 per California resident — a small price to pay for building and renovating dozens of libraries statewide, bringing thousands of local jobs, boosting local economies, fostering partnerships between libraries and schools, fighting illiteracy and supporting education. Libraries are a critical piece of the state’s education infrastructure. Educating our children and reducing illiteracy depends on maintaining a top-quality public education system and strong public libraries.

For more information, go to www.capta.org or the campaign website at www.yesforlibraries.com.

If you would like to be added to our "Legislation email alert list," please send your name and email address to PTAadvocacy@aol.com.

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