ABA Joins Campaign Supporting Federal Funding for Libraries

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CCLI logoThe American Booksellers Association has joined a campaign to urge Congress to continue federal support of America’s 120,000 public libraries. The campaign will be led by a new organization, the Corporate Committee for Library Investment (CCLI).

CCLI is a response to the Trump administration’s effort to eliminate most federal funding for libraries. In a letter sent to members of the Senate on May 17, the committee urged support for appropriations of $186.6 million under the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and $27 million for the Innovative Literacy program (IAL).

LSTA funding goes primarily to a population-based matching grant program that puts states in charge of how federal funds are spent. IAL allows school libraries and non-profit groups to buy books and educational materials for the nation’s neediest children.

“The American Booksellers Association strongly supports increased federal funding for libraries,” ABA CEO Oren Teicher said.

Founding members of CCLI include Baker & Taylor, Candlewick Press, Macmillan, and Penguin Random House, and the organizers are urging companies of all sizes to join. Bookstores can use the link at the bottom of the CCLI homepage to join.