Why a Campaign?
If you listen, you can hear...
Librarians shouting.
Is this an oxymoron or a cry for help? Librarians have been quietly doing an amazing job of connecting the people of Wisconsin with a world of information. But at a time when the knowledge economy makes libraries more important than ever, funding has not kept pace with demand for services in all types of libraries. No wonder librarians are speaking out. It's time our libraries got the attention and funding they deserve.
It's time for the Campaign for Wisconsin Libraries!
Support the Campaign for Wisconsin Libraries.
The Wisconsin Library Association Foundation needs your help in supporting our multi-media publicity campaign to promote a wider understanding of the value and importance of Wisconsin Libraries. Together, we have the power to ensure that libraries continue to be essential institutions in our democratic society, but only if our voices are heard.
With your help, the collective voice of libraries will be heard.
We're rallying behind a strong campaign theme and taking our message to the streets, starting with public service announcements designed to break through the clutter in print, broadcast and Web media throughout Wisconsin.
Campaign messages communicate the impact libraries have on the State's economy, the importance of libraries to education and lifelong learning, and the contribution libraries make to the quality of life in Wisconsin.
Your support will make a real difference in the future of all libraries.
The Campaign is an ongoing, statewide effort that provides a collective voice for Wisconsin libraries of all types, focusing on developing and disseminating effective messages about the importance of Wisconsin Libraries. By centralizing promotional activities at the state level, the Campaign benefits all Wisconsin libraries, including those with limited resources.
The time for our Campaign is now!
Libraries are life-changing institutions, but their ability to continue playing such an important role is increasingly threatened.
- Public libraries have grown to the top ten nationally for circulation and visits, while funding has slipped to 19th in the country.
- School libraries in communities across the state are seeing their schools reduce professional library staff, at the expense of student achievement.
- Academic libraries are faced with mounting challenges. A University of Wisconsin System initiative to enhance library service has not been funded, despite the increasing challenge of maintaining world class information services to students and faculty, as well as Wisconsin businesses, government agencies, and citizens.
- Special libraries are providing vital services behind the scenes that keep business, medicine, law, and other fields on the cutting edge, yet librarians are some of the first positions cut in a fiscal crisis.
Be part of something big!
The WLA Foundation has made a commitment to raise a minimum of $100,000 each year to fund this Campaign. Significant funds are necessary to maintain our effort, which utilizes professional assistance in the planning, design and implementation of the Campaign. Funds will not be used for lobbying or political advocacy. Fundraising activities include recruitment of Supporting Partners, solicitation of contributions from individuals and organizations, and special events.
Give to the Campaign.
Organizations, corporations, foundations, friends of libraries groups, libraries, and individuals are encouraged to support the Campaign with a tax deductible gift. Please give generously. So we'll never have to ask our librarians to be quiet.
Please visit How to Support Wisconsin Libraries to discover more about contributing to the Campaign.