As many of you know, the Wakulla County Public Library relies on the State Aid to Libraries program for over 25% of our total budget.

Out of this comes much of our Books and Materials, our Internet and phone service, the salary for our Children's Coordinator, and needed supplies just to name a few.  While the Governor's office and the Senate as of this writing (3/21) have presented a budget keeping State Aid at the $21.2 million level which keeps libraries in Florida eligible for Federal grants, the House has proposed cutting State Aid by 60% which would decimate the funding available not only for WCPL but many libraries across the State. 

As we did last year we're asking our great patrons to call or write the Legislature to express how important the Library is to you and your community.  For a list of important Legislators and their contact information, please click here.  We realize that there are many important programs that face cuts during these economic times but we hope with your help (like last year) any cuts to library services would be minimal. Thank you!

Some Library facts and talking points:

Please fund State Aid to Libraries at the current level of $21.2 million.  In these troubled economic times more people are depending on their public libraries for services than ever.  At the Wakulla County Public Library, 110 to 150 people a day come in to use the public Internet access computers to write resumes, apply for jobs, to apply for public assistance, to do research or homework.  The library circulated 4,492 items to people in February alone. 

In a county of 30,776 residents, 16,428 people have library cards and the number is growing daily.  People rely on the services provided by the library.  And the library relies on State Aid for more than 25% of its budget. 

The loss of State Aid would result in a reduction of vital library services in this rural county.  Please continue to fund State Aid to Libraries at the current $21.2 million level.  The people of Florida are depending on you!

Thank you,

Pam Mueller
Volunteer Coordinator
Wakulla County Public Library
(850) 926-7415

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