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Western New York Library Resources Council

@wnylrc.bsky.social

200 followers 73 following 9 posts

We are a not-for-profit consortium of libraries and library systems serving six counties: Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, & Orleans.

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Western New York Library Resources Council @wnylrc.bsky.social · 2d

How else can you contact the Governor? By phone, email, or snail mail. We've included a phone script for you. What You Can Do:

What You Can Do: Contact the Governor by writing a letter, email, or calling!
Share this and tell a friend to do the same.
Example phone script:
“Hi, my name is [NAME] and I am a constituent from [ADDRESS]. I am asking Governor Hochul to protect school libraries and their students’ right to read by signing the Freedom to Read Act. The Freedom to Read Act stands up against book bans in New York and requires school districts to maintain diverse and inclusive library collections for their students. Please sign the Freedom to Read Act and protect school libraries!”

Contact Information: Governor Hochul’s phone:
518-474-8390
Governor Hochul’s email form:
https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form
Governor Hochul’s mailing address:
The Honorable Kathy Hochul
Governor of New York State
NYS State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224

Tip: You should always save your legislators’ phone numbers to your contacts.

Western New York Library Resources Council @wnylrc.bsky.social · 2d

We have a new mission for New York library advocates. The Freedom to Read Act is on the cusp of becoming law - this crucial bill will protect intellectual freedom in school libraries statewide. We need to you to tell the Governor to sign this bill today! app.oneclickpolitics.com/campaign-pag...

Take Action for Libraries. Are you a Library Advocate? Tell Governor Hochul to sign the Freedom to Read Act!

What Is the Freedom To Read Act?
“Requires the commissioner of education and school library systems to develop policies to ensure that school libraries and library staff are empowered to curate and develop collections that provide students with access to the widest array of developmentally appropriate materials available.”
This bill is a powerful stand against the wave of book challenges sweeping the nation, affirming that school libraries are able to maintain diverse and inclusive materials in their library collections available to every student.

Why This Is Important: The rate of book bans and challenges have been increasing over the past decade.
In New York, 21 school districts have banned books, with 65 instances of books being removed.
Most books being challenged are titles with themes about race and/or LGBT+ topics.
Students have a right to read and learn, free from censorship or discrimination.

What’s Next:
The bill passed the New York State Legislature in June 2025.
In order to become law, the bill needs to be signed by the Governor of New York.
The bill has not made it to the Governor’s office for signature, so we need to let her know how important this is!

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Western New York Library Resources Council @wnylrc.bsky.social · 2d

Thank you for alerting us!

Western New York Library Resources Council @wnylrc.bsky.social · Apr 4

New York State Librarian Lauren Moore is quoted: "This institute provides $8 million in federal support, sustaining 55 state library staff members – two-thirds of our state library workforce – and essential programs that directly serve local library communities and residents across the state."

Western New York Library Resources Council @wnylrc.bsky.social · Apr 4

Attorney General Letitia James is leading a coalition of about 20 attorneys in suing the Trump Administration over the dismantling of three federal agencies including IMLS. ag.ny.gov/press-releas...

Attorney General James Sues Trump Administration to Protect Libraries and Museums

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today co-led a coalition of 20 other attorneys general in suing the Trump administration to stop the

ag.ny.gov

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Reposted by Western New York Library Resources Council

Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · Apr 3

Today, IMLS’s advisory body said the lack of communication has created "an information vacuum in which speculation and uncertainty replace transparency and confidence." Read more here: www.wordsandmoney.com/letter-imls-...

Letter: IMLS Advisory Board Was Not Consulted on Employee Leave, Wants Clarity

In an April 3 letter, the IMLS's advisory body said the lack of communication has created "an information vacuum in which speculation and uncertainty replace transparency and confidence."

www.wordsandmoney.com

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Reposted by Western New York Library Resources Council

Brittany Wong @brittanywong.huffpost.com · Apr 1

Wrote about the Trump administration’s attacks on federal funding for libraries

“Make no mistake about it, the elimination of funding for libraries is a political assault on First Amendment rights, access to information, and the freedom to read,” one librarian said www.huffpost.com/entry/librar...

Librarians Are Mad As Hell At The Trump Administration. They Think You Should Be, Too.

"The public needs to wake up before our libraries are gone," one "livid" librarian said.

www.huffpost.com

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Western New York Library Resources Council @wnylrc.bsky.social · Apr 3

If your representative did not sign the letter, then use this script:

Example phone script (if they didn’t sign):
“Hi, my name is [NAME] and I am a constituent from [ADDRESS]. I am calling to ask why [Rep Name] did not sign the letter circulated by Reps. Titus and Bonamici, urging President Trump to reconsider his decision to eliminate IMLS. I am urging [Rep Name] to show up for our libraries and support IMLS. IMLS provides essential funds that support critical services and programming in our libraries.”

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Western New York Library Resources Council @wnylrc.bsky.social · Apr 3

We have some easy scripts for you to use too. If your representative did sign the letter, then use this one:

Example phone script (if they signed):
“Hi, my name is [NAME] and I am a constituent from [ADDRESS]. I am calling to thank [Rep Name] for signing the letter circulated by Reps. Titus and Bonamici, urging President Trump to reconsider his decision to eliminate IMLS. Thank you for showing up and supporting libraries!”

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Western New York Library Resources Council @wnylrc.bsky.social · Apr 3

Hi all! We have an action item for our library advocates. As you may already know, there was a letter supporting IMLS circulated in the House of Representatives. We want you to see if your representative signed the letter and CALL! Here's the letter: titus.house.gov/uploadedfile...

127 members of the House of Representatives signed a letter urging President Trump to reconsider his decision to eliminate IMLS. Is yours one of them?

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Western New York Library Resources Council @wnylrc.bsky.social · Nov 18

We're looking forward to connecting with our members and other library advocates on Bluesky! Say hi!

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