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Looking Back: Advocacy 2023
June-July 2023 update:
Incentive Grants for Public Libraries:
An Act Concerning the Mental, Physical and Emotional Wellness of Children - Public Act No. 23-101
Good news! SB2 passed both the House and the Senate unanimously (save for a couple of absences), and crossed Governor Lamont's desk Monday, June 26, 2023. The legislation has been signed, and is set to go into effect as of July 1, 2023.
Among other things, this legislation restores funding to a budget line that had been zeroed out since 2016, which allows for incentive grants to principal public libraries - as long as they have collection management policies etc. approved by their local governing body. Keep an eye out for more guidance to come from the CT State Library on how this program will be implemented, and in the meantime, you can read the legislation for yourself here.
As mentioned above, both the House and Senate passed this legislation unanimously - so please, take a few minutes to send your local legislators a thank you note, give their offices a call, and be sure to express appreciation for their support of Connecticut's libraries!
Please, reach out to Legislative Co-Chairs Kate Byroade ([email protected]) and Olivia Blake ([email protected]) if you have any questions.
eBooks
Connecticut legislation was introduced during the 2023 session, to set fair terms & fair pricing for library eBooks & downloadable audiobooks. Unfortunately, the bill died on the House floor during the final day of the legislative session.
However, we are still incredibly encouraged by just how far this legislation has advanced - and in such a relatively short time! We are heartened and excited to work with our legislative champions again to reintroduce this legislation during the 2024 session, and looking forward to spreading the word and educating more decision-makers across the state.
The 2024 legislative session is set to begin on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. That means we have a moment to take a breather, and plenty of time to start preparing for the next go-around!
Check out our action-oriented "Speak Up!" page for details on how YOU can get involved - at any stage of the process:
The goals? Fair pricing. No more expiration dates. Focused on contract law.
- Publishers can make money.
- Libraries can build robust digital collections.
- Taxpayers won't be overcharged.
It's a win-win-win - but we need YOUR help to get there!
Be inspired by what library supporters are saying about the impact this bill will have:
Broaden your understanding of the issues at play by viewing a slideshow that breaks down the essentials:
Dig into the legal nitty-gritty details to address questions & concerns about the impact of this bill:
Check out 2023's bills on the subject:
HB 6800: An Act Concerning Electronic Book and Digital Audiobook Licensing
The Connecticut Library Association (CLA) is committed to standing up for all of CT’s libraries and the services they provide. We need you to be engaged in our advocacy efforts. It’s just not enough for CLA’s leadership to speak up. We need library leadership (directors and trustees), library staff, library Friends and library patrons to take a stand on behalf of CT’s libraries.
Want to hear the latest and be ready to act?
