Capsun's Corner – by Capsun M. Poe

E ka koo i na hale waihona puke!

Hawaii State Library (Photo: librarieshawaii.org)

You probably already know that I am both a supporter and patron of our local public libraries.  So, as Hawaii’s economy continues to falter and more budget cuts loom, I am making another plea to save something that I believe is worth saving.  I know human services, health, and agriculture are also important, but if we let libraries and other education-related services get cut in the short-term, we will only hurt ourselves in the long-term.

The Hawaii State Public Library System (HSPLS) is facing budget reductions.

Demonstrate your love and support of public libraries by making a phone call, typing an email, or writing a letter to the Governor and your state legislators.  Here are some tips:

• Identify yourself and share which public library you and your family use.
• State your message about the importance of the library, and that you are counting on them to ensure that libraries are adequately funded.
• Be specific about how the budget cuts will negatively affect your favorite library programs and services.
• Write from the heart by providing a personal story about how the library makes a difference in your life.
• Be brief – one page is easier to read, and will likely be read!

Include your name, mailing address, email address, and phone number to allow your elected officials to respond to you.

Write to the Governor at:

The Honorable Linda Lingle
Governor of Hawaii
State Capitol, Room 415
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone:  808-586-0034
Fax:  808-586-0006
Email:  governor.lingle@hawaii.gov

To write to your State Senator or State Representative, you will need to look them up and write, fax, or email the appropriate member.  For a quick introduction to the Hawaii State Legislature, you can read my primer.  Members of the Senate can be found here (http://capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/senate/senate.asp) while members of the House can be found here (http://capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/house/house.asp).

If you use the library, you should support them – and this is your chance.  If you don’t step up, there might not be much of HSPLS to support in the future.

Mahalo!

Note:  Much of the information in this post came from a flyer I found at my local library.

Tags: budget, budget cuts, budget reduction, cuts, economy, governor, Hawaii, hawaii state public library system, hspls, legislator, legislature, libraries, library, lingle, local, public, public libraries, public library, representative, senator