North Country Reference and Research Resources Council 7 Commerce Lane Canton, NY 13617 (315) 386-4569

December 1999

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Report The Importance Of Libraries The Governor and his Division of the budget are currently in the process of preparing the Executive Budget for the coming year. It is an opportune time to write to him, pointing out the importance of libraries and library systems, the limited state aid available to us, and the need for increases in library aid. Use stories from your own libraries and systems to illustrate how you strengthen libraries and help serve patrons, directly or indirectly. If library trustees and users are willing to also contact the Governor, they can be very persuasive in arguing for the needs of libraries and systems. The same goes for Friends and others you may know who can make a compelling case for the library community in New York State. Much depends on the Governor's willingness to include in his budget message the attention libraries need and deserve. Please write to: The Honorable George Pataki, Governor of New York State, Executive Chamber, State Capital, Albany, NY 12224