Federal:
On July 13, the Senate confirmed Carla Hayden to be the next Librarian of Congress. Hayden’s nomination was endorsed by both the MLA and AAHSL. Read the press release on the event from the Library of Congress. You may also view how your state representatives voted on the nomination, which received 74 votes of support.
Congress has adjourned for the summer having not yet approved FY17 appropriations bills. Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding has been increased in the House and Senate bills. School library funding is supported with funds allocated to Title IV of the Every Student Succeeds Act, “Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants”, but looming is a proposal to eliminate the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program, which received $27 million in FY16. A number of riders may impede the passage of the House funding bill. Congress will reconvene in September. More on this story is available at the District Dispatch.
State:
On July 15th, the Governor signed SB0399 into law which amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. This amendment makes it legal for liquor to be sold within a public library building upon the approval of the library’s own board and assuming certain requirements are met. The change allows for more flexibility for libraries, especially in planning their fundraising events. Visit the Illinois General Assembly website for full details and links to the final act: SB0399.