Resolution 2008-02
Regarding State Funding for the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

WHEREAS, public libraries in Maryland receive state funding based on a formula designated by law, enabling them to better meet the needs of their patrons because they have a predictable source of income; and

WHEREAS, there is also a funding formula for regional library resource centers that permits greater coordination of library needs throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH) serves as the public library for Maryland citizens who are unable to read standard print due to vision loss or who are unable to handle print books or turn pages because of a physical handicap; and

WHEREAS, patrons who use LBPH depend on this library as their major source of reading material, since the use of bookstores and other sources are unavailable to them; and

WHEREAS, LBPH serves citizens throughout the entire state, thus functioning as a resource center for blind and physically handicapped citizens; and

WHEREAS, despite its function as a public library and as a resource center, LBPH is not included in the funding formulas as other public libraries and regional library resource centers are; and

WHEREAS, currently LBPH annual funding amounts are uncertain because LBPH is included in the budget of the Division of Library Development and Services of the Maryland State Department of Education; and

WHEREAS, since education priorities change annually, the budget for the LBPH is not easily predictable; and

WHEREAS, LBPH has the same needs for planning and for a predictable steady source of income as other public libraries and regional library resource centers: NOW, therefore

 BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland in Convention assembled this sixteenth day of November, 2008, in the City of Ocean City, Maryland, that this organization urge the Maryland General Assembly and the Governor to adopt legislation to create a funding formula for the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped similar to the funding formula that exists for regional library resource centers in Maryland, so that blind and physically handicapped citizens can continue to have access to library services.

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