Last year, state funding provided by the California Library Services Act (CLSA) was reduced by 50%, to just $1.8 million dollars. That equates to five cents per Californian. Currently, library advocates are focused on influencing the state’s May revision of the budget.
Before the 2024-2025 budget, CLSA funds averaged around $5 million dollars. The California Library Association has repeatedly urged legislators to restore the budget to pre 24-25 levels in order to better support collaborative programs. In spite of their efforts, the budget for the 26-27 year closely resembles the reduced budget, with few revisions and none that would include additional funding.
Part of the impact of CLSA funding lies in the collaborative nature of the programs it bolsters. Each dollar spent on programs that are shared by a number of constituents is thereby stretched, reaching more patrons and people who can benefit the most from the resources that libraries can offer.
“As a high use shared resource, each CLSA dollar spent impacts not just Santa Cruz County residents, but expands to support library users throughout our network of 18 library systems. Conversely, decreases in CLSA funding available to public libraries reduce that impact. Additionally, Santa Cruz Public Libraries is part of the Link+ Cooperative of 64 libraries in California, sharing physical books across our regions. Many partner libraries rely on CLSA funds to provide this service. If they are forced to eliminate their participation as a result, Santa Cruz residents will feel the impact. In the last 12 months, we have filled 9,708 requests for patrons through the Link+.” -Christopher Platt, Director of Libraries
Programs that library cooperatives can share are among the most impactful. A robust lineup of eBook offerings means that people without the ability to visit a library branch in person can remain connected, and enjoy offerings from their local library. A service that can move borrowable resources across branches and even across states allows patrons to access even more than what is available from their home branch, and it’s often cited as a high use resource by many systems. Programs made possible by CLSA funds are critical offerings for libraries across the state. It is imperative that constituents make their voices heard so legislators understand just how vital these programs are, and how far reaching their impact is when there is enough funding to allow them to thrive.
How to Advocate
Constituents can help by writing to their legislators, urging them to restore funding to the CLSA. A template below provides additional information about the Santa Cruz Public Library’s use of programs funded by CLSA. There is a word limit of 2000. Direct emails to the websites linked here.
State Senate – John Laird: https://sd17.senate.ca.gov/
State Assembly – Dawn Addis: https://a30.asmdc.org/
State Assembly – Gail Pellerin: https://a28.asmdc.org/
Sample Letter:
I am a Santa Cruz Public Library user and community member. I urge restoration of the 50% cut to the California Library Services Act (CLSA) in the 2026–27 State Budget—returning funding to $3.63 million and considering an increase to $5 million.
CLSA supports resource sharing across nine library cooperatives, delivering high-impact services with strong return on investment. Locally, it enables access to shared digital collections through the Northern California Digital Library and statewide borrowing via Link+. These programs expand access far beyond local collections and are heavily used by our community.
Further reductions would limit access to essential library resources for Santa Cruz County residents and beyond. Restoring CLSA funding ensures continued, equitable service across California.
I urge you to support the restoration and potential increase of funding for this crucial
program, ensuring continued access to the library.
Signed, Your Name Here