1	"Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries" Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries Individuals and Groups Over 5,000 strong
2	Statistics In Pennsylvania there are 5,297,577 registered borrowers Two-thirds of whom are registered voters representing 629 libraries and 360 Friends of the Library groups
3	Membership in PCBL Membership in PCBL is not a difficult decision for Library lovers.
4	There are Real Benefits in Joining PCBL Add your voice to state wide library advocacy. Stay informed on state and federal library issues. Participate in workshops to make your group more effective. Advocacy Board Development Fundraising Public Relations
5	There are Real Benefits in Joining PCBL
6	There are Real Benefits in Joining PCBL Attend the Annual Friends Institute Read the Quarterly Newsletter Utilize the PCBL Website
7	There are Real Benefits in Joining PCBL
8	There are Real Benefits in Joining PCBL Consult with a PCBL board member regarding your group’s organizational issues and activities. Build relationships with your State Legislators.
9	PCBL – A Dynamic Organization It was started 25 years ago by people like you. In 1977, the libraries were woefully underfunded. A strong current of energy and enthusiasm for libraries swept through the United States beginning in 1977.
10	Our History – Starting with WHCLIS Legislation passed by President Jimmy Carter focused attention on libraries. Preparations began for first ever White House Conference on Libraries and Information Services (WHCLIS). Each state and territory was mandated to choose delegates for regional meetings These Governor's Pre-Conferences elected Delegates to attend the national conference.
11	PA Governor’s Conference -1977 In PA, delegates to the Governor's Conference were elected at regional meetings. Over 200 delegates attended the Governor's Conference in Harrisburg in 1977. Issues were discussed, prioritized, and developed as resolutions. Nominations were also made for delegates to the White House Conference. 30 delegates were elected. One-third library professionals and two-thirds lay people.
12	WHCLIS – 1979 The issues: Funding Local support Resolutions resulted in a better definition of what libraries needed, and how important they were to the American way of life.
13	WHCLIS - 1979 WHCLIS put the spotlight on libraries, federal dollars were increased, and federal funding has been stable ever since.
14	Goal of PA Governor’s Conference Establish a statewide Friends of Libraries association: To foster and promote public awareness of all libraries. To serve as an advocate for better libraries and information services throughout the state.
15	PCBL – A Goal in Action This goal was put into action by one of the delegates from Philadelphia who had organized the Friends of the Free Library, Richard Torbert. PA Citizens for Better Libraries became an entity prior to the first White House Conference. Many states followed this example and joined in organizing what today is an impressive network of state Friends groups.
16	The Mission of the Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries is to: Stimulate public and government awareness of the value of libraries as essential community services. Facilitate and nurture library Friends and other volunteer library support groups. Promote public interest and support for library funding, free usage, and legislative advocacy.
17	The Mission of the Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries is to: Cooperate with other library associations and agencies to provide educational programs on: Advocacy Marketing Leadership Funding Technology Provide advocacy for libraries and appropriate programs.
18	PCBL Membership Categories Personal $20 Group $40 501(c)3 affiliate $70 501(3) members please note that the $70 dues figure applies each year you remain an affiliate. Sustaining $50 Sponsor $100+ Corporate $250 Patron $500
19	Affiliate Membership Program Friends groups are extended tax exempt status under the PCBL umbrella "group extension provision" once they are affiliate members. Minimal paperwork and an additional fee are required for this exceptional time and money saver for your group.
20	Affiliate Membership Program Your membership dollars also allow PCBL: To work with the governor, the secretary of education and state legislators. To offer educational and training events. To encourage diverse activities that develop, motivate and strengthen PA Friends. To enable annual awards and recognition of groups, individuals, media, business and elected officials.
21	The Power of Advocacy PCBL is a united voice in support of libraries. PCBL recognizes and supports local Friends of the Library as authentic voices in their own communities. Friends have the clout that a librarian or trustee does not have.
22	The Power of Advocacy PCBL has the experience to lead this effort, especially backed up by the help of local Friends. PCBL provides its members with the facts and figures and the background necessary to make the case for libraries.
23	Expand the Power Base The Friends’ collective voice can shake politicians with its fervor and knowledge of facts and figures. Friends reach out and elicit support from others in their community. Friends tap community organizations for new members. Every Friend of the Library IS an advocate. Your membership counts a great deal.
24	Current Funding Crisis In 2003 the state’s budget represented a 37 percent cut from the previous year. The budget for 2004-05 restored $10.2 million – still a 30 percent cut from the previous budget. PA library users lost a minimum of $50 million in library services in just two years. Governor Rendell has called on local communities to do a better job in supporting their local libraries. Libraries are not a mandated service Best way to elicit more local support is through strong incentives in the state aid program.
25	Current Funding Crisis All this points to the KEY ROLE Friends can play in the funding crisis. The time is NOW, the issue is LIBRARIES, the action is up to YOU!
26	PCBL Plans For The Future: Because of the funding crisis, PCBL will be concentrating on advocacy concerns. More training of local groups on ways to garner increased local funding support. More training on how to build relationships with state representatives. Expansion of PCBL's membership base outside the usual circles of library users. Solicitation of more corporate support and interest in the library cause.
27	You are the Beneficiaries of 25 years of Advocacy. You are reaping the benefits of the original White House Conference on Libraries and Information Services. However, we are still fighting the battles that were fought then.
28	We need you to join PCBL!
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