GREGG-SPONSORED MUSEUMS & LIBRARIES BILL SIGNED BY PRESIDENT
New Law Increases State Grants to Libraries

On September 25th, President Bush signed into law a bipartisan bill, sponsored by Senator Judd Gregg, Chairman of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, that will provide our libraries and museums with much needed federal support, improving the range of services our libraries provide. Specifically, the "Museum and Library Services Act of 2004" would double the minimum amount states would receive in grants for their libraries. This means up to a 50% increase in federal library funds for New Hampshire, with some states receiving even more.

"Even with the rise of 24-hour news cycle and internet blog sites, there will always be the need for a good book. This bill helps to ensure our libraries do not become a relic of the past, but remain an important part of our neighborhoods and our culture. Libraries in communities around the country are set to benefit from this bill," said Chairman Gregg when the bill passed in August.

"I am also pleased that this bill will coordinate its action with the school library provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act, as well as allow funds to be used to recruit new professionals into the field of library science," said Chairman Gregg in August.

In response to the passage of this bill, New Hampshire State Librarian Michael York said, "We in the New Hampshire libraries are very grateful to Senator Gregg for his leadership on this important legislation for libraries. The funds provided by this bill help New Hampshire libraries provide exceptional service to the citizens of the state. We greatly appreciate all that Senator Gregg has done to see that New Hampshire gets the funding it needs to make this happen."

"The Museum and Library Services Act is a critical piece of legislation that underscores the essential educational role of libraries and museums. I applaud Senator Gregg's leadership; his work helps to ensure that the opportunity for learning and discovery in the Nation's libraries and museums is available to all people throughout their lives. In passing the Museum and Library Services Act Congress affirms the importance of the federal government's role in helping libraries and museums to better serve their communities," said Dr. Robert S. Martin, Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

"We are very grateful to Senator Gregg for his unwavering support in securing the increase in the Arts & Artifacts Indemnity. The National Gallery of Art's international exhibitions program, as well as those exhibitions of all American museums, which bring great works of art from around the world for the enjoyment of the American public, will be measurably enhanced. Senator Gregg's strong support is very much appreciated," said Earl A. Powell III, Director of the National Gallery of Art.

The "Museum and Library Services Act of 2003" has enjoyed broad bipartisan support and its list of cosponsors include Senators Reed (D-RI), Frist (R-TN), Kennedy (D-MA), & Enzi (R-WY).

- Bill Summary -

• Continues federal support of libraries and museums through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
  
• Authorizes a doubling of the minimum state allotment under the Grants to State Library Agencies Programs. That provision allows for an increase, if appropriated, of 50% for New Hampshire's federal library allotment under the law.
  
• Increases the indemnity limits in the Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act, facilitating the international exchange and display of works of art, books, rare documents, artifacts and other published materials.
  
• Requires that the Director, where appropriate, ensure that the library activities of the IMLS are coordinated with the school library provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act.
  
• Supports efforts to recruit more librarians by allowing funds to be used for the recruitment of persons in library and information science.
  

-Reprinted with permission