By: Autumn Foltz
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) — The Fayetteville Public Library and other Arkansas libraries are at risk of losing important resources and support if Senate Bill 536 is passed. This bill aims to eliminate the Arkansas State Library as well as the State Library Board. According to the Fayetteville Public Library, this bill also has several other proposals including:
- “Transferring their responsibilities to the Department of Education and State Archives
- Requiring libraries to adopt new policies restricting access to materials for teens
- Mandating specific open hours based on population size
- Shifting key support functions to systems that are not currently equipped to manage library services”
Senate Bill 536 was passed on April 2 by the Arkansas Senate. Today Monday, April 7, the House will consider it. Fayetteville Public Library is asking for help from the community to vote “NO” on this bill.
The passing of SB 536 could cause libraries in Arkansas to lose resources and support that aids the community. At risk is the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which provides state and federal funding for libraries. According to the Fayetteville Public Library, “services such as self-checkout kiosks, mobile printing, summer reading programs, online research tools, and access to interlibrary loan systems” are just some of the services that the library has received from resources and funding for the community’s use.
“Senate Bill 536 would likely force us and other libraries to make some tough decisions about the resources we are proud to offer our communities,” said David Johnson, the Fayetteville Public Library’s executive director. “It is asking us to shut the doors on access to knowledge.”
Fayetteville Public Library identifies as a, “community hub, place of lifelong learning, and cornerstone of equal access to information,” which are all at risk with the passing of Senate Bill 536. The Fayetteville Public Library asks the community to advocate for libraries so they can keep supporting the community for years on end.