The economic forecast for 2008 does not look good.  Recession is being discussed and lack of money is an issue looking in the future.  But public libraries in Alabama are making “hay while the sun shines.” 

This year has seen unprecedented funds made available through the state legislature for new construction, renovation and repair of public library buildings.  The 2007 Legislature allocated $1 million in the APLS budget for 2008 for grants.  The APLS Executive Board voted to use the funds for public library construction grants.  We received applications from more than 90 state public libraries.  The requests ranged from $2,000 to $50,000 covering issues from leaking roofs to new construction.  The APLS Board awarded 44 construction grants for the 2008 fiscal year. 

The State of Alabama in 2008 issued the largest education bond issue in its history:  $1.07 billion.  In that bond issue $5.8 million was allocated to 61 public libraries.  The inclusion of public libraries in the education bond issue was due in large part to the efforts of the Public Library Directors Council of Alabama (PLDCA), Representative Richard Lindsey, Senator Hank Sanders and APLS staff.  These funds will go a long way in making our public libraries more functional for their patrons.

While the future is iffy, the present is a blessing for many of our libraries.

APLS continues to strive to be a leader and sustainer of information for all of the citizens of Alabama.