Federal Funding - eRate Info

Below is a link to the ALA Action Center.

Why share it you ask? Great question.

The internet that you as a patron use when you utilize any of the Brooke County Public Libraries, Public Access Computers (PACS), and/or WiFi connection points, is provided in support by the State Library, which files eRate each year to help reduce internet costs and makes the bill more affordable for them to pay for many libraries in WV. If we were to lose eRate, the Library Section would not be able to completely pay that much larger bill, which would jeopardize the internet connection we currently have.

On June 25, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) initiated a proposal that questions whether to continue the federal program that has made high-speed broadband and Wi‑Fi affordable for public libraries and schools nationwide: the FCC is threatening to terminate the E-Rate program.

Please consider visiting the link to send a letter to let our representatives know how much e-rate means to WV libraries.  Many small libraries would be financially unable to provide free internet services to our West Virginia patrons without the E-Rate program. The WV citizens who access WV libraries' free internet services are some of the constituents who need the most assistance in life. 

Consider personalizing the form letter so that state reps know how it could affect you, a family member, and/or a good friend's household.

https://action.ala.org/campaign/saveourerate/

Thanks for supporting WV Libraries!