FLA announces 2010 legislative awards

The Florida Library Association (FLA) announces its 2010 legislative awards for support of Florida’s libraries. With these awards, the Florida library community thanks legislators and state leaders who advocated for libraries in the 2010 Florida legislature. By honoring these leaders, FLA encourages local library supporters to recognize the hard work done by their leaders in maintaining state funding for public libraries.

State Aid to Public Libraries grant funding is a priority issue for Florida libraries and the communities they serve. Due to the tight state budget facing the 2010 Legislature, harmful cuts or even elimination of State Aid were not averted until the very last minute of the budget process. Many legislators and state leaders contributed to the effort to save library funding. Because this year’s effort was so intense and prolonged, the Florida library community would like to thank the many legislators who helped to save State Aid.

Florida Library Association legislative awards will be presented to legislators in their home communities by local library officials and supporters.

Legislators Who Led the Way in Insuring that State Aid to Public Libraries Is Funded for Another Year

§ Senator Jeff Atwater – Senate President
§ Senator J D Alexander
§ Senator Mike Fasano
§ Representative Rich Glorioso

These individuals were closely involved in the budget process and played critical roles in the decision to fund libraries. Senator Fasano and Representative Glorioso worked tirelessly and closely with the library community all year long. They stood up for library funding time after time. Senator Atwater provided support throughout the session and Senator Alexander intervened in the final budget meeting and proposed restoring library funding to the previous year level.

Legislators Who Went Out of Their Way and Made Special Efforts to Make Sure that Libraries Were Funded

§ Representative Leonard Bembry
§ Representative Marti Coley
§ Senator Paula Dockery
§ Representative Audrey Gibson
§ Representative. Mike Horner
§ Senator Al Lawson
§ Representative Evan Jenne
§ Representative Marlene O’Toole
§ Senator Chris Smith

Each of these legislators in their roles as members of their respective houses stepped up and went directly to the House and Senate leadership and made personal appeals for library funding.

Legislative Leaders without Whose Support Library Funding Would Not Have Been Won
§ Representative Larry Cretul –House Speaker
§ Representative Dean Cannon – Speaker Designate
§ Representative Will Weatherford
§ Representative David Rivera
§ Senator Mike Haridopolos – Senate President Designate

Special thanks to Secretary of State Kurt Browning!
In Florida government, support for public library service is part of the Department of State. Though Secretary Browning retired on the last day of the legislative session, it was not before distinguishing himself as one of the most supportive Secretaries ever. He worked tirelessly for libraries, even continuing until after midnight on the last night of the budget committee meetings.


The individuals named here are those whose efforts on behalf of libraries have come to our attention. There may be others whose efforts were not reported to us. We extend our thanks to all legislators who advocated for library funding and our apologies to any who may not have been named.

The Florida Library Association is a non-profit organization of libraries, library staff and those who support libraries with more than 1,000 members across the state.

FLA advocates for excellence in all types of library service throughout Florida. FLA also develops the skills of librarians and support staff and works closely with the information industry.

More information about the Florida Library Association and its advocacy efforts is available online at http://www.flalib.org/advocacy.php