Library Advocacy
Speak Up for the Monon Public Library
Use your voice to protect the resources, programs, and welcoming spaces our community depends on.
Why the Library Needs You Now
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) initiated a proposal that questions whether to continue E-Rate, the federal program that has made high-speed broadband internet and WiFi affordable for public libraries and schools nationwide. As part of the proposal, the FCC is seeking public comments on whether the E-Rate program is still necessary.
DEADLINE TO FILE COMMENTS IS OCTOBER 13th.
Your support matters right now! Contact your elected House and Senate representatives, listed below, and share why the library is important to you. Ask them to support eRate. Below, you can find a letter template to copy and personalize, contact information for your representatives, with trusted resources from the Indiana Library Federation and the American Library Association to get further information on this issue.
Elected Representatives
JIM BAIRD
U.S. Congress
(202) 225-5037
CONTACT FORM⇒
TODD YOUNG
U.S. Senator
(202) 224-5623
CONTACT FORM⇒
JIM BANKS
U.S. Senator
(202) 224-4814
CONTACT FORM⇒
Copy, Personalize,& Send Your Message
Your voice helps decision-makers understand what the public library means to Monon and the surrounding community. Use the adaptable letter template as a starting point, then add a personal detail about how the Monon Public Library has supported you, your family, your classroom, or your work. Click on CONTACT FORM under each Representative to go to their Contact Page, copy and paste the Letter Template into their Form with your personal changes. Thank you so much for your support of our library!
Advocacy Letter Template
[DATE]
Dear [Representative/Senator] [LAST NAME]:
I am writing as a resident [AND..] of Monon, Indiana, to ask you to support the federal E-Rate program and stand up for public libraries that depend on this program to provide reliable, affordable internet access to their communities.
E-Rate helps eligible public libraries afford the high-speed internet and technology infrastructure that their patrons increasingly depend upon. Public libraries are much more than places to borrow books. They are important community access points for technology, information, education, employment, and government services.
People use public library internet access to search and apply for jobs, complete homework and educational assignments, file taxes, apply for government assistance, communicate with employers and family members, access government websites, and obtain information and services that are increasingly available primarily online.
For many residents, particularly those who lack adequate internet service or technology at home, the public library provides an essential connection to the digital world.
If E-Rate funding is substantially reduced or eliminated, libraries may be forced to make difficult choices about the quality of their internet service and other services they provide. Depending on the library and its local resources, this could mean slower internet, delayed technology upgrades, fewer programs, reduced hours, or other cuts to services.
I believe public libraries should be able to continue providing dependable internet access without having to divert substantial portions of their local budgets away from the other services their communities need.
I respectfully ask you to support preserving the federal E-Rate program and to recognize the important role it plays in keeping public libraries connected to the communities they serve.
Thank you for your consideration and for representing the people of Indiana.
Sincerely,
[YOUR FULL NAME]
of Monon, Indiana
for Monon Town & Township Public Library
We Love Our Library!
Make It Personal
If you have the time, a short personal example makes your message more memorable. Share how you use the library—for children’s programs, internet access, borrowing materials, research help, job searching, or a safe place to learn. Keep your message respectful, specific, and focused on the library services you value.
Before You Send
Replace each bracketed prompt with your own information, confirm that you are contacting the correct official. You can easily send the letter using the online contact form on this page.
Library Advocacy & News
Stay informed about the policies, funding decisions, and community needs that affect Monon Town & Township Public Library. Use these trusted Indiana and national resources to understand current issues, prepare your message, and take informed action.
Library News
- Alarm Sounded over Potential Changes to E-rate Program
- No internet, no screen time? FCC weighs cutting subsidy that lowers school internet bills
- Braun Eliminates Indiana’s 50% Funding Match for Imagination Library
- Libraries Prepare for Financial Hit
- Gov. Mike Braun Signs House Bill 1406 into Law
- How New Legislation Could Impact Your Public Library
- Indiana Libraries, Museums Reeling from Federal, State Funding Cuts
Local Representatives
White County Council
County fiscal leaders who oversee budgets and investments of community resources.
—–
RAYMOND L KRAMER JR – President – butch.kramer@whitecounty.in.gov
STEVE CHRISTOPHER – steve.christopher@whitecounty.in.gov
JAMES G ANNIS – jim.annis@whitecounty.in.gov
ARTHUR A ANDERSON – art.anderson@whitecounty.in.gov
MATTHEW A McKEAN – matthew.mckean@whitecounty.in.gov
JOANNE MOSHER – joanne.mosher@whitecounty.in.gov
JANET J FAKER – janet.faker@whitecounty.in.gov
Monon Town Council
Local leaders who help shape community priorities and local services.
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Ken Hickman
Ron Benakovich
Toni Onken
Chris Franklin
Jamie Myers
White County Commissioners
County officials whose decisions can affect local funding, partnerships, and public services.
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David L. Davis – david.davis@whitecounty.in.gov
Kaleb D. Pass (Monon) – kaleb.pass@whitecounty.in.gov
Mike Smolek – mike.smolek@whitecounty.in.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Monon Public Library need community advocacy?
Advocacy helps elected officials and community leaders understand how library decisions affect real people. Your voice can show the value of dependable funding, open access to information, educational programs, technology, and welcoming spaces for everyone in our community.
Who should I contact about library issues?
Contact the local, state, or federal representative whose responsibilities connect to the issue. For local funding and community decisions, reach out to local officials. For state legislation, contact your Indiana State Senator and Representative. Official government websites can help you identify the right contacts.
How can I personalize the letter template?
Add a short, personal example of how the library has helped you, your family, your classroom, or your organization. Mention a program, service, book, computer resource, or staff support that mattered to you, then clearly state the action you hope your representative will take.
What should I say if I do not know all the details of an issue?
You do not need to be an expert to share your support. Focus on what you know: why the library matters to you and why continued access, funding, and professional library services are important to the Monon community. Use the resource links on this page for current facts and talking points.
Where can I find reliable information about library issues?
Start with updates from Monon Public Library, the Indiana Library Federation, and the American Library Association. These organizations provide timely, trustworthy information about legislation, funding, intellectual freedom, library access, and advocacy opportunities.
Speak Up!
Your message can make a difference. Contact your representatives, share why Monon Public Library matters to you, and encourage others to support the services, resources, and opportunities our library provides every day.