Help save the State Library of Massachusetts!

At a press conference on Thursday, 29 October, the Massachusetts Governor's Office announced that Governor Deval Patrick is considering closing the State Library of Massachusetts as a cost-saving measure. This closure will have a monumental impact on the Commonwealth's cultural heritage.

Open to the public since 1826, the State Library has developed comprehensive collections in the areas of government documents, law, Massachusetts history, and public and current affairs. From the Bradford manuscript "Of Plimoth Plantation" to an ever-expanding digital repository, the holdings of the State Library shed light on the Commonwealth's past, present, and future.

There are several ways you can help:

• Show your support for the State Library by signing its online petition.
• Contact the Governor directly via his website and ask that he keep the State Library open.
• Consider making a donation to the Friends of the State Library of Massachusetts.

In addition to doing the above, you Bay Staters out there might also want to consider contacting your legislators.

For the most recent information about the fight to save the State Library, check out its blog and follow Save Your State Library! on Facebook.