For Immediate Release: November 25, 2020
Contact: Ellen Lu, Program Coordinator, contacts@vayla-no.org

New Orleans, Louisiana – VAYLA joins the Save Your NOLA Library coalition and a growing number of diverse organizations, library workers, and citizens in supporting libraries by voting NO on Proposition #2 on the December ballot.

“We live in a world where children’s success means access to a library. The fifteen libraries in New Orleans serve over a million individuals and families every year–for communities of color, New Orleans public libraries are an extension of home, a means of access, and a sacred space of possibilities.” – says Jacqueline Thanh, Executive Director of VAYLA New Orleans.

If passed, Proposition #2 would devastate library funding by $7.5 million (40%) and lead to reduction in many library services and resources. This bill would disproportionally impact low income communities of color who are already experiencing the strains of the pandemic, unemployment, and climate change. From providing materials for ESL learners to internet and computer access for job and college applications as first-generation high school graduates, our libraries are a critical component of the educational network ensuring student success in our city.

We live in a world where children’s success means access to a library.
​Chúng ta sống trong một thế giới mà sự thành công của tuổi trẻ đồng nghĩa với quyền sử dụng các thư viện.

We’re voting NO on Proposition #2 because we believe continued funding for our libraries makes for a stronger New Orleans. Stand with VAYLA to vote NO on #2 and save NOLA libraries.

Learn more about the Save Your NOLA Library campaign at Save Your NOLA Library Coalition.
#SaveYourLibraries

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VAYLA is an intersectional AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) nonprofit organization based in New Orleans focused on advocacy through providing climate and reproductive justice education, community organizing education, comprehensive civic engagement and pathways to citizenship.