REFORMA Stands in Solidarity With Los Angeles Teachers and School Librarians

REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking, stands in solidarity with Los Angeles teachers and school librarians.

 

Teachers in Los Angeles are demanding wage increases and funding for public schools and crucial services for their students such as counselors, librarians, nurses, smaller class ratios, and less testing. L.A. teachers need the support and solidarity of union locals and organizations across the country in hopes of acquiring these fundamental resources that synonymous with quality education.

 

As library professionals, we are at the forefront of education. Our libraries are the hub of community—in and out of schools—and children in our communities rely on our connection to obtain resources and navigate them into academic, professional, and personal success. During difficult times, libraries have been points of gathering and refuge, and with that the understanding that we are all valid and deserving of dignity.

Resources for Families

 

Los Angeles Public Library

The Los Angeles Public Library is offering expanded daytime programing for kids and teens at their 73 locations as well as free passes to museums and other cultural institutions through their Explore L.A. program.

City of Los Angeles Resources During the Strike

The City of Los Angeles is offering extended Hours, increased staffing, lunch, and programming at select Recreation Centers. LA Metro and LADOT DASH and Commuter Express are offering free rides to LA Unified students between the hours of 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. on regular school …..

 

L.A. Institutions Offering Free/Discounted Admission

The L.A. Zoo, Natural History Museum, and more are offering free (and paid) programs for kids during the strike. (LA Magazine)

 

LAUSD Family Resource Guide & Hotlines

Information regarding attendance and hotlines to contact LAUSD officials.

Take Action

Adopt-a-School
Adopt one or several schools where parents and community members can join the picket lines before and after school.

 

Contact Your CA Representative

School funding is determined by California’s Governor and State Legislature. Contact your CA representative to demand more spending on education.

 

Contact LAUSD
Call Superintendent Beutner (213-241-7000) and School Board President Monica Garcia (213-241-6480) to demand they use part of their $1.9 reserve to fully fund Los Angeles schools.

 

Approved by the REFORMA Executive Committee on January 18, 2019: Madeline Peña, Kenny Garcia, Tess Tobin, Gloria Grover, Ana Campos, David Lopez, Nicanor Diaz, Manny Figueroa, and Patricia Valdovinos.

 

REFORMA is the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking. Established in 1971 as an affiliate of the American Library Association (ALA), REFORMA has actively sought to promote the development of library collections to include Spanish-language and Latino oriented materials; the recruitment of more bilingual and bicultural library professionals and support staff; the development of library services and programs that meet the needs of the Latino community; the establishment of a national information and support network among individuals who share our goals; the education of the U.S. Latino population with regard to the availability and types of library services; and lobbying efforts to preserve existing library resource centers serving the interests of Latinos. For more information, please visit www.reforma.org.