Late Bulletins

Despite an attempt last month by Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) to add to the FY04 appropriation for library funding, the Senate rejected his amendment 49–47; a supermajority—60 votes—was needed for passage. The proposal would have added $17.6 million to implement the new formula for state Library Service and Technology Act (LSTA) grants and $15 million for school libraries. The Senate bill now has $177 million for libraries. The House bill has $204.2 million for libraries, slightly less than President Bush's $207.5 million request, which included $169.6 million for state grants to libraries and library services to Native Americans. Meanwhile, both houses passed the LSTA reauthorization, as expected, at $232 million for five years.

Fulton County has offered $12 million to settle the reverse discrimination lawsuit—which, including interest and attorneys' fees, has hit $18 million—won by seven white librarians at the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System, with the provision that the five plaintiffs still employed resign. Plaintiffs' attorney Chris Anulewicz said the offer was unacceptable. The county's appeal, rejected twice in appellate court (see News , LJ 9/15/03, p. 20), may still go before the U.S. Supreme Court. Also, the Fulton County Taxpayers Association may sue the county Board of Commissioners to force the ouster of library director Mary Kaye Hooker and library board member William McClure. Both were found liable—as were two former board members—in the case. Deputy county attorney June Green told LJ the county has no power to fire Hooker and that the authority to remove a board member is unclear.

Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS) has introduced the Consumers, Schools, and Libraries Digital Rights Management (DRM) Awareness Act of 2003. It would require labeling of CDs, DVDs, and software that limit consumer uses with DRM restrictions; preserve the right to donate digital media to libraries and schools; and protect fair use. The bill would prevent copyright holders from compelling an Internet service provider to reveal identifying information about its subscribers before the filing of a civil lawsuit. This has been part of the Recording Industry Association of America's recent legal assault on file-sharers.

The board of the Cook Memorial Library, Libertyville, IL, censured trustee Jack L. Martin September 16 for removing copies of a free newspaper from the library without consulting other board members or library officers (see News , LJ 10/1/03, p. 18ff.). According to the Daily Herald, board president Ed Abderholden told Martin his actions "went far beyond what any trustee can or should do." Martin said that, while he does not support censorship, he still believes in "common sense and decency." The newspaper had a headline "Dial M for Motherf—er."

The new National Library in Singapore, now under construction, has gained a $60 million (SGD; $33.4 million USD) donation, nearly one third of the cost. The Lee Foundation, run by the three sons of philanthropist Lee Kong Chian, has followed its namesake, who in 1953 gave $375,000 (SGD) to build the original National Library. The donation will go to materials, improving facilities and services, and librarian training. The reference section of the new building will be named for Lee Kong Chian. The 16-story structure, five times larger than the current building, should open in 2005.