You may have never heard of E-rate, but if you use the internet or Wi-Fi at your Library, you’ve benefited from what it helps make possible. For nearly 30 years, the federal E-rate program has helped public libraries and schools afford high-speed internet, Wi-Fi and the equipment needed to keep their networks running.
For the Louisville Free Public Library, that support makes a real difference: last year, E-rate saved LFPL $113,963.84.
Now, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering changes that could significantly limit or even end the program. The American Library Association (ALA) and Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition (SHLB) are leading a national effort to protect E-rate, and Louisville needs to be part of that collective voice.
What is E-rate?
E-rate is a federal program that helps public libraries and schools afford high-speed internet, Wi-Fi and the equipment needed to keep their networks running. Started in the 1990s, the program provides 85–90% cost savings on these services and equipment.
That means libraries can spend less of their limited local dollars keeping their buildings connected and more on the other resources and services their communities rely on.
Learn more about E-rate and the national effort from the American Library Association.
What’s happening now?
The FCC is reviewing the future of E-rate and has asked for public input on significant changes to the program, including whether E-rate should be limited or potentially ended.
ALA and SHLB have launched the national Save Our E-Rate campaign to bring together libraries, schools and the communities they serve.
Learn more about the national Save Our E-Rate campaign.
How you can help
Submit a comment to the FCC by October 13.
You don’t need to be an expert on E-rate. You simply need to tell the FCC that this program matters to libraries and the communities they serve.
The Save Our E-Rate campaign has made it easy, with step-by-step instructions for submitting a comment and sample language you can use as a starting point.
Get step-by-step instructions and sample comments from Save Our E-Rate.
Or, if you’re ready to submit your comment:
Go directly to the FCC Express Comment form.
Comments must be submitted by October 13.
That’s it. A few minutes of your time can help make sure Louisville is part of a much larger national voice speaking up for our libraries.
Want to learn more?
The organizations leading the national effort have additional information, data and advocacy resources:
American Library Association: Save Our E-Rate
Learn more about E-rate, what’s at stake and why ALA is advocating for the program to continue.
Save Our E-Rate | Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition
Explore the national campaign, E-rate data, FCC resources and additional ways to take action.
Libraries connect people to books, information, opportunity and one another. Today, that also means connecting people to the internet.
Please add your voice by October 13 and help protect this important resource for libraries in Louisville and across the country.
