Everyone who loves public libraries is invited to attend the Love Your Library Rally on Saturday, February 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wareham Free Library.

The goal of the rally is to promote support for increased state funding for public libraries in Massachusetts. One-tenth of 1 percent of the state’s budget goes to support libraries, but library usage across the state is up. There were 503,279 new library cards issued in Massachusetts last year, but state funding for libraries and library resources has dropped by 39 percent in the past decade.

Local resident and performer Jackson Gillman will perform two programs for families on Rally Day, one at 11 a.m. and one at 12 p.m. Gillman’s performances reach out and touch his audiences, making the laugh, making them think, and leaving them delighted. There will be a showcase of local talent and crafts throughout the library. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Wareham Free Library.

Participants are invited to stop in for a few minutes or stay for the whole event. Everyone who visits on Rally Day will receive a small door prize and a chance to win Love Your Library gift baskets provided by the Friends.

Be sure to stop by enjoy the entertainment, chat with State Senator Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton) and State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham), and let everyone know why public libraries matter to you.

For more information on the event, contact Denise Medeiros of the Wareham Free Library at 508-295-2343, extension 1010. The library is located at 59 Marion Road.