Show Up for Our Libraries
Libraries are among the most trusted institutions in America, providing opportunity and enrichment at every stage in life. Yet in recent years, libraries have been facing unprecedented challenges – bans on library materials and programs, threats to cut local funding, and state legislation that would criminalize librarians for doing their jobs. And this year, we expect the federal government to continue attempting to cut off its modest but effective support for libraries, from withdrawal of funding for broadband to the elimination of the only source of federal funding for our nation’s 125,000 libraries, the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Our libraries urgently need federal funding to continue.
Libraries are here for us – in schools, on campuses, in cities, in small towns, and beyond. Here are ways we can Show Up #ForOurLibraries:
If you have 5 minutes:
1. Send a Message to Your U.S. House Representative
The two bipartisan "Dear Appropriator" letters by Representatives McGovern and Bacon are now available for signatures from other House Representatives. We need as many signatures on these letters as possible to encourage Appropriations Committee members to include library services funds in the budget. And House lawmakers only have until March 20 to sign on, so we need them to act fast!
Ask Your House Rep. to Support Libraries!
2. Read up on the federal budget process
Not sure what the "Dear Appropriator" letters are all about? Check out our resource page below, with a description of the federal budget process and a history of what lawmakers have signed letters in previous years.
Learn About Funding Libraries in Congress
3. Help spread the word on social media or in person.
Follow this link for social media graphics and sample social posts to help get the word out online. You can even research what social media platforms your Congressmembers use regularly and try to tag them in your messages there!
If you’re asking why you should contact Congress in more than one way: The truth is that legislators get thousands of messages each day. The more they get on any one issue, the higher their staff puts them on their priority list—especially when it comes to phone calls.
Print Resources
Use these customizable Canva templates to educate your patrons about the importance of federal library funding.
Bookmark 1
Bookmark 1 with white background
If you have 10 minutes or more:
4. Support our advocacy by becoming an ALA member.
There has never been a more critical time to support library advocacy. As a member, your contributions to ALA enable advocacy campaigns and policy research, and unlock access to an unparalleled array of professional resources, tools, and trainings. Learn more and become an ALA member today:
5. Tell five other people to take action.
Tell five other people to take action by sharing these links to send messages to Congress in support of federal library funding, and then encourage them to share on social, too! Right-click the links below to copy the links and paste them in emails, text messages, or social media.
ala.org/ShowUp
6. Share your library story.
You can use this simple action page to share your story with your Congressmembers—just make sure to customize the default text box! Or share your story with ALA - use our easy submission form to send us your own community's story.
Use our storytelling tipsheet (PDF) for more, including how you can share photos and video of your story with ALA so we can help you share it with decision-makers, journalists, or other key audiences.
Need some inspiration? Check out library funding stories from around the country!
If you have more time:
7. Write a letter to the editor (LTE) of your local news outlet. Use our new LTE toolkit to help guide your writing!
8. Read up on the details of why the Institute for Museum and Library Services is so critical across the country, especially in rural and indigenous communities.
9. Arrange a congressional tour of your library, using ALA’s guides for in-person and virtual tours.
10. Schedule an in-district office meeting with your Congressmember’s staff or work on building a relationship with them.
Bonus: Rep the campaign with Show up For Our Libraries merch! Visit the ALA Graphics Store to customize our call to action on shirts, hats, totes, and more!
Learn more about other ways you can show up for library funding by exploring ALA's advocacy priorities! From Digital Equity to Copyright, ALA is committed to showing up for our library communities.
Your support helps the American Library Association protect the future of libraries to ensure everyone has the freedom to read, learn, and grow.
Rep the campaign to show up for our libraries with the latest merchandise available at ALA's Online Store.
Your membership supports our critical advocacy work and unlocks access to thousands of ALA resources, courses, and more. Join or renew your membership today!
