Public Policy and Advocacy (PPA)

United for Libraries presents Public Service Award to Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.)

WASHINGTON, D.C. —  On May 1, United for Libraries Executive Director Sally Reed presented Sen. Jack Reed (D.-R.I.)  with United for Libraries’ Public Service Award for his support of libraries during a special reception in the Hart Senate office building.

Sen. Reed authored key sections of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and seeks to fix the No Child Left Behind education law that was signed into law nearly 14 years ago.

ALA applauds FY2017 budget increase for IMLS, calls on library supporters to defend federal library funding in FY2018 budget

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Monday congressional negotiators reached agreement on a bill to fund the U.S. government through September. The “omnibus” bill included $231 million for the Institute of Museum and Library Services – a $1 million increase over FY2016. American Library Association President Julie Todaro released the following statement:

More than 500 library supporters gather to fight for libraries in Washington, D.C. on 2017 National Library Legislative Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, more than five hundred library advocates from every state in the nation and the District of Columbia will gather in Washington, D.C. to advocate for federal support for libraries during the American Library Association’s (ALA) 43rd annual National Library Legislative Day. Over a thousand supporters also registered to participate simultaneously through Virtual Library Legislative Day, where advocates connect with legislators via phone calls, emails and social media platforms.

ALA, ACRL oppose FCC plans to roll back net neutrality

CHICAGO - ALA President Julie Todaro made the following statement in response to Federal Communications Commission Chairman (FCC) Pai’s plan to roll back net neutrality: 

Take action for libraries during Virtual Library Legislative Day

For National Library Legislative Day, May 1-2, 2017, hundreds of library supporters will convene in Washington D.C., where they meet with their members of Congress to rally support for library issues and policies.

ALA and ACRL join higher education, library groups to urge FCC and Congress to uphold net neutrality

WASHINGTON, DC — The American Library Association (ALA) and Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) continue the fight for an open Internet for all.

President’s budget proposal to eliminate federal library funding 'counterproductive and short-sighted'

WASHINGTON, DC — In response to President Trump's proposal to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services in his FY2018 budget, American Library Association (ALA) President Julie Todaro today issued the following statement:

ALA and 170 public interest organizations call on FCC and Congress to protect and enforce strong net neutrality rules and secure the open internet

Washington, DC – On the eve of the Senate Commerce Committee’s first Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Oversight Hearing of 2017, the American Library Association (ALA) and more than 170  public interest organizations sent a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune an

Sen. Jon Tester receives American Library Association’s 2017 James Madison Award

WASHINGTON, DC — Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) is the 2017 recipient of the American Library Association's James Madison Award, the ALA's Washington Office announced today.

Presented annually near the anniversary of President Madison's birth, the award honors individuals or groups who have championed, protected and promoted public access to government information and the public’s right to know.