Development

ALA’s Library Champion program was launched by a select group of corporate and foundation supporters who joined together to form a broad-based group to advocate for libraries and the library profession. The Campaign for America’s Libraries and its @ your library ® brand—which now supports libraries across the nation by fostering public awareness on the extensive range of services available at their community library—was established from their vision. 

Today, the Library Champion program continues to build upon their incredible success and encourages the next generation of corporations and foundations to join them in a call to action and powerfully proclaim the importance of the library in American society.

ALA considers its Library Champions among our greatest proponents. Companies can become a Library Champion by making a $5,000 contribution, 80% of which is used to support the Campaign for America’s Libraries, one of ALA’s most successful public awareness and advocacy programs.

With the generous support of our Library Champions ALA is able to enhance the Associations' Campaign for America’s Libraries to help increase awareness of the value and benefit of public, school, academic and special libraries on a national level. Supporting the efforts of ALA on behalf of our nation's libraries means supporting a cornerstone of American life: access to information is essential to our democracy, our freedom of speech and the educational development of the citizens of our nation. 

Libraries support families and workers in a challenging economy. As the economy continues its slow recovery, libraries nationwide continue to play an important role in communities everywhere, as people turn to them for free entertainment, to connect to the Internet and look for jobs. Read more.

Libraries are a cornerstone of education. A survey commissioned by the Texas Library Association shows that people view their libraries as a good value for their tax dollars, and support more funding for public and school libraries. 99% of those surveyed believe school libraries are an essential part of education. 94% agree that school librarians are critical to student achievement. A 93% majority supports legislation that would require public schools to provide a school library and librarian that meet statewide standards. Read more.

Libraries build community. Libraries are uniquely local institutions that reflect and sustain their individual communities. Far more than collections of books, today's libraries are places to meet, use a computer, view an exhibit or get help with homework. Working in partnership with government, education, business and civic organizations, libraries of all types - public, school, college and university - provide services and programs that support literate, productive and informed communities. Read more.

Library Champions Program Overview (PDF download)
Library Champions Member Benefit Information (PDF download)
Keith Michael Fiels discusses the need for libraries (Video)