Fund Libraries Campaign

It's time to take action - it's time to #FundLibraries! With the release of the President's proposed budget, Congress has begun the process of building next year's federal budget. Library advocates have the opportunity to remind their members of Congress why library funding is nonnegotiable. From early literacy programs to workforce skills trainings, from stable internet access to tool libraries, libraries rely on robust federal funding to provide vital services to their communities - Congress must support our nation's communities by supporting our nation's libraries. Learn more about the campaign, take action, and spread the word with our tools and resources below! 

Each year, ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office works with congressional staff to produce and circulate "Dear Appropriator" letters in Congress, addressed to members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. The circulation of these letters marks the first and most influential nationwide advocacy action on the federal budget in any given year. As library advocates, we ask Congress to sign these letters and support federal funding for libraries. In 2023 (FY2024), the letters for the Library Services & Technology Act (LSTA) are led by Rep. Raúl Grijalva (AZ-3) and Rep. Don Bacon (NE-2) in the House, and Sen. Jack Reed (RI) in the Senate. The letters for the Innovative Approaches to Literacy Act (IAL) are led by Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-2) and Rep. Don Bacon (NE-2) in the House and Sen. Jack Reed (RI) and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (MI) in the Senate. ALA is requesting funding totals of $232 million for LSTA and $50 million for IAL.

Congressional Signature History

Have your Senators signed on to support library funding for FY24?

Has your Representative signed on in support of library funding for FY24?

Appropriations Fact Sheets & Resources

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Past "Dear Appropriator" Letters

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