Show Up for Our Libraries
Libraries are among the most trusted institutions in America. From cradle to grave, libraries provide opportunity and enrichment for everyone in their communities. Yet in recent years, libraries have begun 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. Now the federal government is moving 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.
Libraries are here for us – in schools, on campuses, in cities, small towns and beyond. Here are ways we can Show Up #ForOurLibraries:
If you have 5 minutes:
1. Call Your Members of Congress.
Use this form to make a call in support of federal library funding. Enter your address in the form, and then click the call button to receive a phone call that connects you with your elected officials. Visit this page for details on how much your state receives from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
Call on Congress to protect IMLS
2. Email Your Members of Congress.
Use this form to email your members of Congress. Enter your address in the form, and then click the "Send email" button to contact your elected officials. Your message can be customized--tell your story!
Email Congress to protect IMLS
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! Use our print resources below to help spread the message in person!
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. Tell five other people to take action.
Tell five other people to take action by sharing these links to call and email Congress, 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.
- Call on Congress to Protect Library Funding
- bit.ly/CallCongressForLibraries
- Email Congress to Protect Library Funding
- bit.ly/ProtectLibraryFunding
5. Keep updated by following our socials.
ALA Bluesky: @amlibraryassoc
ALA Facebook: @AmericanLibraryAssociation
ALA Instagram: @americanlibraryassociation
ALA Threads: @americanlibraryassocation
ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Office Bluesky: @librarypolicy
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.
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 checklists for in-person and virtual tours (PDF).
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 buy shirts, hats, totes, and more!
Your membership supports our critical advocacy work and unlocks access to thousands of ALA resources, courses, and more. Join or renew your membership today!
Your support helps the American Library Association protect the future of libraries to ensure everyone has the freedom to read, learn, and grow.
