Libraries Around the World Support U.S. Library Community

The international library community has been sending its support to the U.S. library community and ALA during these challenging times. And in opposition to recent the firing of Dr. Carla Hayden as the Librarian of Congress. ALA thanks colleagues from around the world.

IFLA Freedom of Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE)

“FAIFE members express our support for library and information workers in the United States and around the world whose ability to fulfill their responsibilities is being compromised, and who are living with fear and threats to their safety due to government actions.”


The European Bureau of Library, Information and Documentation Associations (EBLIDA)

“In this time of increasing attacks and challenges to your mission, it is more important than ever to reaffirm the values that libraries represent: they are pillars of democracy in our societies. EBLIDA stands in solidarity with the ALA and fully supports its unwavering commitment to the power of critical thinking and to fostering inclusive, informed communities.”


Bulgarian Library and Information Association (BLIA)

"On behalf of the Executive Board of the Bulgarian Library and Information Association, we would like to express our solidarity and strong support for the American Library Association's efforts to safeguard and restore the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

Bulgaria and the United States have a longstanding history of strong cultural and diplomatic ties, in which libraries have played a vital role. Bulgarian libraries have greatly benefited from the expertise and leadership of the American library community. The MARC format, developed and maintained by the Library of Congress, serves as the foundation for cataloging in major Bulgarian academic and public libraries. Furthermore, we have an active book exchange with leading American institutions, and we are grateful that the Library of Congress maintains a full deposit of Bulgarian print publications.

We highly value the “American Corners” initiative in Bulgarian libraries, which has been instrumental in promoting cultural dialogue and expanding access to knowledge and information related to the United States.
The IMLS is not only essential for the development of libraries and museums in the United States but also a vital pillar of international cooperation in the fields of culture, education, and democratic values. Its mission is even more crucial today, as access to reliable information and cultural heritage plays a key role in the sustainable development of civil society worldwide.

We are confident that the library community in the United States will continue to be a global leader, and we wholeheartedly support your advocacy for the protection and strengthening of the IMLS." - Assoc. Prof. Kalina Ivanova, PhD Chair of the Executive Board, Bulgarian Library and Information Association


Free Libraries Network, India

“To all the library activists of American Library Association and the United States of America, We, the grassroots librarians & activists of the Free Libraries Network, India, wish to offer our solidarity as the American public library system suffers devastating attacks on its vital institutions..”


Norwegian Library Association

"The Norwegian Library Association (NBF) stands in full solidarity with library users and library workers in the United States during this troubling time, when libraries and democratic institutions are under attack.

Libraries are essential pillars of democracy. They provide open and inclusive spaces for learning, public discourse, and access to knowledge and information. Any attempt to undermine their independence, restrict access to information, or impose censorship is deeply alarming—not only in a national context, but as a threat to our shared democratic values globally.

We are witnessing with deep concern a political development in the United States that appears to challenge these fundamental principles. Attempts to control democratic institutions through funding cuts and politically motivated removals of key leadership positions are serious warning signs. We strongly support our American colleagues and the American Library Association. We firmly condemn the cuts, and the planned defunding of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for the 2026 Budget, as well as the dismissals of Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden, the Register of Copyrights Shira Perlmutter, and the Archivist of the United States, Dr. Colleen Shogan. These individuals and institutions play crucial roles in preserving history, ensuring access to knowledge, and maintaining a functioning democracy.

These actions will have serious consequences—not only for the people of the United States, but also for the international library community and everyone who believes in the free exchange of ideas. Cuts to cultural and knowledge institutions, censorship, and book banning leave lasting scars that can only be healed through greater openness and a renewed commitment to democratic values. The actions of the Trump administration demonstrate a troubling disregard for the core values of democracy, including freedom of expression, academic freedom, and institutional independence. Attacks on academic freedom harm not only research and education, but also international cooperation and trust in scholarly knowledge. Imposing restrictions on research topics and language is an unacceptable infringement on academic integrity and a clear sign of disrespect for intellectual freedom.

While these developments are unfolding in the United States, they reflect a broader global trend of rising authoritarianism and attacks on knowledge institutions. We must resist this—together. The Norwegian Library Association stands firmly for the right to access knowledge, the freedom of expression, and the right of all people to participate in society without fear of repression. Should there be any way in which we can be of further assistance beyond expressing our support, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are committed to standing with you in defense of intellectual freedom.

To all library workers, library users, and those who continue to defend freedom and democracy in the United States—we see you, we support you, and we will continue to stand with you in solidarity." - Oslo, June 12th, 2025


Association of Austrian Librarians (VÖB) and the Austrian Library Association (BVÖ)
(On the firing of Dr. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress and Shira Perlmutter, Register of Copyrights)

“The Association of Austrian Librarians (VÖB) and the Austrian Library Association (BVÖ) are extremely critical of the current developments and strongly oppose these dismissals, which they consider unjustified.”

"Politically motivated influence on the Library of Congress undermines its independence and calls into question the mission and status not only of the Library of Congress, but of libraries as a whole. Libraries, with their services, stand for free and easy access to information for all people, regardless of age, gender, origin, or education. They thus assume central tasks that safeguard democracy. Our solidarity goes out to all our US colleagues and professional associations," said Eva Ramminger, President of the VÖB, and Marie Therese Stampfl, Chair of the BVÖ.


German Library Associations

“The German library associations, namely Bibliothek & Information Deutschland e.V. – BID (Library and Information in Germany) and its member associations, the Berufsverband Information Bibliothek e.V. – BIB (Association of Information and Library Professionals), the Deutscher Bibliotheksverband e.V. – dbv (the German Library Association) and the VDB – Verein Deutscher Bibliothekarinnen und Bibliothekare e.V. (Association of German Librarians) strongly condemn the dismissal of Carla Hayden.

Dr. Sabine Homilius, President of BID, commented: "This termination is a direct attack on the independence of the Library of Congress and the professionalism of library work. Libraries play a central role in ensuring free access to information and media and in enabling participation in social decision-making processes. They are therefore central institutions of functioning democracies. The attack on individuals and infrastructure in the library system is an attack on democracies themselves. Our solidarity and support goes out to US libraries and associations."