ALA launches FY 2026 #FundLibraries campaign, driving congressional support to fully fund federal programs at risk of elimination

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the American Library Association (ALA) launched its annual #FundLibraries campaign, calling on advocates in every congressional district to urge their Congressmembers to cosign letters of support to fund key federal programs for library services nationwide. The push for congressmembers to publicly support library programs comes on the heels of an executive order to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the only source of dedicated federal funding for the nation’s 125,000 public, school, academic, government and special libraries.

ALA President Cindy Hohl said, “For decades, ALA members have actively engaged their Congressmembers throughout the federal appropriations process to support funding for libraries. Under the first Trump Administration, libraries overcame threats to eliminate IMLS for four years straight. Our combined advocacy not only preserved the agency but increased federal funding for libraries – and with bipartisan support. We will not quit now.

“Americans in every state rely on their libraries. All of us will feel the impact if Congress fails to continue its historic and nonpartisan federal support for libraries. Now is the time to remind elected leaders of what libraries have achieved for communities.”

Led by Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE-02) and Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA-02), the two letters, respectively, call for robust funding from IMLS for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and $50 million for the Department of Education’s Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program. Companion letters in the Senate will begin to circulate in the coming weeks.

LSTA grants ensure that every state has access to needed resources and authority to determine their use, which include a wide range of essential services such as Wi-Fi and hotspot lending, access to technology and digital skills training, summer reading programs, employment support and materials for people with print disabilities.

IAL is the only federal program dedicated to supporting school libraries in the most high-need areas. IAL competitive grants provide books, parental engagement programs and professional development for library experts to ensure children are best positioned for success. Much of the current $30 million in funding is reserved for the work of school libraries. In the most recent round of awards, 18 states received IAL grants. The additional $20 million requested by ALA for the IAL program would allow students in many other states to receive better literacy support and services.

“There is one final wall of defense against destruction of federal funding for libraries,” said Hohl: “constituents who tell elected leaders to continue providing libraries the federal resources that bring opportunity to millions of Americans—veterans, young families, students, teachers, jobseekers, taxpayers, seniors and more.”

Advocates can contact their federal leaders through ALA's #FundLibraries campaign page. ALA also is encouraging libraries, associations and other institutions to send official requests to their members of Congress to cosign the House letters, which will stay open for approximately four weeks. ALA tracks signatures on Dear Appropriator letters and updates them in real time at ala.org/fundlibraries, where more information can be found on the FY 2026 #FundLibraries campaign.

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The American Library Association (ALA) is the only non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated entirely to America's libraries and library professionals. For almost 150 years, ALA has provided resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. The ALA serves academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.