Advocacy and Activism

Find out how you can better advocate for teen library services in your community!

Advocacy and activism is a goal in the YALSA's 2022 - 2025 Strategic Plan. Recent studies from the NCES indicate that only 79% of secondary schools employ a school librarian - so ongoing advocacy efforts is vital to help ensure that all teens have access to great libraries!


Tools to Get You Started


If you have 5 minutes or less...

  • Spread the word: share this brief video with library supervisors, school principals, elected officials, policy makers and other local VIPs, or link to it from your site.
  • Share: Let colleagues and friends know about YALSA's social media accounts (Facebook and Bluesky) where we share helpful information about teen library services.

If you have 15 minutes...

  • Explore ALA's United for Libraries webpage
  • Share news & Information with Policy Makers:
    • send them a newspaper clipping/digital news link about a past library event
    • send them an invitation to an upcoming library event

If you have an hour...

  • Give a presentation to your coworkers or colleagues at a local library workshop or conference.
  • Speak up at staff meetings & community events
  • Reach out to Local VIPs to educate them about the great things your library does for teens.
  • Engage supporters by letting them know about the ALA Supporter program

If you have lots of time...

  • Start a Teen Friends of the Library Group to specifically help support teen services at your library
  • Attend your state library legislative day (check your state library association's web site for dates and details)
  • Invite your elected officials to your library