All of us — authors, educators, parents/caregivers, engaged, curious citizens, and of course, readers — have benefitted from America’s libraries. Libraries are the beating heart of our communities, doing everything from hosting events, offering free resources, helping us research, creating special spaces for kids, and being a safe place we can all gather together.
Libraries are also all-too vulnerable to budget cuts, and they desperately need the support of each and every one of us. This summer, do you have five minutes to take on one or more suggested activities to Show Up #ForOurLibraries? Here are ways to help, from quick, five-minutes-or-less actions or bigger swings:
EveryLibrary.org suggests:
- Attend library board and city council meetings so you can weigh in on important matters related to your local library.
- Run for the library board.
- Raise awareness by sharing news about your local library on social media and with your social circle.
- Sign up for the EveryLibrary email list to keep abreast of the latest library news.
The American Library Association (ALA) suggests:
- Contact your members of Congress and ask them to protect federal library funding.
- Use the ALA social media toolkit to help spread the word about all the great things libraries in the U.S. do and how you and your community can protect them.
- You can also follow the American Library Association and the ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Office on social media: ALA Bluesky: @amlibraryassoc | ALA Facebook: @AmericanLibraryAssociation | ALA Instagram: @americanlibraryassociation | ALA Threads: @americanlibraryassocation | ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Office Bluesky: @librarypolicy
Libraries have been there for us. Now let’s make sure we’re there for them!
