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Massachusetts Library Helps Voters Get Reader. Voter. Ready

Hannah Arata on October 14, 2026

Attending a campaign event can feel overwhelming. There may be a request for a donation or an expectation to identify yourself right away with a particular candidate, but you still want to know who you’re voting for and make a well-informed decision at the polls. Springfield City (Mass.) Library (SCL) offers a simple way to bypass awkward or intense situations: Just walk in! Through its “Meet & Greet Candidates for Mayor and City Council” program, SCL creates a space where residents can meet candidates, ask questions and learn about the people seeking to represent them without the pressure that can accompany a traditional campaign event.

ALA Goes to the UN

Phil Morehart on July 14, 2026

A delegation from the American Library Association is at the United Nations this week to advocate for libraries as essential partners in advancing the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Trump Withdraws Appeal, Securing Historic Victory for Libraries

Phil Morehart on April 9, 2026

On April 6, a federal court granted the Trump Administration’s request to withdraw its appeal of a federal judge’s earlier ruling that struck down the Administration’s dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services—the only federal agency dedicated to providing funding for the nation’s libraries.

Turn Congressmembers into Library Champions

Phil Morehart on September 8, 2025

Join policy experts from the American Library Association for a FREE webinar on September 9 at 4:00 pm CT to get updates on the fight to defend library funding and learn the best ways to turn your Congressmembers into true library champions, regardless of their political background.

Native Representation

Bill Furbee on July 14, 2025

Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Libraries in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, created a program to encourage Native individuals living in the region to consider running for non-Tribal elected offices themselves to help ensure that diverse perspectives are part of community conversations and policy decisions. They used resources provided by the American Library Association’s 2024 Peggy Barber Tribute Grant to facilitate the initiative.

Tell Congress to Fund Libraries!

Phil Morehart on July 8, 2025

While court cases related to President Trump’s attempt to gut the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Department of Education move forward, we urgently need Congress to ensure that library programs receive full federal funding in the next fiscal year. We need everyone to call and urge Congress to support libraries before the July 21 deadline. It’s vital for the future of our libraries.

Thank You, Dr. Hayden!

Phil Morehart on June 30, 2025

Dr. Carla Hayden spoke on Friday at the American Library Association’s 2025 Annual Conference and Exhibition in Philadelphia, and librarians, library workers, and book lovers in attendance greeted the former Librarian of Congress with a wave of love, respect, and applause when she took the stage. It was an unforgettable, moving tribute to Dr. Hayden, who was unceremoniously fired from her position leading the Library of Congress by President Trump in May.