It’s Take Action for Libraries Day! Observed on the Thursday of National Library Week each year, Take Action for Libraries Day rallies people across the U.S. to speak out and show their support for libraries. Because now more than ever, libraries need us.
Libraries are one of the most trusted institutions in America. From cradle to grave, they provide opportunity and enrichment for everyone in their communities. Despite this, libraries have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years: bans on books, materials, and programs; threats to cut local funding; legislation that criminalizes librarians for doing their jobs; and even instances of violence against librarians and library workers. And now the federal government is moving to cut off its support for libraries by eliminating the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the only source of federal funding for our nation’s 125,000 libraries.
To celebrate and advocate for libraries and library funding, we want every library lover to make their voices heard today. Here are 10 ways you can act fast!
If you have 5 minutes
1. Call your members of Congress.
Legislators get thousands of messages each day. The more they get on any one issue, the higher their staff puts them on their priority list—especially when it comes to phone calls. Use this form to make a call in support of federal library funding. Enter your address in the form, and then click the call button to receive a phone call that connects you with your elected officials.
2. Email your members of Congress.
Use this form to email your members of Congress. Enter your address in the form, and then click the “Send email” button to contact your elected officials. Your message can be customized—tell your story!
3. Help spread the word on social media.
Use the social media graphics and sample social posts in our toolkit to help get the word out!
If you have 10 minutes or more
4. Tell others to take action.
Tell five other people to take action by sharing our links to call and email Congress, and encourage them to share on social media.
5. Follow the American Library Association’s (ALA) social media for updates.
ALA Bluesky: @amlibraryassoc
ALA Facebook: @AmericanLibraryAssociation
ALA Instagram: @americanlibraryassociation
ALA Threads: @americanlibraryassocation
ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Office Bluesky: @librarypolicy
6. Share your library story.
Share your story with ALA by using our easy submission form to send us your story. Our storytelling tipsheet include details on how you can share photos and videos with us so we can help you share your story with decision makers, journalists, and other key audiences.
If you have more time
7. Write a letter to the editor of your local news outlet. Use the power of the pen to its fullest!
8. Read up on the details of why IMLS is so critical to people across the country, especially in rural and indigenous communities.
9. Arrange a congressional tour of your library, using ALA’s checklists for in-person and virtual tours.
10. Schedule an in-district office meeting with your Congressmember’s staff or work on building a relationship with them.
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