FOR OUR LIBRARIES. FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE

FOR OUR LIBRARIES FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE TOOLKIT

Welcome—and thank you for joining the For Our Libraries Fundraising Challenge!

This toolkit is here to help you spread the word, inspire your community, and raise critical support for the American Library Association’s work to protect libraries, defend the freedom to read, and ensure access to information for all.

Inside, you’ll find sample posts, email templates, graphics, and talking points to make your fundraiser easy, effective, and impactful.

Whether you’re a first-time fundraiser or a longtime library advocate, you’re part of a growing movement—and every dollar you raise makes a difference. Let’s do this For Our Libraries.

Questions? Email cmo@ala.org.

GETTING STARTED

  • If you haven’t already done so, set up your personal fundraising page. (Tip: check out this article for help setting up and editing your fundraising page.)
  • Add a personal message about why you support libraries and the American Library Association.
  • Set a fundraising goal.
  • Share your personal fundraising page with friends and family.

SOCIAL MEDIA GRAPHICS

Download and post these graphics to your social media feeds!

Post graphics (1080x1350)

Story graphics (1080x1920)

SAMPLE SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

Libraries are under threat, and we must not back down. The American Library Association is taking legal action, organizing nationally, and pushing back hard. I’m proud to support them—will you? #ForOurLibraries [insert link to personal fundraising page]

Libraries have always been about community—and right now, they need ours. I’m raising funds for the American Library Association to help protect access to books, information, and education. Every donation makes a difference. Join me #ForOurLibraries: [insert link to personal fundraising page]

As a [teacher/librarian/library worker], I know how essential libraries are—and how much pressure they’re under. That’s why I’m proud to fundraise #ForOurLibraries. The American Library Association is fighting back, and I’m standing with them. Support the work: [insert link to personal fundraising page]

Since 1876, the American Library Association has been fighting for your right to read, learn, and explore. Keep the legacy alive—become a supporter!  #ForOurLibraries [insert link to personal fundraising page]

 

Libraries are one of the few third spaces we have that are free and open to everyone. Join the American Library Association in fighting to preserve them. Become a supporter today! #ForOurLibraries [insert link to personal fundraising page]

 

Libraries help us preserve and understand our past, enrich our present, and prepare for the future. Become a supporter of the American Library Association to help keep libraries thriving for generations. #ForOurLibraries [insert link to personal fundraising page]

SAMPLE EMAIL COPY

 

Subject: I’m fundraising For Our Libraries—join me!

Dear [Friend’s Name],

I’m reaching out because I’m taking part in the For Our Libraries Fundraising Challenge to support the American Library Association, and I’d love your help.

Libraries are facing real threats right now, from censorship and book bans to budget cuts and political pressure. But ALA is fighting back with legal action, advocacy, and national organizing to defend our right to read and our access to knowledge.

I believe libraries are worth protecting. If you do too, please consider making a donation to support my fundraiser:
[Insert your fundraising link here]

Every dollar goes toward protecting library access, defending free expression, and keeping public resources available to everyone—especially those who need them most.

Thank you for standing with me For Our Libraries.

With gratitude,
[Your Name]

Make it personal, talk about:

  • Why you care: Did a library change your life? Your child’s?
  • What libraries mean to you today: A safe space? A community hub?
  • Why this moment matters: Share how censorship or budget cuts have affected your local library—or why you’re worried they will.

Prompt Examples:

  • “When I was a kid, the library was my second home…”
  • “The first time I felt truly seen was when I found a book with a character like me. I found it at my public library.”
  • “I’m fundraising because the freedom to read is under threat, and I can’t stay silent.”
Add this graphic to your email signature.