Take Action for Our Libraries
Libraries and library workers have shown up for our communities time and time again, and now it’s time for us to show up for them. Today, they’re facing unprecedented challenges from every direction: the loss of federal funding; record levels of attempted book bans; threats of violence and harassment simply for doing their jobs. Take action today—for our communities, for our future, for our libraries.
Actions You Can Take Now
More Ways to Support Your Library
Chances are you already know that libraries are a treasure. As a library patron, you know that the library is the heart and soul of the community. But not everyone in your community gets it. Libraries need people to get involved and spread the word about the value of the library to neighbors, friends, and decision-makers.
To get started, visit your library and talk to your librarian. There are more formal opportunities, too, such as joining a Friends of the Library group or becoming a library trustee. Throughout the history of the U.S., it has been through the coordination, hard work, and determination of library-loving people that new libraries have been built, budgets have been restored and increased, and a larger understanding has been generated for the powerful role libraries play in communities, in schools, and on college campuses. Read on to learn how your can get involved to help your local library thrive.
Get a Library Card
It’s the most powerful card in your wallet!
A library card is a passport to all that today’s libraries offer, including free access to books (including e-books and audiobooks) music, movies, computers, homework help, assistance with resumes and job searches, accurate health and financial information, adult education courses, programs, and much more.
Already have a library card? Bring two friends to the library to sign up for theirs!
Fight Censorship
Libraries and schools across the country are experiencing an unprecedented wave of attempts to ban or remove books from their shelves, led in large part by well-funded, organized censorship campaigns. In 2024, censors targeted 5,813 books at libraries and schools.
See what you can do to push back against censorship in your community.
Attend a Board Meeting
Book ban battles, funding approvals, new library policies—it’s all happening at the local level at library board meetings. These meetings are open to the public and are the best way to make your voice heard about issues affecting the library that you care about.
Make time to attend your library’s next board meeting and show support for your library and its staff—bring a few friends along too!
Join your Friends of the Library Group
Library lovers everywhere are invited to join their local Friends of the Library group. These dedicated volunteers advocate for libraries, raise funds, sponsor events, and host used book sales. Friends can literally make the difference between a budget increase or cut for their libraries.
If you haven’t joined a Friends group, contact your local library and find out how to join. If your library doesn’t have one, consider starting one! Learn more.
Become a Library Trustee
Library trustees are powerful advocates for libraries. Through the coordination, hard work, and determination of trustees, new libraries have been built, budgets have been restored and increased, and new respect has been generated for the powerful role libraries play in communities and on campuses. Trustees serve as part of a board on a volunteer basis, can be elected or appointed to a library board for a period of time, and are tasked with the duty of helping to direct the funds and policies of the library.
Contact your library and learn more about becoming a trustee.
Spread the Word!
Talk to your friends and neighbors about the value of the local school and public library to your community.
Check out What Libraries Do for general talking points and talk to your librarian about how best to promote the work of your local library.
You may even consider writing a letter to the editor of your local paper or submit an opinion piece.
When in Doubt, Ask Your Librarian!
There are so many ways to get involved with your library depending on your interest, skills, and time constraints. The best way to learn what your local library needs in terms of support is to ask a librarian.
They may need show of community support at a library board meeting or school board meeting or offer you a myriad of other ways to volunteer.
