Libraries are one of the last truly free public spaces, places where anyone can just exist without buying something, where ideas are shared without borders. Now, they’re under attack.
Libraries have long been underfunded, but the administration’s executive orders would “decimate local libraries.” They make up only 0.0046% of the overall federal budget.
Libraries are more than shelves of books. They’re centers of free speech and knowledge: sanctuaries for truth, for inquiry, for democracy. And that’s exactly why the administration fears them.
We must stand against this wave of censorship: because restricting knowledge is just a step towards restricting freedom.
Ways to Take Action
Level 0.5 – Super Easy
Sign this petition by The EveryLibrary Institue to stop the executive order attacks on federal funding for libraries.
Level 0.5 – Super Easy
Get the word out: Tell your friends, share on social media.
Level 1 – Easy
Contact your representatives. Use this link from CongressWeb for phone numbers and emails to your congressional reps, personalizable script and template, and more information.
Use this link for the same for your local representatives.
Level 2 – Medium
Physically go to your libraries. Make sure your presence is counted. This makes it more difficult to justify cuts. Libraries track foot traffic as a metric of success and when considering budgets. Online usage is tracked separately.
Level 3 – Difficult
Write a letter to the editor. This link from The EveryLibrary Institue makes it easy to do so.
“Politicians take notice when people take the time to speak up about important community issues like losing funding for their libraries.”
Level 3 – Difficult
Attend a library board meeting or city council meeting. Public funding decisions often happen at the local level. Showing up and speaking during public comment makes a real difference. Even a short statement in support of your library can help.
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