A call for action, below, from ALA Public Policy and Advocacy colleagues in DC. Please do take a few minutes to support funding for U.S. libraries:
ALA has launched our annual federal #FundLibraries campaign with the release of the "Dear Appropriator" letters in support of the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) programs for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. The circulation of these letters marks the first and most influential nationwide advocacy action on the federal budget in any given year.
This year our campaign kickoff coincides with National Library Week (April 3-9)-a perfect opportunity to remind leaders that libraries need federal funding. Our Take Action for Libraries Day webpage provides a range of actions you can take-and tools you can use-to advocate for federal funding for libraries. Here are a couple things you can do right now:
The disheartening end to the long FY2022 appropriations cycle holds important lessons, as Kathi Kromer wrote in an article for American Libraries. And as President Patty Wong put it in a March 14 statement, "We can't rest on past success, and we will have to work even harder to make our case in this competitive political climate."
Thank you for setting the bar for library advocates across the country. As the PPA team carefully monitors our advocacy center and social media posts, we'll look forward to amplifying your voices! If you have any questions about the campaign, please contact Jil Staszewski, Assistant Director of Advocacy Communications.
Sample Twitter posts – (graphic)
Libraries nationwide depend on federal funding to keep their communities connected & informed. Join me and urge Congress to #FundLibraries, for every library patron that relies on our services and for every library worker that provides them: bit.ly/FundLibraries23
Strong libraries need strong funding. ALA has just launched the annual campaign to #FundLibraries, and we need your support! Make your voice heard and call on Congress to support libraries and library workers with essential federal funding: bit.ly/FundLibraries23
@[MYREP] Libraries are dedicated to providing for our communities, from internet access to early literacy skills. I urge you to #FundLibraries in FY23 and sign on to support increases in federal support for libraries, because strong libraries make strong communities.
Sample Facebook post (graphic)
Strong libraries need strong funding. ALA has just launched the annual campaign to #FundLibraries, and we need your support! Make your voice heard and call on Congress to support libraries and library workers with essential federal funding: bit.ly/FundLibraries23
Sample Instagram post (graphic)
Strong libraries need strong funding. ALA has just launched the annual campaign to #FundLibraries, and we need your support! Make your voice heard and call on Congress to support libraries and library workers with essential federal funding: bit.ly/FundLibraries23
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Jil Staszewski
Assistant Director, Advocacy Communications
American Library Association
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Kevin Maher
Deputy Director
American Library Association
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