ALA Council

Hi friend!

Did you see what Cindy Hohl, President of the American Library Association, said yesterday about the U.S. elections?

"We know that many of our members are concerned that the election results portend attacks on libraries, library workers, and readers. Whatever happens, ALA will stand up for all Americans' freedom to read - and we will need everyone who loves libraries to stand with us." -Pres. Hohl

We'll be frank: Over the past years, we've seen an unprecedented surge in book bans. Attacks on readers' intellectual freedom and civil rights. Harassment of library workers. Attempts to eliminate funding for libraries. Efforts to dismantle libraries and library organizations.

This week's election results likely will embolden the extremists who have been pushing that agenda. We will need your help to fight back.

In the face of these threats, we have to stand up for the people who work in libraries. We have to stand up for everyone's right to read freely. We have to stand up for a well-resourced library in every community, every school and institution of learning.

ALA has been doing that for nearly 150 years. We won't back down now.

We need your help to sustain our advocacy and support for intellectual freedom in the year ahead and beyond. Can you donate $20.25 – or any amount – to show that you're with us?

Even in dark moments – maybe especially in dark moments – we know that libraries change lives. We believe in the power of information, stories, and ideas. And we know that the vast majority of Americans agree. Polls show that voters love libraries, trust librarians, and support the freedom to read.

If any politicians forget that, we'll be there to remind them – together with you.

To meet this moment, we'll need your voice and your continued support. Thank you for standing up for libraries.

– The American Library Association's Public Policy & Advocacy team

P.S. In addition to donating, another great way to sustain ALA is to join as a member or renew your membership. If you are an ALA member, thank you for your support!