Next week is National Library Week in the United States. If you’ve been paying attention, you know that now more than ever, our libraries need us to stand with them against defunding and book bans.
There are several ways you can do just that, from the very basics to the more involved.
How to Show Up for Your Library
- Get your library card if you haven’t already
- Vote EVERY time you are given the opportunity at the national and local levels
- Attend programs at your local library
- Educate the people in your life on what the library provides besides books
- Use social media to inform about the consequences of current and potential executive actions
- Talk to YOUR librarians and find out what support they need from your community—give it to them and encourage others to do so
- Give monetary donations
- Email your representatives and tell them to protect our libraries, museums, and Dept. of Education
- Write letters to the editors of local news rejecting the closing of libraries and the banning of books
- Sign petitions and attend protests against the closure of libraries, museums, and the Dept. of Education
- Join foundations supporting your local or national libraries
- Attend or run for your local library board
Resources
- American Library Association: Show Up for Our Libraries
- Book Riot: How to Stand Up for Your Local Library by Getting Involved
- American Libraries: Standing Up for Intellectual Freedom
(Book recs for librarians and others navigating the current climate) - Libraries2025
- EveryLibrary
- Public Libraries Online: Building Resilient Libraries: Protecting Against Book Bans
- American Alliance of Museums: Advocacy
- American Alliance of Museums: Act Now to Save IMLS
- 5Calls: Make Your Voice Heard
- Resistbot
