Read Local: Why Public Libraries Need Our Support More Than Ever
Learn what you can do to ensure your local library stays open for business
While public libraries are thriving in many senses, seeing an increase in popularity from younger Gen Z audiences and online fandoms like BookTok, they still need our support. They’ve faced threats in the past, and many of these threats are still present. Here’s why libraries need your support, what puts them at risk, and what you can do to help.
Risk Factors for Local Libraries
To say that libraries are under attack would be a bit of an overstatement, but they are certainly at risk. Libraries have taken the brunt of the impact of the recent culture wars, straining their ability to continue serving the community. If left unchecked, this may render them entirely unable to do so. Though there are several risk factors for local libraries, two in particular are currently at the forefront:
- Book bans are, unfortunately, as common as ever and continue to threaten the library’s role in freely spreading information and knowledge to American citizens. Though some warrant discussion, many book bans are rooted in the biases of those suggesting the ban. While it’s well within their rights to propose these bans, their opinions don’t necessarily line up with those of the public as a whole and shouldn’t be allowed to solely dictate what is and isn’t acceptable for libraries to carry.
- Budget and staffing cuts for libraries have been proposed as a way to fund other public facilities. While funding those facilities certainly is important, it can’t come at the cost of libraries, their mission, and all they do for their communities.
You can find more information about the current threats to public libraries here.
How Citizens Can Help
Though these factors may seem out of your control, the voice of the people has a surprising amount of sway over the actions of local governments. If you want to support your local library, try one of these three approaches and see what happens!
- Attend library board and city council meetings. The majority of important library decisions are made at library board and city council meetings. Naturally, getting involved in these meetings is the most direct way to help. Attend regularly, make your voice heard, and encourage others to do the same.
- Run for the board yourself! While this is more of a commitment, it allows you to take a very hands-on role in protecting your local library. If you run and get elected, you’ll have a bit more influence with the city council and can use that influence to fight against book bans, budget cuts, and more.
- Raise awareness. Even if you aren’t in a position to involve yourself with the board, you can still help just by raising awareness. Post about it on social media; direct fellow citizens to information, resources, and ways to help; and work to keep the library in the public discourse. This keeps issues threatening the library from growing without the public’s knowledge and encourages the community to take a more active role in protecting the library.
For more ways to support public libraries across the country, take a look here.
Real-Life Heroes of the Library
When we say that anyone can make a difference for their library, we’re not just spouting lofty ideals and empty platitudes. Everyday people like you have taken a stand for their local libraries and rallied support for them. If you’re still not convinced that you can help, take a look at a few of our favorite stories and movements of citizens going to bat for their local libraries:
- This article from the New York Post, provocative title aside, details how Gen Z Americans are forming a movement to save and preserve their local libraries. They’re still visiting libraries, spreading awareness, and getting involved in their communities through those libraries. By continuing to direct attention toward their local libraries, these citizens give libraries the engagement and support they need to survive.
- The grassroots movement to save the Salem Public Library has gained considerable traction. In late March 2024, a city council meeting was held in which several budget plans were proposed. Two of these plans suggested budget cuts for the library, while the other two proposed closing the library entirely. The citizens of Salem rose up against this, spreading awareness and distributing information on how to protest. As a result, the city of Salem has decided not to close the public library, providing hope for the protestors that budget cuts may be avoided entirely.
Looking for more inspiring stories about how libraries and the people serve each other? Feel free to check out the other stories on our Medium page today!
Visit www.everylibrary.org to learn more about our work on behalf of libraries.
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