The Thursday of National Library Week is reserved for Take Action for Libraries Day. This day recognizes actions that library workers and community members can do to fight for more library funding. One of the American Library Association’s recommendations to celebrate this day is to reach out to an elected official and conduct a virtual or in-person tour of your library. This will give you the opportunity to discuss your library’s unique needs and the ways federal funding can enable library services to better serve library customers. Explore a step-by-step guide and tips to demystify this process. As Congress prepares the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, make sure your library’s voice is heard.
Making Contact with an Elected Official
You can identify federal, state, and local elected officials by entering your zip code in ALA’s Action Center. Cast a wide net and invite community leaders from all levels to tour your library.
Contact your community leader through an email request, website contact form, or online event appearance form. You can even call your elected official’s office and speak to someone who handles meeting requests to figure out what communication method they would prefer. Make sure to include your name and job title, the name of your library, and the purpose of your proposed visit. ALA provides a sample email if you need any help. Be sure to obtain permission to take photographs or video of the tour beforehand.
Preparing Content
Show Congress what you’re doing and what you could do if you had with more resources. Be sure to include other staff, library programming events, and areas that could better serve your community with more federal funding. ALA recommends researching the policy goals of your elected official and highlight any areas that could be of special interest, like early literacy programs or a job assistance center. You can even demonstrate how your library services, like research centers and spaces for meetings, can be useful to Congress.
If you are conducting an in-person tour, consider any logistical concerns such as the flow of the tour, staff members available, and time of the tour. Share information before the meeting and make print-outs or other informational resources ahead of time. Be sure to allow time for questions.
Many people have a restricted notion of what a library is. It is important to challenge any perceptions Congress may have about library functions and explain the value of library resources. Make sure they understand that libraries are not just places with books, they are community centers, early childhood education centers, and gathering places for many groups of people.
Spreading the Word
Sharing photos or screenshots from a visit is a great marketing opportunity for your library’s social pages. The hashtags, #FundLibraries and #LibraryStrong, are great ways to get connected and support other libraries. Also be sure to thank your elected official after their visit.
Take Action for Libraries Day is a time to advocate for libraries and the communities that need them. Show love for your library by reaching out to Congress and advocating for federal funding. We can continue to support libraries not just during National Library Week, but year round.