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ALA provides information, talking points, strategic assistance, and direct support for library workers and library advocates across a range of state and local issues and offers tools to support those efforts.

Funding

Investments in libraries are investments in informed, healthy, connected, and resilient communities.

Talking points:

• For every $1 invested in a public library, the community receives more than $5 in economic benefit--above and beyond the education, small business support, cultural programming, and other services that benefit library users and non-users alike.
• Libraries are integral to social infrastructure and serve all members of their communities.
• Libraries transform communities through education, employment, entrepreneurship, engagement, and empowerment.
• Libraries facilitate lifelong learning: nurturing a continuum of literacies across age groups, providing skill-building and technical support for job seekers, helping entrepreneurs launch businesses, preserving a community's history, and offering cultural programming.

Resources:

Visit ¹Ü¼ÒÆŲÊͼ's page for information on federal funding for libraries.

Broadband

Delivering universal broadband requires coordination across all levels of government; libraries and library associations are key partners in that effort. Libraries are also trusted partners that provide education and decrease barriers to broadband adoption.

Talking points:

• Libraries are community anchor institutions as defined by the .
• Libraries are the leading provider of free internet and technology access and training nationwide – at 17,000 public library branches, at school and college campuses, at bookmobiles, and through hotspot lending.
• Library workers understand the connectivity needs, priorities, and concerns of their communities.
• Policy makers and community leaders should partner with libraries as they assess, plan, and expand broadband capacity.

Resources:

Visit ¹Ü¼ÒÆŲÊͼ's federal advocacy page for additional .

Civic Engagement

Libraries serve as trusted third places that are essential to building community and expanding opportunities for civic engagement and dialogue around issues that impact the community.

Talking points:

• Libraries foster trusted, nonpartisan relationships with diverse audiences across age and demographic groups.
• Communities rely on libraries for information, resources and events that facilitate increased participation with democratic institutions.
• Libraries collaborate with elected officials, government agencies, and community partners to increase access to government information and services.

Resources:

Tools

Advocacy Planning Matrix

Elevator Speech for Library Advocacy

Hosting a Virtual Legislative Event tip sheet

from the National Conference of State Legislatures

Students Reach Greater Heights with School Librarians

Visit for additional resources from across the association.