Library Advocacy Is Essential

Library advocacy is essential because it raises awareness about the value libraries bring to communities, ensuring they receive the support, funding, and resources needed to thrive.

Libraries are cornerstones of education, information access, and community development, but they often face budget cuts and undervaluation. Advocacy highlights their vital role in society and mobilizes stakeholders to champion their cause.

Why Library Advocacy is Important

1. Secures Funding and Resources

Many libraries, most probably your own, rely on taxes, grants and in some cases community donations to keep the doors open and continue to staff the facility and provide service. Advocacy campaigns help demonstrate libraries’ impact, encouraging decision-makers to allocate sufficient funds to sustain operations, expand collections, and support new initiatives.

2. Raises Awareness

How many times have you heard, "I didn't know the library was still open." Libraries offer a wide array of services beyond book lending, such as digital literacy programs, job search assistance, technology access, and community events. Advocacy educates the public and policymakers about these offerings, ensuring their relevance is recognized.

3. Supports Equitable Access

A library is the ultimate source of information and educational resources. They also provide services such as computer availability and internet access. Let's not forget those quiet study areas and in some cases, conference rooms to hold your important business meetings. Advocacy ensures that these essential services remain available to all, especially in disadvantaged communities.

4. Promotes Intellectual Freedom

Advocacy safeguards libraries against censorship and supports their mission to provide diverse materials, ideas, and perspectives. This is especially critical in times of book challenges and restrictive policies.

5. Strengthens Community Engagement

Your library is a community hub. Its meeting space allows community to come together to learn, discuss and debate important issues of the day. It is an institution that has the capacity to work with all organizations within the community it serves. Advocacy fosters partnerships with schools, businesses, and civic organizations, enriching the library’s role in community life.

6. Demonstrates Impact

By sharing stories of how libraries change lives, including your own, advocacy connects the library's mission with real world events.

7. Builds Public and Political Support

Advocacy mobilizes library users, community members, and stakeholders to speak out in support of libraries. Engaged supporters can influence policymakers, vote for library-friendly measures, and amplify the library’s message.

8. Adapts to Changing Needs

As libraries evolve to meet new demands (e.g., digital services, makerspaces, mental health resources), advocacy ensures these innovations are visible and valued by the community.

Who Should Advocate for Libraries?

• Library staff: Showcase programs and services through outreach and marketing.

• Library boards and trustees: Engage with policymakers and funders.

• Friends of the Library groups: Organize events, fundraisers, and awareness campaigns.

• Community members: Share personal stories and benefits of library use.

• Educators and students: Highlight the importance of library resources in education.

Advocacy in Action

Effective advocacy campaigns might include:

• “Library Advocacy Day” to connect with policymakers.

• Collecting testimonials from patrons to demonstrate impact.

• Partnering with local media to share library success stories.

By advocating for libraries, we protect these vital institutions and ensure their ability to serve as gateways to knowledge, culture, and opportunity for future generations.

My colleague Jen Park and I are currently running workshops on library advocacy to teach the roles that librarians can play to advocate effectively for themselves. If you think this is something you would like to host, please reach out to me.