Resources for Civic Engagement in Libraries for All Ages
Voting is one of the most fundamental rights of citizens in the United States. However, participation in national elections regularly falls short, with fewer than two-thirds of eligible voters casting their ballots. Turnout among specific demographic groups and in state or local elections tends to be even lower. While the crucial role of libraries in supporting democracy is frequently highlighted, what does this role actually look like in practical terms for libraries?
The ALA’s Reader Voter Ready campaign is designed to answer that question by promoting civic engagement in libraries and helping Americans become informed, registered, and prepared to vote. They provide a Get Your Community Reader Voter Ready airtable of resources designed to get a community ready for the election season. Some examples include links to celebrating National Voter Registration Day, Hosting a Candidate Forum guide for planning, a Media Literacy for Adults Programming Guide and more. To learn more, you can watch the Getting Our Communities Reader Voter Ready webinar.
Another key resource within the Reader Voter Ready campaign is the Inspiring Future Voters booklist, developed by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), which introduces young readers to civic responsibility and participation. The booklist includes titles that engage children in discussions about democracy, citizenship, and voting long before they reach voting age. By sharing these stories with young readers, libraries can help cultivate an informed future electorate.
Through relatable characters and compelling storylines, the books illustrate how decisions made today can lead to significant changes tomorrow. They emphasize that every action, no matter how small, contributes to the larger tapestry of community life, fostering a sense of agency and responsibility in young readers.
Some highlighted books from the list include:
- Rock That Vote by Meg Fleming – A colorful picture book that takes the reader through the election process by voting for a new class pet. Recommended for Birth-PreK
- Vote for Our Future! by Margaret McNamara – An engaging picture book that explains the importance of voting. Recommended for grades K-2.
- Get Out and Vote: How You Can Shape the Future by Elizabeth Macleod – An informational text about how voting impacts our every day life. Recommended for grades 6-8.
For more resources, the Election Collaboration toolkit provides customizable materials for libraries and community groups to promote civic participation by collaborating with community organizations such as League of Women Voters. Additional resources include Voters Count on Libraries: The Numbers, Voter Engagement Guide, Libraries and Voters: Local Leaders Tip Sheet, social media graphics, and more.
How is your library supporting voters this election?
Tags: civicengagement, inspiringfuturevoters, readervoterready
