ALA Launches ‘Show Up for Our Libraries’ Campaign
On January 22, 2025, the American Library Association (ALA) launched the Show Up for Our Libraries campaign, a nationwide initiative designed to get library supporters, community members, and advocates to take an active role in defending and strengthening libraries across the United States. The campaign aims to inspire individuals to engage in library programs, advocate to elected officials, and unite in the fight to preserve libraries’ core values, from intellectual freedom to equitable access to information.
In her statement about the campaign’s launch, ALA President Cindy Hohl highlighted the escalating challenges confronting libraries today. “Many library advocates are rightfully concerned about what the next four years hold for our nation’s libraries. Libraries—and the people we serve—are facing unprecedented challenges and uncertainty.” As the political, social, and cultural landscapes shift, libraries are increasingly under pressure. They are grappling with budget cuts, political attacks, and challenges related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
These pressures, combined with the rising prominence of issues like banned books and misinformation, make it more important than ever to ensure libraries continue to serve as vital community hubs. Unlike past initiatives that often reacted to immediate threats, the Show Up for Our Libraries campaign takes a more forward-thinking approach. It is not just about raising awareness—it’s about creating action. Hohl underscored this idea, emphasizing that “We must face whatever threats come our way by showing up together—library workers and public supporters in our communities—to advocate for our patrons, our profession, and our core values.”
The Show Up for Our Libraries landing page serves as the central hub for this effort. It provides a wealth of resources to help individuals get involved and make a meaningful impact. Among the key topics highlighted on the page are advocacy and public policy, banned and challenged books, equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), intellectual freedom, literacy, and privacy—all of which are essential to libraries’ continued success.
One of the most powerful tools for advocacy highlighted in the campaign is storytelling. Personal narratives about how libraries have positively impacted individuals and communities can be incredibly persuasive. The campaign encourages library supporters to share their stories, helping to demonstrate to policymakers and the public the transformative role libraries play. By crafting compelling, authentic stories, advocates can build stronger relationships with lawmakers and community leaders, elevating the importance of libraries in public discourse. To help supporters tell their stories effectively, the ALA offers a tip sheet that provides guidance on crafting impactful narratives. Additionally, stories submitted through the platform may be shared by the ALA in broader advocacy efforts, amplifying the collective voice of library supporters across the country
Another important facet of the landing page is building strong, lasting relationships with local communities and elected officials. The ALA encourages advocates not only to raise their voices for libraries but to actively engage with their community leaders. This can include sharing personal stories about the vital role libraries play in promoting literacy, safeguarding intellectual freedom, and providing equitable access to information for all.
A powerful way to engage with elected officials is through in-person or virtual congressional tours. The ALA provides support to help organize these tours, giving local officials the opportunity to see firsthand the impact libraries have on their communities. Such tours provide invaluable opportunities for library advocates to demonstrate the importance of libraries and connect with decision-makers on a deeper level.
As the Show Up for Our Libraries campaign continues to unfold, the ALA is urging library advocates to take action in whatever ways they can. Whether it’s attending local library events, contacting lawmakers, participating in library board meetings, or simply sharing personal stories about the importance of libraries, every effort makes a difference. Each action contributes to a larger movement aimed at ensuring libraries continue to thrive and grow as essential resources for all. An initial call to action in the campaign encouraged library advocates to reach out to their elected officials, asking them how they plan to protect the freedom to read and support federal funding for libraries. The ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office also advised advocates to personalize their communications with lawmakers, noting that research shows personalized messages are five times more likely to influence a legislator’s decision than generic templates.
The Show Up for Our Libraries campaign is a timely and powerful reminder that libraries cannot thrive without the active participation and support of their communities. In a time when libraries face growing challenges from political pressures and societal changes, it is essential that library professionals, patrons, and advocates unite to ensure their survival.
If you’re interested in supporting library advocacy and staying informed on policy issues that affect library services, the ALA invites you to sign up for timely advocacy alerts and updates through their Public Policy and Advocacy Office. By joining the movement, you can play a vital role in ensuring that libraries remain strong and capable of serving future generations.
Resources:
- https://www.ala.org/advocacy/show-up-for-our-libraries
- https://confirmsubscription.com/h/i/463208600EB4D89A
- https://www.ala.org/news/2025/01/new-ala-initiative-show-up-for-our-libraries
