Public libraries – and your freedom to read and access information in your local library – are under renewed threat from budget cuts on the state level and attacks on government institutions on the federal level.
Your voice is needed to let our state and federal representatives know that libraries are an integral part of an informed and prosperous community and that library funding is crucial to bringing programs and services to all.
Please click on the links below to advocate for your library, and libraries nationwide.
To receive e-mail alerts when your action is needed to act on behalf of libraries, provide your information below. Advocating for your library services is quick, simple and timely, and there is no cost to you.
On March 14, 2025, the President signed an Executive Order advancing elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which provides vital funding to libraries nationwide. Demand that Congress act to defend IMLS now!
What is the IMLS? How does the potential elimination of Federal E-Rate program funding affect internet access for schools and libraries? What is the New York State Library, what does it do and how will its elimination affect our local libraries?
Read the American Library Association’s statement on the termination of IMLS grants. Please contact you state and federal representative and urge them to continue to fund libraries across the nation. We need your support!
To learn more about the IMLS and federal E-Rate funding and to send a letter to our local Congressional representative, click here. (Please be sure to add date and your name and address before printing.)
The 2025 Legislative Session is in full swing and New York’s library community needs your help to secure key budgetary and legislative wins in the coming months. Learn more about important library legislation and what’s at stake.
Other Advocacy Topics
Public Libraries, Publishers & your Ebooks
Publishers charge libraries significantly more for ebooks and audiobooks than print copies of the same book.
"But digital books have to be cheaper, like on Amazon, right?"
Actually, no. Libraries pay much more for ebooks and audiobooks than you would pay for a digital or physical book.
This means we can't purchase as many copies!
Some publishers restrict how long a book is available or the number of times it can be borrowed. We then need to repurchase the title so it stays available.
We often can't buy many new books since we need to constantly repurchase the high-demand books from publishers.
Local Government Contacts
Address:
322 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510Phone number:
Website:
Address:
478 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510Phone number:
Website:
Address:
122 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515Phone number:
Website:
Address:
198 State Street
Albany, NY 12247Phone number:
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Phone number:
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