Advocacy & Policy
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is committed to ensuring libraries' inclusion in federal, state, and philanthropic recovery efforts for the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out these funding opportunities, and learn what you can do to advocate for your library at the local, state, and federal level.
TAKE ACTION FEDERAL RECOVERY PROGRAMS CORPORATE & PHILANTHROPIC RECOVERY PROGRAMS ADVOCACY TRAINING RESOURCES POLICY ISSUES
Take Action
The work of libraries spans beyond the walls of the physical space and library workers continue to serve their communities by offering virtual services, broadband access, digital resources, and more. Share how your library has continued to serve your communities virtually during social distancing.
Make Your Case
Libraries need to be visible to state and local decision-makers, too, so that they understand how libraries boost their efforts to respond to and recover from COVID-19. For those that need extra help, offers templates and additional resources.
- to governors regarding use of CARES Act funds for libraries
- : a one-pager for community leaders. Download to customize with an example from your own library/organization (right hand box) and your logo (towards bottom of page).
- : a one-page overview for elected officials and funders
- Harness the power of social media to highlight specific events, programs or resources and tag community leaders. See 's for best practices. social media?
Engage Your Board and Friends Group
Boards and Friends groups are already library supporters and are often leaders in the community. How are they leveraging their networks to support the library?
- Use the to collect information and understand which board members are best positioned to reach out to elected officials, community organizations, faith groups, business leaders, etc.
- Build time into board meetings for short and focused advocacy training, using the resources available from .
- Enlist trustees and friends in of the library.
Federal Recovery Programs and Libraries
With the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act in March, Congress allocated $200 million to IMLS for COVID-19 relief. Thanks to the thousands of library advocates who took action, this funding became a reality.
, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced the availability of for libraries and museums through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The grants are intended to support community needs created by COVID-19 pandemic and boost community recovery efforts. Deadline for applications is June 28 and will be awarded in October.
Institute of Museum and Library Services
Thanks to thousands of advocate communications with Congress, libraries secured $50 million for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in the .
- . State Library Administrative Agencies will determine how these funds are used in each state - a list of is available.
- (deadline June 12). To learn more about applying for IMLS CARES Act Grants for Museums and Libraries, please view the agency's .
"At a time when budgets of local governments have been decimated, America can’t afford to dismiss a national infrastructure of 117,000 libraries nimble enough to offer relief and advance recovery. "
— President Julius C. Jefferson, Jr
. April 1, 2020.
Department of Education
and its coalition partners continue to work to secure funding for school libraries, K-12 schools, and higher education institutions.
In a , joined the Title IV-A Coalition's in urging Congress to pass a comprehensive COVID-19 response package that includes a new remote learning support program that provides targeted funding to ensure that all of America’s students can continue to learn at home.
In an , underscored the importance of funding all library types during this time of increased community need.
Education Stabilization Fund
Included in the CARES Act's $2 trillion assistance package is $30.75 billion marked for an . Four grant programs were created through the CARES Act - the ; the ; the ; and the . Information and applications are available at the Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education.
. May 7, 2020.
. May 21, 2020.
Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Most 501(c)(3) library organizations are eligible for funding from the SBA's . A borrower application with further instructions for submitting a PPP application are available on the .
As Small Business Administration (SBA) Phase 2 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding remains available, IMLS hosted SBA Economic Development Coordinator Noah Brod in a webinar discussing PPP issues most relevant to museum and library communities. May 12, 2020.
Corporate and Philanthropic Recovery Programs and Libraries
National Education Association Foundation
The National Education Association's (NEA) and support educator-led COVID-19 initiatives and address inequality and educational opportunity gaps.
Relief Advocacy Training Resources
America’s libraries need continued support from government at every level—local, state, and federal—as well as key decisionmakers to keep our communities connected. Here are some resources and tools to get you started.
Staying focused. As we respond and recover from COVID-19, ’s top legislative priorities are increasing funding opportunities nationally, advocating for more resources in state budgets to avoid widespread cuts and furloughs, and advocating for digital equity. Here’s the latest on what is advocating for during response and recovery.
"Funding, funding, funding and advocacy for the critical importance of libraries as crucial, essential secondary responders."
— Connecticut State Library
Keeping it simple. Phone calls, emails, and tweets directed to elected officials and decisionmakers remain effective lines for communication. to send an email to your elected officials today.
Quick COVID-19 Advocacy Training Resources
Monday, May 4, 2020: As Congressional offices have transitioned to remote work, advocacy strategies have shifted with them. Congressional Management Foundation staff walk through best practices for advocating to Congress when you can’t meet your Members in person. .
Recorded Wednesday, May 6, 2020: Join member leaders from across the country as they explain their shift from in-person to remote advocacy. Leaders share stories of successful new strategies and tips to increase the effectiveness of your remote advocacy.Learn how three chapters are pivoting from in-person to online advocacy.
Recorded Friday, May 8, 2020: Join member advocates as they showcase how remote meetings with Members of Congress should (and shouldn’t!) play out. Members and staff share best practices and what you want to avoid during these meetings to help set you up for success.
Recorded April 1, 2020: Is your Library Foundation or Friends of the Library looking to stay engaged with your supporters and community while navigating the many challenges of COVID-19? Learn tips and advice from directors of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles, Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation, and the Seattle Public Library Foundation. Hear about “stay home and read” fundraisers from the Library Foundation of Los Angeles and Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation and how to participate in Library Giving Day. Presented by United for Libraries.
Recorded Wednesday, May 13, 2020 The recent public health situation has created much uncertainty for higher education funding. Libraries are finding themselves in increasingly more complex fiscal situations, with layoffs, furloughs, and budget reductions being announced and anticipated. Join a panel of library leaders from institutions of all sizes to discuss practical strategies for engaging campus administrators in conversations that emphasize the importance of supporting library employees and the critical work they are doing for their students and organizations. Presented by the Association of College & Research Libraries.
Policy Issues
Broadband
Nearly 33 million U.S. households do not use the internet at home, and nearly twice that number of people in the U.S. have low levels of digital readiness. Digital opportunity gaps disproportionately impact low-income families, rural residents and tribal communities, African Americans, Latinos, and people with disabilities. The leading reasons for these gaps are lack of awareness of the benefits of broadband, affordability, and lack of digital literacy.
America's libraries are essential to addressing these gaps and realizing the vision of universal broadband adoption and ability of communities to use it—which is more urgent now than ever. Libraries are essential partners in economic recovery, workforce and small business development, student success, and digital inclusion.
Affordable, high-capacity broadband internet access is critical to the mission and operation of every modern library. .
E-rate and Universal Service
E-rate, also known as the Universal Services Schools and Libraries program, is the program that provides discounts to public libraries as well as K-12 schools on telecommunications services, internet access, Wi-Fi equipment, and some closely related costs like internal cabling. E-rate has played a pivotal role in helping libraries connect their users to the Internet.
works with policy makers in the FCC, Congress, the White House, U.S. Department of Commerce, and elsewhere to preserve and strengthen the E-rate program, empowering libraries and schools to provide online opportunities for all Americans, whether in urban, suburban, rural, or tribal areas. advocates for legislation and policies that aim to improve access to the E-rate program and empower libraries to provide online opportunities for all Americans. .
