We have all been impacted in both anticipated and unpredictable ways following the sweeping changes in Washington, D.C., since the January inauguration. These actions—including the March 14 executive order calling for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)—have been an affront to our profession and the people we serve.
Across the board, the work of federal agencies, many of which directly or indirectly support libraries, has either been discontinued or altered. Although it is too soon to determine the overall impact of proposed changes to library funding—including IMLS grants and E-Rate discounts—we anticipate there will be more proposals to significantly reduce or outright eliminate programs.
There are also multiple attacks on library values and policies. In particular, diversity, equity, and inclusion are being challenged in executive orders (and likely via legislation) in the months to come. This is a real and present threat and danger for all of us.
The American Library Association (ALA) has always done its best to avoid partisan politics, choosing instead to work across the aisle to develop partnerships and relationships with individuals and organizations that share our values and support the important work of libraries. Libraries are inherently nonpartisan institutions.
But this time a different approach may be needed. ALA will continue to evaluate and respond to the widespread impact of budget cuts at the local, state, and national levels. We will continue to monitor proposed state legislation restricting access to library materials through censorship, book bans, and suspension of business relationships with ALA.
It is not a time to be meek, indirect, or retreat. Our survival—as institutions foundational to our democracy, education, and learning—is at risk.
Our Association will most certainly be called upon to build strong coalitions with organizations that share our values and advocate for the freedom to read, support education, and advance broadband access to bridge the digital divide.
We remain committed to federal programs that support access to libraries and lifelong learning, workforce development, education, and efforts to further equity, diversity, and inclusion for all. We know that when we work with others, we amplify our voice and have the potential for greater success.
ALA is dedicated to stepping up its advocacy work throughout the Association during these tumultuous and frightening times. We rely on our exceptional Public Policy and Advocacy Office staff members to guide our actions, partnering with our multiple member-leader groups. Typically, we are measured and deliberative in our response and advocacy, but those tactics may no longer work in this new environment.
Our new advocacy campaign, Show Up for Our Libraries, is a call to action for all of us who work in and use libraries. It is not a time to be meek, indirect, or retreat. Our survival—as institutions foundational to our democracy, education, and learning—is at risk.
I call on all of you to be vigilant and to respond quickly and directly to these challenges and threats.
ALA is here to support you. I call on each of you to respond to our requests for calls, letters, visits, and other tactics that help us reach state and federal legislators and decision makers.
ALA needs you. We all have a role, and the people who use your libraries need you.
We are strong, but we are stronger together. Our collective power—and the relationships we build—will enable us to achieve better results.
As we approach ALA’s 150th anniversary, I am reminded that we have survived many challenges. This may be the toughest one yet.
