Advocate's Toolbox
91´«Ã½
91´«Ã½ provides information, talking points, strategic assistance, and direct support for library workers and library advocates across a range of state and local issues and offers tools to support those efforts.
Funding
Investments in libraries are investments in informed, healthy, connected, and resilient communities.
Talking points:
- For every $1 invested in a public library, the community receives more than $5 in economic benefit--above and beyond the education, small business support, cultural programming, and other services that benefit library users and non-users alike.
- Libraries are integral to social infrastructure and serve all members of their communities.
- Libraries transform communities through education, employment, entrepreneurship, engagement, and empowerment.
- Libraries facilitate lifelong learning: nurturing a continuum of literacies across age groups, providing skill-building and technical support for job seekers, helping entrepreneurs launch businesses, preserving a community's history, and offering cultural programming.
Resources:
Visit 91´«Ã½'s page for information on federal funding for libraries.
Broadband
Delivering universal broadband requires coordination across all levels of government; libraries and library associations are key partners in that effort. Libraries are also trusted partners that provide education and decrease barriers to broadband adoption.
Talking points:
- Libraries are community anchor institutions as defined by the .
- Libraries are the leading provider of free internet and technology access and training nationwide – at 17,000 public library branches, at school and college campuses, at bookmobiles, and through hotspot lending.
- Library workers understand the connectivity needs, priorities, and concerns of their communities.
- Policy makers and community leaders should partner with libraries as they assess, plan, and expand broadband capacity.
Resources:
Visit 91´«Ã½'s federal advocacy page for additional .
Civic Engagement
Libraries serve as trusted third places that are essential to building community and expanding opportunities for civic engagement and dialogue around issues that impact the community.
Talking points:
- Libraries foster trusted, nonpartisan relationships with diverse audiences across age and demographic groups.
- Communities rely on libraries for information, resources and events that facilitate increased participation with democratic institutions.
- Libraries collaborate with elected officials, government agencies, and community partners to increase access to government information and services.
Resources:
Tools
Elevator Speech for Library Advocacy
Hosting a Virtual Legislative Event tip sheet
from the National Conference of State Legislatures
Students Reach Greater Heights with School Librarians
Visit for additional resources from across the association.
