Libraries can and should be advocating on their own behalf. Libraries are not neutral, and it is not partisan to be unabashedly pro-library. No matter which party puts forth a pro-library bill, libraries should seek to have it passed. It’s something they should educate their community about and encourage their community to act upon, too. The same goes in reverse: in a half-decade of bills at the state and federal level escalating attacks on libraries and access to literature for all, libraries need to be speaking out against them.

But so, too, should the groups intimately tied to libraries. Library boards and Friends groups serve different purposes, but both work in the service of the library and its constituency. Yet they aren’t showing up, and in many ways, it’s hard not to see that this is because they, too, too often believe their role is one of neutrality. But neutrality is precisely why libraries are finding themselves in the positions that they’re in—neutrality is inaction. It’s the status quo. It’s sitting back, rather than stepping forward.

This call for a more assertive stance comes amidst a growing wave of legislative and administrative challenges targeting libraries and the accessibility of information. From proposed material bans to budget cuts and the reduction of vital library staff, these institutions are facing unprecedented pressure. The author of the original piece highlights several instances where library boards and affiliated organizations have begun to break their silence, offering powerful examples of how to counter these trends.

Alberta’s Legislative Battle: A Wake-Up Call for Libraries

The catalyst for this discussion emerged from an examination of censorship efforts, specifically a notable letter penned by the Medicine Hat Public Library’s Board of Directors. Located in Alberta, Canada, this library found itself at the forefront of opposition to a provincial bill that threatened to impose sweeping bans on public library materials. The board’s statement, published in the Medicine Hat News, transcended a typical letter to the editor, serving as a detailed commentary that informed a longer news story.

The board expressed profound concern regarding the proposed legislation and the potential damage it could inflict upon library services for all community members. They directly addressed the province’s stated worries about "youth viewing what they describe as pornography," arguing that such material, by definition, lacks educational or cultural value and does not exist within Alberta’s public libraries. Furthermore, the board pointed out the ineffectiveness of the bill in addressing the primary source of youth access to such content—the internet and mobile devices—while simultaneously targeting a minuscule fraction of library materials, less than one percent, that possess potential for explicit imagery but are integral to larger works with educational or artistic merit. These affected materials, the board clarified, encompass art books, scientific works, health guides, and graphic novels, which are carefully selected according to established library policy, intended for adult collections, and consistently desired by the community.

Mayerthorpe Public Library Joins the Fight

Following the Medicine Hat Public Library’s vocal stand, the board of the Mayerthorpe Public Library also published a compelling letter opposing Alberta’s Bill 28. Their statement, featured in The Mayerthorpe Freelancer, echoed many of the concerns raised by their counterparts, emphasizing the absence of pornographic material for children in Alberta’s public libraries. They underscored that their collections are meticulously curated by board-approved policies and professional library standards, with materials appropriately cataloged and shelved by age. The letter also highlighted the existence of a formal reconsideration process for patrons, a process that, according to the Mayerthorpe board, has never been utilized in their community.

A critical point raised by the Mayerthorpe board was the lack of additional funding promised by the province for implementing the bill’s changes, placing the financial burden on municipalities. For smaller, rural libraries, this would exacerbate already strained local budgets and potentially lead to the loss of volunteer opportunities and jobs for young people under 16. The board astutely noted that while the government claimed "no books are being removed," the requirement for materials to be placed in secured areas and require proof of age for borrowing creates significant barriers to access and raises privacy concerns, effectively functioning as censorship regardless of whether the materials remain physically present.

The Interconnectedness of Library Systems: School Libraries Under Threat

The article further draws a parallel between public libraries and school libraries, highlighting their shared mission of providing access to information and fostering literacy, even when they operate independently. A stark example of this interconnectedness came to light in a sizable Chicago suburban public school system, where an attempt was made to cut middle school librarians.

District 65, serving Evanston and Skokie, proposed "reassigning" middle school librarians to classrooms as a budget-saving measure. The justification offered by the district’s superintendent was that students could utilize local public libraries to meet their information needs, with plans to "investigate ways to partner with the local public libraries." However, the public libraries were reportedly unaware of this proposed shift in responsibility.

Grassroots Advocacy in Action: The Evanston Case

This is where the power of proactive advocacy became evident. Gail Meyer, a school library advocate working with the Association of Illinois School Library Educators, learned of the district’s rationale and immediately contacted local public librarians. She informed them of the situation and the role they were unexpectedly expected to play in addressing District 65’s budget challenges. This crucial communication galvanized many of these librarians into action.

The community responded with a unified protest, including public library staff, culminating in a significant turnout at the subsequent school board meeting. The pressure from the community led District leadership to reverse its decision to cut librarians. However, the incident left a lasting impact on the district’s reputation, revealing a clear lack of consideration for the integral role libraries and librarians play in student development, education, and information literacy. This case powerfully illustrates the imperative for public libraries to speak out against threats to school libraries, recognizing them as "sister institutions of democracy and civic engagement."

Amplifying Voices: Letters to the Editor as Tools of Advocacy

The article then pivots to providing concrete examples of how individuals and groups can advocate for libraries. It emphasizes the value of letters to the editor and other forms of public commentary as potent tools for informing the community and influencing policymakers.

Rocky Mount, North Carolina: Protecting Essential Infrastructure

In Rocky Mount, North Carolina, a member of the local Friends of the Library stressed the detrimental impact of proposed budget cuts on their library. The letter, published in The Daily Reflector, argued that public libraries are not luxuries but "essential infrastructure for an informed, connected, and resilient community." The author warned that reduced hours, fewer staff, diminished programs, and strained resources would disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, exacerbating existing inequalities in access to information and opportunity.

Marblehead, Massachusetts: The Enduring Value of Libraries

A letter from Marblehead, Massachusetts, published in the Marblehead Current, passionately defended the town’s library amidst budget struggles. The author invoked historical figures like President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who called free libraries "the cradle of democracy," and Albert Einstein, who famously stated, "The only thing that you absolutely need to know is the location of the library." The letter underscored the multifaceted role of libraries, providing access to books, periodicals, computer usage, tax assistance, and community events, all facilitated by knowledgeable librarians. It framed access to these resources as a fundamental right, akin to decent housing and education.

Indiana: Informing Taxpayers About Legislative Threats

A library director in Indiana utilized a Lake County Public Library Facebook post to alert taxpayers about new state legislation that could destabilize public libraries. The post detailed Indiana Senate Bill 4, which proposed changes that could allow county or city governments to defund libraries, a significant departure from established governance practices. Crucially, the post provided clear, actionable steps for patrons to advocate for their public libraries, demonstrating how library leadership can directly engage their communities in legislative advocacy.

Chalkbeat: Celebrating the Impact of School Librarians

In a departure from solely focusing on threats, an essay from Chalkbeat highlighted the invaluable contributions of school librarians, particularly through the lens of a diverse book club. Written by two high school students, the piece celebrated the role of their librarian, Mr. Biddle, in fostering critical thinking, research skills, and the exploration of diverse narratives. The essay served as a powerful reminder that advocacy can also involve celebrating the positive impact of librarians and library programs, especially at a time when library funding and staffing are often under threat.

Syracuse.com: Deconstructing Disinformation Campaigns

A letter published in Syracuse.com offered a measured yet firm response to the tactics employed by groups like Moms for Liberty. The author, a retired teacher with over fifty years of experience, challenged the premise that young people are being exposed to inappropriate books, arguing instead that the greater concern is declining literacy rates among teenagers. The letter identified the targeting of teachers and librarians as a "dangerous and slippery slope," condemning the use of inflammatory language and accusations of "pornography," "pedophilia," and "grooming" as a means to control curriculum and stifle intellectual freedom. This piece effectively deconstructs the misinformation often circulated by groups seeking to censor library content.

AZ Central: Politicians Using Libraries as a Political Football

A concise and impactful letter in AZ Central criticized State Sen. Jake Hoffman’s efforts to ban books in Arizona. The author characterized these actions as a "waste of time" and an attempt to "stifle free speech," accusing the senator of employing "cancel culture" under the guise of protecting children. The letter challenged the senator to provide evidence of harm resulting from access to these materials and questioned why these concerns were not raised years prior, framing the issue as a political stunt rather than a genuine concern for child welfare.

Spotlight News: The Crucial Role of Library Board Elections

Finally, the article emphasizes the importance of library board elections as a direct avenue for community advocacy. A piece from Spotlight News discussed the significance of these elections in safeguarding libraries against censorship and ensuring the continuation of diverse collections and programming. The article cleverly highlighted how candidates responded to a question about the freedom to read, urging voters to consult primary sources like candidate forums to make informed decisions. This approach underscores the proactive measures citizens can take to support libraries by participating in local governance.

The article concludes by referencing the passage of HR 2616 on May 20, 2026, and reiterating the critical need for continued advocacy against such legislation. It provides a link to further information about HR 2616 and encourages immediate action, reinforcing the overarching message that proactive engagement and vocal advocacy are essential for the preservation and vitality of libraries and the fundamental right to access information. The examples provided serve as a powerful testament to the fact that libraries, their boards, their Friends groups, and their communities can and must break their silence to defend these vital institutions.