The landscape of libraries and library workers across the United States is currently defined by a dual reality: an unprecedented wave of legislative attacks targeting their autonomy and the rights of patrons, juxtaposed with a burgeoning movement of librarians themselves stepping into the political arena to defend these vital institutions. Over the past half-decade, libraries have faced a barrage of restrictive legislation in numerous states, aiming to curtail their ability to provide access to diverse materials and protect the rights of those they serve. Concurrently, the federal government has also shown an inclination to intervene, proposing measures that could dictate the accessibility of books for all citizens.

However, this period of heightened scrutiny has also galvanized a counter-movement. Many states have enacted freedom-to-read laws and implemented legislation designed to shield library workers from workplace retaliation and harassment. A significant portion of this protective legislative work is a direct result of the proactive engagement of librarians and their advocates, who have consistently shown up in legislative chambers to voice their concerns and advocate for their institutions.

From Shelves to Statehouses: A New Wave of Activism

Beyond traditional advocacy, a notable trend has emerged this year with a growing number of librarians across the United States deciding to run for elected office at the state level. This shift represents a profound evolution in how library professionals are choosing to defend the principles they hold dear.

One prominent example is India May, whose journey from a rural library director to a candidate for the Iowa House of Representatives vividly illustrates this transition. May’s initial motivation stemmed from a series of anti-library bills that surfaced in the Iowa legislature in 2025. The subsequent introduction of even more restrictive legislation has amplified the urgency of her campaign for Iowa House District 58, encompassing Chickasaw, Floyd, and Bremer counties.

May is not an isolated case. Several other librarians are participating in elections this year, bringing their unique skill sets and perspectives to the forefront of political discourse. Their candidacies highlight a shared passion for community service, education, and the protection of democratic values, underscoring why their peers are increasingly considering similar political aspirations.

It is worth noting that the current slate of librarian candidates, as identified for the 2026 elections, appears to lack significant representation from librarians of color. This observation likely reflects broader demographic trends within the library profession itself, which has historically been predominantly white. As the field of librarianship continues to diversify, it is anticipated that the pool of candidates running for office will also become more representative. For librarians of color who have harbored political ambitions, this moment serves as a powerful affirmation that their voices, insights, and desires for change are not only valued but urgently needed.

Voices from the Front Lines: Librarian Candidates and Their Platforms

The following profiles offer a glimpse into the diverse motivations and priorities of librarians who are stepping forward to serve in public office. Their candidacies underscore a shared commitment to education, community well-being, and the fundamental right to access information.

Michelle Conners, Running for House District 136, Maine

Background: Executive Director, Kennebunk Free Library
Election Date: June 9, 2026

Michelle Conners’ entry into state politics was not initially planned. She was approached and asked to consider running, an invitation that prompted her to explore the possibility. While always interested in state and local politics and having engaged in advocacy with the Maine Library Association, Conners had not envisioned herself as a front-line candidate. However, her interactions with elected representatives revealed a surprising level of accessibility and willingness to assist, which further encouraged her.

Priorities: Conners aims to foster unity and collaboration, both across the political aisle in the State House and within her community. She is particularly interested in facilitating dialogues that focus on common ground and shared experiences, such as the challenges of caring for aging or ill loved ones, rather than on divisive issues.

Librarian to Legislator: Conners firmly believes her background as a librarian has profoundly prepared her for public office. She emphasizes that libraries serve as crucial spaces for socialization, education, and open discussion, welcoming individuals from all walks of life. The daily interactions with diverse patrons, handled with compassion and discretion, are skills she deems invaluable in public service.

Encouragement to Peers: Conners urges fellow library workers to consider political office, stating, "Do it!" She acknowledges the demands of a busy life but stresses that support networks can make the endeavor achievable. She highlights that running for office is more attainable than many might believe and offers invaluable opportunities to build connections. Even in her own experience of not being elected in 2024, the relationships forged during her campaign significantly boosted the visibility of libraries, providing her with an unexpected platform.

Public Message: Conners encourages the public to visit their local libraries at least once a year to explore collections, attend programs, or simply renew their library cards. She advocates for getting to know librarians and understanding the breadth of their work, which often extends far beyond public perception. Sharing these stories, she believes, is a powerful way to support libraries.

Matt Gile, Running for Vermont House of Representatives (Chittenden-21)

Background: Librarian at Winooski School District
Website: https://mattgileforwinooski.com/
Election Date: August 11, 2026 (primary)

Matt Gile’s decision to run for office is rooted in his lifelong dedication to libraries and their inherent spirit of inclusivity. He views libraries as some of society’s most constructive institutions and seeks to translate that spirit of inclusivity into broader public policy. Gile’s initial foray into legislative advocacy began when he learned of a bill that threatened to drastically alter Vermont’s educational system, lamenting that the voices of educators and those most affected were marginalized. He is running to ensure educators have a stronger presence in the legislature.

Priorities: Gile is deeply concerned about the impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in Winooski, a community that has long been a refugee resettlement area. He aims to prevent ICE from entering schools, hospitals, and government buildings, ensuring that families can access essential services without fear. He advocates for public schools to educate students about global diversity and for state government to stand firm against federal pressures on curriculum related to racial justice or the protection of transgender students. Furthermore, he plans to champion the development of affordable, family-sized housing, arguing that private developers will not adequately address this critical need.

Librarian to Legislator: Gile’s ten years as a school librarian in Winooski, serving students from pre-K through 12th grade, has provided him with a unique perspective on their growth and development. He has witnessed firsthand the impact of societal issues like housing instability and food insecurity on children. While the school district provides support, Gile recognizes that systemic solutions are needed at the state level. He is committed to bringing these real-world struggles to his colleagues in Montpelier.

Encouragement to Peers: Gile assures fellow library workers that they possess the necessary skills and knowledge for political office, emphasizing that their perspective is invaluable in policy-making.

Public Message: Gile highlights that libraries offer far more than free books, encompassing events, workshops, and a wide array of resources. He encourages the public to explore their local libraries, get involved, and recognize them as impactful, free community assets. Supporting local libraries, he states, is a direct way to support the community.

India May, Running for Iowa House of Representatives, District 58

Background: Former rural Library Director
Website/Social Media: mayforiowa.com; @MayforIowa
Election Date: June 2, 2026

India May’s political awakening was triggered by her experience at a town hall where she advocated against book-banning legislation. She found her representative and senator defending such measures without evidence and also supporting the removal of discrimination protections for transgender and non-binary individuals. Initially intending to recruit and volunteer for a candidate, May realized her own passion and qualifications made her the most suitable person for the job. With considerable resolve, she filed her candidacy.

Priorities: May’s primary focus is to combat corporate exploitation within the Iowa Statehouse, particularly concerning alleged healthcare denials by privatized Medicaid companies. She aims to halt the proliferation of anti-school and anti-library bills, allowing educators to teach freely and restoring Iowa’s educational standing. She also addresses the state’s economic challenges, advocating for tax policies that benefit the wealthy and corporations, which have contributed to a significant budget deficit. May proposes taxing affluent individuals and tackling the crisis of poisoned drinking water resulting from industrial and agricultural runoff.

Librarian to Legislator: May describes her work as a librarian as having transformed her into a community organizer. She is adept at connecting people with resources, managing public budgets effectively, and organizing successful community events. Her library experience has provided her with a deep understanding of governmental operations and interdepartmental collaboration, skills she believes will be instrumental in both campaigning and governing.

Encouragement to Peers: May’s message to fellow library workers is a resounding "Do it, do it, do it!" She contends that librarians, driven by a desire to help people and possessing critical thinking and research skills, are precisely the individuals needed in positions of power. Their intimate knowledge of community needs and resources makes them ideal candidates to address unmet needs.

Public Message: May warns that librarians and teachers are increasingly facing backlash for their political convictions expressed online, a reality she experienced firsthand, leading her to leave her library position. She asserts that these professionals, like all Americans, possess First Amendment rights, and patrons have a right to read and be educated without government censorship. May emphasizes that preserving these rights requires active engagement through speaking out, voting, working, and fighting. She encourages citizens to volunteer for anti-corruption, pro-community candidates, highlighting the critical need for broad participation to counter misinformation and voter suppression. She also urges public support for libraries, particularly in states where groups like Moms for Liberty are actively campaigning for book bans. Engaging with local government, writing to legislators, and sharing positive library experiences are crucial actions to protect these vital community resources.

Lindsey Patrick-Wright, Running for Tennessee State Senate District 17

Background: Librarian
Election Date: November 3, 2026

Lindsey Patrick-Wright’s political journey began with her vocal opposition to book bans at local school board meetings. These public statements gained unexpected traction, resonating beyond her immediate community and sparking a local movement of teachers, parents, and librarians who felt isolated in their fight. Their collective efforts successfully pushed back against these measures at the local level. However, the subsequent legislative actions in Tennessee, including state overrides that mandated book bans and advanced voucher programs detrimental to public schools, demonstrated that local advocacy was insufficient. Patrick-Wright concluded that if decisions impacting her community were being made at the state level, she needed to be present to represent those whose voices had been dismissed.

Priorities: Patrick-Wright’s platform centers on reinforcing and reinvesting in public education and institutions. She critically views school voucher programs as a diversion of funds from public schools to private entities, often without adequate accountability. She advocates for strengthening, rather than undermining, public schools and libraries. Furthermore, she is committed to safeguarding intellectual freedom and ensuring that educators and librarians can perform their duties without political interference. She also aims to restore respect for local decision-making, preventing state mandates that disregard community values.

Librarian to Legislator: Patrick-Wright believes her experience as a librarian has equipped her with essential skills for public office, particularly in understanding and serving diverse communities. Librarians are trained to navigate complexity, evaluate information critically, and serve with fairness and care – qualities crucial in policy-making, especially amidst rampant misinformation. Libraries, as shared public spaces, have taught her the art of listening across differences and maintaining a service-oriented approach. Her frontline experience with challenges like book bans has instilled resilience and clarity.

Encouragement to Peers: Patrick-Wright asserts that library workers’ perspectives are urgently needed in policy discussions, particularly in states like Tennessee where access to information and education is increasingly politicized. She notes that librarians already possess the skills to understand systemic issues and advocate for their communities, making a run for office a natural extension of their existing work.

Public Message: Patrick-Wright emphasizes that libraries are more than repositories of books; they are centers of access, opportunity, and community stability. She urges the public to visibly support their libraries, as many people who value these institutions may feel they are alone in their advocacy. Public voices at meetings, at the ballot box, and in daily conversations are vital to protecting and strengthening libraries.

Ellen Paul, Running for State Representative in the Connecticut General Assembly, 55th District

Background: Executive Director, Connecticut Library Consortium
Website/Social Media: ellenforstaterep.com
Election Date: November 3, 2026

Ellen Paul’s decision to run for state office stems from her deep commitment to Connecticut’s values of respect, integrity, tolerance, equity, and opportunity, which she sees as increasingly under threat nationwide. Her motivation is to ensure Connecticut remains a state where her children can thrive. With 15 years of experience as a librarian, Paul believes that a commitment to facts and an informed electorate are foundational to democracy. She views the role of a librarian today as a daily defense of First Amendment freedoms—the rights to speak, read, and think.

Priorities: Paul’s priorities are education and jobs, focusing on Connecticut’s persistent economic disparities. She criticizes the state’s tax policies, which she argues favor the wealthy and perpetuate systemic poverty. She aims to address how to ensure every child receives a world-class education and how to create robust job opportunities for all residents. She also seeks to foster vibrant communities where people can both work and live.

Librarian to Legislator: Paul’s career path has been a deliberate preparation for public service. Her early work with Congressman Joe Courtney provided formative experience in understanding the significance of individual constituent interactions. As a library director, she gained insights into municipal budgeting and governance. Her current role as Executive Director of the Connecticut Library Consortium has provided hands-on experience in legislative advocacy, coalition building, and navigating the committee process to pass bills. She views running for office as a natural and responsible next step, given her capacity and capability.

Encouragement to Peers: Paul acknowledges that running for office is not easy and requires significant time, support, and financial resources. However, she insists it is "worth it." She encourages library workers to have faith in themselves, their message, their background, and their lived experiences, noting the tremendous support she has received simply because she is a librarian.

Public Message: Paul emphasizes that libraries cannot thrive without community support. She stresses that simply having a library card is insufficient; library supporters must actively participate in decision-making processes. She advocates for running for various public offices—library boards, school boards, town councils, and state or federal positions—posing the question, "If not you, then who?"

The EveryLibrary Initiative: Empowering Library Advocates

Recognizing the growing need for informed and engaged advocates in the political sphere, EveryLibrary has launched its "Read. Lead. RUN!" program. This initiative is designed to equip librarians and library advocates with the tools and information necessary to successfully run for local, state, or national office. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum on running for office, resources for identifying eligible positions, fundraising strategies, and guidance on community and coalition building. This program represents a significant step in empowering those on the front lines of information access to become influential leaders in shaping public policy.