ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
@librarypolicy.bsky.social
Updates from the @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social Public Policy & Advocacy team in D.C. #LibrariesStrong #BuildLibraries #FundLibraries #eBooksForAll #ForOurLibraries
Become a library advocate: ala.org/takeaction
Become a library advocate: ala.org/takeaction
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
What do you need for a game jam? “Two tables. Done.”
Game jams—accelerated game creation events—started as a way to develop video games, but they’re also useful for creating tabletop role-playing games, which have grown in popularity in recent years.
Read more: https://bit.ly/43qkkRQ
Game jams—accelerated game creation events—started as a way to develop video games, but they’re also useful for creating tabletop role-playing games, which have grown in popularity in recent years.
Read more: https://bit.ly/43qkkRQ
Jam Forever | American Libraries Magazine
Panelists shared ways for libraries to host game jams to help students and patrons of all ages create games.
bit.ly
November 11, 2025 at 5:12 PM
What do you need for a game jam? “Two tables. Done.”
Game jams—accelerated game creation events—started as a way to develop video games, but they’re also useful for creating tabletop role-playing games, which have grown in popularity in recent years.
Read more: https://bit.ly/43qkkRQ
Game jams—accelerated game creation events—started as a way to develop video games, but they’re also useful for creating tabletop role-playing games, which have grown in popularity in recent years.
Read more: https://bit.ly/43qkkRQ
NEW from ALA: Storytelling Advocacy Jumpstart
Looking for inspiration to incorporate storytelling into your advocacy?
This free member-exclusive recorded webinar gives you the tips & tools to turn your library story into a library advocacy win.
Learn more & view: elearning.ala.org/local/catalo...
Looking for inspiration to incorporate storytelling into your advocacy?
This free member-exclusive recorded webinar gives you the tips & tools to turn your library story into a library advocacy win.
Learn more & view: elearning.ala.org/local/catalo...
November 11, 2025 at 6:04 PM
NEW from ALA: Storytelling Advocacy Jumpstart
Looking for inspiration to incorporate storytelling into your advocacy?
This free member-exclusive recorded webinar gives you the tips & tools to turn your library story into a library advocacy win.
Learn more & view: elearning.ala.org/local/catalo...
Looking for inspiration to incorporate storytelling into your advocacy?
This free member-exclusive recorded webinar gives you the tips & tools to turn your library story into a library advocacy win.
Learn more & view: elearning.ala.org/local/catalo...
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
Today in the New York Times: How federal funding cuts are hurting rural library budgets. "The financial margins were tight even before Mr. Trump tried to eliminate the Institute of Museum & Library Services." More: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/us/politics/rural-libraries.html #ForOurLibraries
Federal Cuts, Immigration Raids and a Slowing Economy Hit Rural Libraries
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:28 PM
Today in the New York Times: How federal funding cuts are hurting rural library budgets. "The financial margins were tight even before Mr. Trump tried to eliminate the Institute of Museum & Library Services." More: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/us/politics/rural-libraries.html #ForOurLibraries
When we work together to advocate, we go further. Learn about ALA’s Ecosystem Initiative to boost funding, influence & partnerships on our next webinar, featuring PPA's Lisa Varga. #ALAOneVoice
Join us on Thursday, Nov 13 @ 4pm Central / 5pm Eastern
Register now: ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Join us on Thursday, Nov 13 @ 4pm Central / 5pm Eastern
Register now: ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
November 10, 2025 at 8:47 PM
When we work together to advocate, we go further. Learn about ALA’s Ecosystem Initiative to boost funding, influence & partnerships on our next webinar, featuring PPA's Lisa Varga. #ALAOneVoice
Join us on Thursday, Nov 13 @ 4pm Central / 5pm Eastern
Register now: ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Join us on Thursday, Nov 13 @ 4pm Central / 5pm Eastern
Register now: ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
All across Mississippi, library workers are worried about what might happen to services and programs if federal funding cuts stay in place.
Patty M. Bailey, director of the Yalobusha County Public Library said federal funding is "vital": www.columbianprogress.com/trump-admini... #FundLibraries
Patty M. Bailey, director of the Yalobusha County Public Library said federal funding is "vital": www.columbianprogress.com/trump-admini... #FundLibraries
Trump administration’s effort to cut federal funds could have dire impact on Mississippi libraries
Sarah Tramel loves libraries. She visits them regularly, takes her daughter to storytimes and listens to audiobooks on Hoopla, an app that provides free access to ebooks, audiobooks, movies and other ...
www.columbianprogress.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:36 PM
All across Mississippi, library workers are worried about what might happen to services and programs if federal funding cuts stay in place.
Patty M. Bailey, director of the Yalobusha County Public Library said federal funding is "vital": www.columbianprogress.com/trump-admini... #FundLibraries
Patty M. Bailey, director of the Yalobusha County Public Library said federal funding is "vital": www.columbianprogress.com/trump-admini... #FundLibraries
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
Level up your library’s future with collaborative grantseeking! This first-of-its-kind, self-paced ALA eCourse provides a comprehensive foundation in collaborative grantseeking, proposal development, and submission - no experience required.
Join the free info session Nov 17: https://bit.ly/43q987M
Join the free info session Nov 17: https://bit.ly/43q987M
November 10, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Level up your library’s future with collaborative grantseeking! This first-of-its-kind, self-paced ALA eCourse provides a comprehensive foundation in collaborative grantseeking, proposal development, and submission - no experience required.
Join the free info session Nov 17: https://bit.ly/43q987M
Join the free info session Nov 17: https://bit.ly/43q987M
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
ALA President @samhelmick.bsky.social moderated a post-screening discussion of The Librarians at Chicago’s Landmark Theatre this week.
Screenings are happening in cities across the country. See where the film is headed next. ➡️ https://thelibrariansfilm.com/screenings/
Screenings are happening in cities across the country. See where the film is headed next. ➡️ https://thelibrariansfilm.com/screenings/
November 7, 2025 at 5:06 PM
ALA President @samhelmick.bsky.social moderated a post-screening discussion of The Librarians at Chicago’s Landmark Theatre this week.
Screenings are happening in cities across the country. See where the film is headed next. ➡️ https://thelibrariansfilm.com/screenings/
Screenings are happening in cities across the country. See where the film is headed next. ➡️ https://thelibrariansfilm.com/screenings/
Recent changes by the FCC to the #ERate program have rolled back discounts for Wi-Fi hotspot lending in libraries. Looking for more details on what this means at your library? We have an FAQ to help: www.ala.org/advocacy/fed...
Learn more about ALA's broadband advocacy: www.ala.org/advocacy/fed...
Learn more about ALA's broadband advocacy: www.ala.org/advocacy/fed...
November 7, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Recent changes by the FCC to the #ERate program have rolled back discounts for Wi-Fi hotspot lending in libraries. Looking for more details on what this means at your library? We have an FAQ to help: www.ala.org/advocacy/fed...
Learn more about ALA's broadband advocacy: www.ala.org/advocacy/fed...
Learn more about ALA's broadband advocacy: www.ala.org/advocacy/fed...
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
ALA President @samhelmick.bsky.social highlights how ALA chapters are "our first indicators of new trends, the tightening pressure on legislative challenges, and the steady rhythm of community needs." https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2025/11/03/the-pulse-of-our-profession/
The Pulse of Our Profession | American Libraries Magazine
ALA chapters are our first indicators of new trends, tightening pressure on legislative challenges, and the steady rhythm of community needs.
americanlibrariesmagazine.org
November 5, 2025 at 5:15 PM
ALA President @samhelmick.bsky.social highlights how ALA chapters are "our first indicators of new trends, the tightening pressure on legislative challenges, and the steady rhythm of community needs." https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2025/11/03/the-pulse-of-our-profession/
Unite libraries for stronger advocacy! Learn about ALA’s Ecosystem Initiative to boost funding, influence & partnerships on our next webinar, featuring our office's Lisa Varga. #ALAOneVoice
Join us on Thursday, Nov 13 @ 4pm Central / 5pm Eastern
Register now: ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Join us on Thursday, Nov 13 @ 4pm Central / 5pm Eastern
Register now: ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
November 6, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Unite libraries for stronger advocacy! Learn about ALA’s Ecosystem Initiative to boost funding, influence & partnerships on our next webinar, featuring our office's Lisa Varga. #ALAOneVoice
Join us on Thursday, Nov 13 @ 4pm Central / 5pm Eastern
Register now: ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Join us on Thursday, Nov 13 @ 4pm Central / 5pm Eastern
Register now: ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
New in Public Libraries Online: What is spectrum, and how does it power your library?
Amelia Byrne explains how spectrum - invisible electromagnetic waves - enables everything from your book check-outs to your library's wi-fi service.
Read more: publiclibrariesonline.org/2025/10/spec...
Amelia Byrne explains how spectrum - invisible electromagnetic waves - enables everything from your book check-outs to your library's wi-fi service.
Read more: publiclibrariesonline.org/2025/10/spec...
November 6, 2025 at 7:52 PM
New in Public Libraries Online: What is spectrum, and how does it power your library?
Amelia Byrne explains how spectrum - invisible electromagnetic waves - enables everything from your book check-outs to your library's wi-fi service.
Read more: publiclibrariesonline.org/2025/10/spec...
Amelia Byrne explains how spectrum - invisible electromagnetic waves - enables everything from your book check-outs to your library's wi-fi service.
Read more: publiclibrariesonline.org/2025/10/spec...
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
We are excited to announce the 2027–2028 presidential candidates: Tamika Barnes of Georgia State University and Becky Calzada of Leander Independent School District.
Learn more about these two accomplished library leaders. ➡️ americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-sc...
Learn more about these two accomplished library leaders. ➡️ americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-sc...
Barnes, Calzada Seek 2027–2028 ALA Presidency | American Libraries Magazine
The American Library Association has announced the candidates running for president for the 2027–2028 term.
americanlibrariesmagazine.org
November 6, 2025 at 4:54 PM
We are excited to announce the 2027–2028 presidential candidates: Tamika Barnes of Georgia State University and Becky Calzada of Leander Independent School District.
Learn more about these two accomplished library leaders. ➡️ americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-sc...
Learn more about these two accomplished library leaders. ➡️ americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-sc...
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
Join us TODAY at 4pm Eastern / 1pm Pacific!
We can't wait to chat with our friends @interfaithalliance.org
We can't wait to chat with our friends @interfaithalliance.org
Join us Wednesday @ 4pm ET / 1pm PT!
We're teaming up with @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social's @uabookbans.bsky.social to discuss how faith communities and librarians can come together to advocate for the right to read.
Register here: support.interfaithalliance.org/a/how-faith-...
We're teaming up with @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social's @uabookbans.bsky.social to discuss how faith communities and librarians can come together to advocate for the right to read.
Register here: support.interfaithalliance.org/a/how-faith-...
November 5, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Join us TODAY at 4pm Eastern / 1pm Pacific!
We can't wait to chat with our friends @interfaithalliance.org
We can't wait to chat with our friends @interfaithalliance.org
Library budgets across the country are under stress after cuts to federal funding and, increasingly, cuts to state funding. In Ohio, libraries and museums are reaching out to the community for support: www.cincinnatimagazine.com/article/arts...
Tell Congress to #FundLibraries: ala.org/fundlibraries
Tell Congress to #FundLibraries: ala.org/fundlibraries
New Legislation Puts Stress on Cincinnati's Museums and Libraries - Cincinnati Magazine
In the face of massive funding cuts, cultural institutions in Cincinnati are sounding the alarm—and the community is answering the call.
www.cincinnatimagazine.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Library budgets across the country are under stress after cuts to federal funding and, increasingly, cuts to state funding. In Ohio, libraries and museums are reaching out to the community for support: www.cincinnatimagazine.com/article/arts...
Tell Congress to #FundLibraries: ala.org/fundlibraries
Tell Congress to #FundLibraries: ala.org/fundlibraries
Looking for new reads to help teach your young patrons about civic engagement this election season? @wearealsc.bsky.social & @ala-booklist.bsky.social have a booklist for that!
Check out the Inspiring Future Voters Booklist, with recs for all ages: www.ala.org/alsc/publica... #ReaderVoterReady
Check out the Inspiring Future Voters Booklist, with recs for all ages: www.ala.org/alsc/publica... #ReaderVoterReady
November 4, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Looking for new reads to help teach your young patrons about civic engagement this election season? @wearealsc.bsky.social & @ala-booklist.bsky.social have a booklist for that!
Check out the Inspiring Future Voters Booklist, with recs for all ages: www.ala.org/alsc/publica... #ReaderVoterReady
Check out the Inspiring Future Voters Booklist, with recs for all ages: www.ala.org/alsc/publica... #ReaderVoterReady
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
Join us Wednesday @ 4pm ET / 1pm PT!
We're teaming up with @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social's @uabookbans.bsky.social to discuss how faith communities and librarians can come together to advocate for the right to read.
Register here: support.interfaithalliance.org/a/how-faith-...
We're teaming up with @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social's @uabookbans.bsky.social to discuss how faith communities and librarians can come together to advocate for the right to read.
Register here: support.interfaithalliance.org/a/how-faith-...
November 3, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Join us Wednesday @ 4pm ET / 1pm PT!
We're teaming up with @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social's @uabookbans.bsky.social to discuss how faith communities and librarians can come together to advocate for the right to read.
Register here: support.interfaithalliance.org/a/how-faith-...
We're teaming up with @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social's @uabookbans.bsky.social to discuss how faith communities and librarians can come together to advocate for the right to read.
Register here: support.interfaithalliance.org/a/how-faith-...
Presenting at #AnchorNets2025 last week, ALA's Megan Janicki told the audience that proposed & enacted federal cuts have created “an atmosphere of uncertainty” for libraries across the country.
Read more about the challenges facing libraries & digital equity: broadbandbreakfast.com/libraries-wa...
Read more about the challenges facing libraries & digital equity: broadbandbreakfast.com/libraries-wa...
Libraries Warn Federal Cuts Could Undo Digital Inclusion Gains
Officials say agency funding underpins broadband and workforce access.
broadbandbreakfast.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Presenting at #AnchorNets2025 last week, ALA's Megan Janicki told the audience that proposed & enacted federal cuts have created “an atmosphere of uncertainty” for libraries across the country.
Read more about the challenges facing libraries & digital equity: broadbandbreakfast.com/libraries-wa...
Read more about the challenges facing libraries & digital equity: broadbandbreakfast.com/libraries-wa...
Reposted by ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
Have you joined the For Our Libraries fundraising challenge? There's still time to catch up! Top 10 fundraisers win free registration to ALA Annual 2026 in Chicago, with free lodging and $1,500 to cover travel expenses for our grand prize winner!
Challenge ends Dec. 31! ilovelibraries.org/fundraise
Challenge ends Dec. 31! ilovelibraries.org/fundraise
November 2, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Have you joined the For Our Libraries fundraising challenge? There's still time to catch up! Top 10 fundraisers win free registration to ALA Annual 2026 in Chicago, with free lodging and $1,500 to cover travel expenses for our grand prize winner!
Challenge ends Dec. 31! ilovelibraries.org/fundraise
Challenge ends Dec. 31! ilovelibraries.org/fundraise
Happy #FairUseFriday!
We love this example from @recreatecoalition.bsky.social showing how fair use enables parody Halloween costumes.
From spoOOooOooky Halloween outfits to ghost-themed story times in the library, fair use helps us create and share freely.
We love this example from @recreatecoalition.bsky.social showing how fair use enables parody Halloween costumes.
From spoOOooOooky Halloween outfits to ghost-themed story times in the library, fair use helps us create and share freely.
Happy #Fairusefriday & Happy Halloween! Did you know that fair use allows trick-or-treaters to create parody costumes, like a zombie Wonder Woman or a parody of Progressive’s Flo as “Slo from Depressive,” and even take inspiration from Spider-Man to make a homemade costume?
October 31, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Happy #FairUseFriday!
We love this example from @recreatecoalition.bsky.social showing how fair use enables parody Halloween costumes.
From spoOOooOooky Halloween outfits to ghost-themed story times in the library, fair use helps us create and share freely.
We love this example from @recreatecoalition.bsky.social showing how fair use enables parody Halloween costumes.
From spoOOooOooky Halloween outfits to ghost-themed story times in the library, fair use helps us create and share freely.
Thank you again to the Schools Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition for having ALA at #AnchorNets2025!
ALA's Megan Janicki spoke on today's panel focusing on the impact of federal dollars on library connectivity and the importance of #ERate discounts for communities nationwide.
ALA's Megan Janicki spoke on today's panel focusing on the impact of federal dollars on library connectivity and the importance of #ERate discounts for communities nationwide.
October 31, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Thank you again to the Schools Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition for having ALA at #AnchorNets2025!
ALA's Megan Janicki spoke on today's panel focusing on the impact of federal dollars on library connectivity and the importance of #ERate discounts for communities nationwide.
ALA's Megan Janicki spoke on today's panel focusing on the impact of federal dollars on library connectivity and the importance of #ERate discounts for communities nationwide.
Nominations are OPEN for the #ILoveMyLibrarian Award. Don't miss out on the opportunity to recognize a librarian in your community who has made a difference in your life!
Details below ⤵️
Details below ⤵️
Has a librarian made a difference in your life? Nominate them for the #ILoveMyLibrarian Award for a chance to win $5,000 and the honor of a lifetime. Nominations close Dec. 15!
Submit your nomination: https://bit.ly/3uVK4V0
Submit your nomination: https://bit.ly/3uVK4V0
October 31, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Nominations are OPEN for the #ILoveMyLibrarian Award. Don't miss out on the opportunity to recognize a librarian in your community who has made a difference in your life!
Details below ⤵️
Details below ⤵️
OPPORTUNITY: After rollbacks to #ERate funding for Wi-Fi hotspots, many libraries have new gaps in their budgets.
@missiontelecom.bsky.social is offering to help bridge the gaps for libraries & schools that received approval only to see it taken away. Learn more: www.route-fifty.com/digital-gove...
@missiontelecom.bsky.social is offering to help bridge the gaps for libraries & schools that received approval only to see it taken away. Learn more: www.route-fifty.com/digital-gove...
Nonprofit offers alternative funding for school, library Wi-Fi programs
Mission Telecom said it would match any discounts those institutions received under the FCC’s E-Rate program for loaning out Wi-Fi hotspots and providing service on school buses.
www.route-fifty.com
October 30, 2025 at 8:20 PM
OPPORTUNITY: After rollbacks to #ERate funding for Wi-Fi hotspots, many libraries have new gaps in their budgets.
@missiontelecom.bsky.social is offering to help bridge the gaps for libraries & schools that received approval only to see it taken away. Learn more: www.route-fifty.com/digital-gove...
@missiontelecom.bsky.social is offering to help bridge the gaps for libraries & schools that received approval only to see it taken away. Learn more: www.route-fifty.com/digital-gove...
Our team is thrilled to be at #AnchorNets2025 hosted by our partners, the Schools Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition!
Libraries play a key role in digital connectivity - from access to skills - in communities nationwide. We're always grateful for the advocacy & recognition of our SHLB partners!
Libraries play a key role in digital connectivity - from access to skills - in communities nationwide. We're always grateful for the advocacy & recognition of our SHLB partners!
October 30, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Our team is thrilled to be at #AnchorNets2025 hosted by our partners, the Schools Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition!
Libraries play a key role in digital connectivity - from access to skills - in communities nationwide. We're always grateful for the advocacy & recognition of our SHLB partners!
Libraries play a key role in digital connectivity - from access to skills - in communities nationwide. We're always grateful for the advocacy & recognition of our SHLB partners!
Even after federal funding cuts, libraries in Mississippi are providing resources for patrons of all ages. But the cuts are making an impact, in Mississippi and across the country: www.wdam.com/2025/10/10/l...
Find ways to take action #ForOurLibraries: ala.org/fundlibraries
Find ways to take action #ForOurLibraries: ala.org/fundlibraries
Lamar County library system, cities working against federal funding cuts
Six months ago, Lamar County Library System and libraries nationwide lost significant federal funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
www.wdam.com
October 29, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Even after federal funding cuts, libraries in Mississippi are providing resources for patrons of all ages. But the cuts are making an impact, in Mississippi and across the country: www.wdam.com/2025/10/10/l...
Find ways to take action #ForOurLibraries: ala.org/fundlibraries
Find ways to take action #ForOurLibraries: ala.org/fundlibraries
Does your library have questions about the recent repeal of #ERate discounts for Wi-Fi hotspots? We have a new FAQ to help. Learn more about what this means for your library: www.ala.org/advocacy/fed...
Explore our other digital equity policy and advocacy tools: www.ala.org/advocacy/fed...
Explore our other digital equity policy and advocacy tools: www.ala.org/advocacy/fed...
October 29, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Does your library have questions about the recent repeal of #ERate discounts for Wi-Fi hotspots? We have a new FAQ to help. Learn more about what this means for your library: www.ala.org/advocacy/fed...
Explore our other digital equity policy and advocacy tools: www.ala.org/advocacy/fed...
Explore our other digital equity policy and advocacy tools: www.ala.org/advocacy/fed...