This week we celebrate the freedom to read. Orwell's "1984" warned us about censorship—today we're living that warning. Together, we can defend every reader's right to access books that challenge ideas and expand understanding.

Learn more: www.ala.org/bbooks
Support MD libraries: mdlib.org/donate

When library leaders and state officials come together, great things happen for Maryland communities! Check out these photos from the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Summer Conference in Ocean City.

The Maryland Library Association is teaming up with the Sustainable Libraries Initiative to help cultivate library leadership for community resilience.

Check out the full press release here: members.mdlib.org/news/Details...

Maryland Library Advocates Unite!✊Ready to be a powerful voice for Maryland libraries? Join us for a one-day conference on Thursday, July 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. that will equip you with the tools to speak up and take action.

🔗 Register now: members.mdlib.org/eventcalenda...

Your advocacy worked! A HUGE thank you to the MLA members and friends who contacted representatives—and to the Maryland legislators who signed onto the critical funding letters to #FUNDLIBRARIES! See which Maryland reps signed: ala.org/advocacy/fund-libraries

Last week’s storm hit the town of Westernport in Allegany County very hard, damaging public infrastructure, including the public library, with flooding and high winds. Please consider giving in support of our Western Maryland neighbors. www.alleganycountylibrary.info/support-us/

With equal amounts of determination and grace, Dr. Hayden forever changed libraries and librarianship. Across the nation, she inspired leaders and improved access for those who need it most. Her term may have been cut short, but her impact will outlast this administration and many more to come.

It’s #NationalLibraryWorkersDay! Let’s show love to the library staff who protect our right to read and keep our communities informed. 💙
1️⃣ Nominate a stellar library worker → ala-apa.org/nlwd/
2️⃣ Send a postcard of support → uniteagainstbookbans.org
3️⃣ Become a library advocate → mdlib.org/advocate/

Today is #RightToRead Day — a national day of action to defend the freedom to read and resist growing censorship efforts in libraries and schools.
Join us in saying: Libraries are for everyone.
🔗 uniteagainstbookbans.org/right-to-rea...
#UniteAgainstBookBans #FreedomToRead

Today, we proudly join the celebration of Transgender Day of Visibility—a day to honor the courage, resilience, and vibrant contributions of trans and non-binary people in our communities.
#TransDayOfVisibility #MarylandLibraries #CommunityStories #InclusionMatters #MarylandLibraryAssociation

The White House has taken steps to dismantle the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS)—the only federal agency dedicated to funding libraries. Call your members of Congress today and urge them to protect IMLS funding. #SaveIMLS #FundLibraries #LibrariesMatter

🔗bit.ly/protect-libraries