Image has graphic of books with the text: Ten Ways to Help Your Local Public Library
Get (and use!) your library card. Actively using your library card to borrow books, ebooks, graphic novels, media, and other resources is critical to helping libraries maintain and expand their annual public funding sources.
Vote in your local elections. Find out what elected body oversees your library — is it a city council, a library board, or some other group? Support, vote for, and advocate for elected officials who will support public libraries.
Speak up at public meetings. Once you know who the decision makers are, attend public meetings and make public comments on the record. Not sure what your library needs? Get to know your director and staff, and ask them.
Request materials you want to see. Most libraries accept - and indeed welcome! - patron requests for books or other media, and will buy those materials for the community. If you want to see a more diverse collection, submit a request!
Join a library support group. Most libraries have a Friends of the Library group or a foundation that helps support the library. Join other library lovers to help volunteer, fundraise, and get the word out to your neighbors.
Spread the word about libraries. Libraries work tirelessly to get the word out about programs and services - and you can help! Tell your friends and neighbors about what’s happening at your local library and all it has to offer.
Show up to public library programs. Actively attend programs that your library is putting on, and bring a friend (or five). Branch out and try new options - many libraries depend on meeting attendance goals to maintain diverse programming.
Fight censorship and book bans. Speak up locally for the freedom to access and read diverse materials - fight back against book bans and censorship. For more information, read through our resource library or visit GetReadyStayReady.info to learn about strategies and find resources.
Donate to support groups or …
We at Bank Street Library want to acknowledge and push back against attacks on libraries within our city and across the nation. Here are more ways you can support libraries to make sure everyone has the right to read and learn! #ForOurLibraries #FundLibraries #librarydefender #bankstreetlibrary