Across the country, elected officials make decisions every day about library funding, access to information, and intellectual freedom. These decisions determine whether libraries can expand services, protect the right to read, and meet their communities' needs.
But here’s the problem: too often, the people making those decisions have little to no connection to libraries, or they're interested in banning books or defunding libraries as part of their larger culture war.
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Even more troubling, nearly 70% of elected offices in the United States go unopposed. That means thousands of races are decided before a single vote is cast. No debate. No alternatives. No opportunity for voters to choose a candidate who understands the value of libraries.
When seats go uncontested, communities lose their voice. And when library supporters aren’t on the ballot, libraries lose representation where it matters most.
If readers, library workers, and library supporters don’t step forward, someone else will. And that “someone else” may not prioritize literacy, public access, or the freedom to read. In fact, they may work to destroy your local library.
We built the tools you need to get started running for office at ReadLeadRun.org
We’ve already seen what happens when decisions about libraries are made without strong advocates in office:
- Funding gets cut or redirected
- School libraries are reduced or eliminated
- Policies emerge that limit access to books and information
- Library workers are left defending their work instead of shaping policy
The stakes are real. Libraries are not just buildings. They are essential infrastructure for education, workforce development, civic engagement, and community resilience.
And yet, the people who understand this best are often told, directly or indirectly, that running for office isn’t for them.
That’s simply not true.
Library supporters already have the skills democracy needs. You know how to serve a community. You know how to manage public resources responsibly. You know how to listen, respond, and lead.
The real barrier isn’t ability. It’s the idea that someone else will step up.
But when no one does, the consequences fall on libraries and the communities they serve.
That’s why we launched Read. Lead. RUN!
This campaign is built on a simple but powerful idea: if we want better outcomes for libraries, we need better representation in office. And that starts with library supporters running for office themselves.
Donate today to help us reach more readers like you and encourage them to run for office.
We’re not asking you to figure it out alone. We’ve created Read. Lead. RUN! to walk you through every step of the process:
- How to file and get on the ballot
- How to build a campaign plan and budget
- How to access the resources you need
- How to connect with voters and raise funds
- How to run a smart, effective campaign that can win
Thousands of seats are open right now. Not someday. Not in theory. Right now.
If you love libraries, this is your moment.
Because the future of libraries won’t just be defended.
It will be decided.
And it should be decided by people like you.