Any library initiative anywhere should matter to every library everywhere

I admire the Freedom to Read Foundation a great deal.

In fact, I was an FTRF member before I joined ALA.  One of their founding principles is that each challenge to the First Amendment in libraries should be answered. 

At times, that means either starting or joining a court case.  Sometimes it means filing an Amicus brief to demonstrate to the court that the litigants have an ally from the library world.  In any case, it means standing up and speaking out in support of the First Amendment because every case - regardless of jurisdiction - helps establish precedence for future cases.  In the law, precedence matters. Making sure it goes correctly now has true impact, but it also means something in the future.

In a similar way, EveryLibrary is being set up to help with current campaigns and library ballot initiatives.  But we are also focused on the long-view for library political action. Each initiative that comes before the voters - from simple millage or levy changes to more expansive bonding or districting authority - has an immediate and real impact on the community that library serves.  If the bond is the for first new building since Carnegie, that has a significant impact.  If the millage or levy keeps the doors open or, better yet, allows for an expansion of collections, services, and staff, that is highly impactful.  That particular initiative has merit because the library itself delivers life-changing value.  We should be focused on helping the library tell its own story and get-out-the-vote. EveryLibrary will to work to ensure that those initiatives and measures succeed.  You support will help make that possible.  Pledge today at https://www.everylibrary.org/donate