Direct Funding for Local Library Campaigns

Since our first election day in February 2013, EveryLibrary has “bundled” donations from supporters across the country and sent them directly to local pro-library campaign committees. As the only national 501(c)(4) political action committee for libraries, we are uniquely positioned to provide this kind of direct and effective support.

We help campaigns in many ways: pro-bono consulting, messaging guidance, polling advice, voter-file strategy, free websites, and trusted vendor referrals. But the one activity we can do that no one else in the library advocacy community can is to write them a check.

Through this work, we have helped communities secure over 3 billion dollars in stable funding for their libraries.

A monthly donation of just $3 helps us secure almost $60,000 in funding for libraries.

We aim to be early money whenever possible. Early support gives local campaigns credibility, helps them attract additional donors, and sometimes becomes the basis for matching campaigns that mobilize the community. And when opposition groups strike late with robocalls or disinformation, having flexible funds can make the difference between responding and being overwhelmed.

These two campaigns matter for their local libraries.

Eugene, Oregon - The Eugene Public Library levy accounts for 17% of the library’s total funding and supports core services, staffing, collections, and access across the city. Past levy renewals have passed with strong voter support, but rising costs and budget pressures make continued investment critical. The Yes for Eugene Library campaign is about sustaining a library system that consistently delivers extraordinary impact per public dollar.

Fisher, Illinois - In Fisher, residents will vote on whether to establish the Fisher Community Library District, creating a locally governed public library for the first time. This is a classic grassroots effort. This campaign is about neighbors coming together to say that access to books, learning, and community space matters. A library district is a long-term investment in civic life, education, and opportunity for all.

You can see just how far your donation goes to fund local libraries in the United States.

In both places, donor support helps local advocates get off to a strong start.

Even in the smallest towns, campaigns cost money. Signs, ads, and volunteer support; it all adds up. Without national donors stepping in early, many library campaigns simply wouldn’t have the momentum they need.

Being able to do this work in partnership with local campaign committee leaders only happens because our donors believe that libraries are worth fighting for. We invite you to stand with us as a monthly donor. We will put your donor support to work immediately - and in ways that truly matter. Please help us support more campaigns like this in 2026. It won’t be an easy year for any libraries on the ballot, but we can do so much more for them with your involvement and support.