EveryLibrary Endorses the Keep Libraries Funded Campaign Opposing Florida Amendment 3

EveryLibrary is proud to be a national member of the Keep Libraries Funded Coalition, a statewide effort of local library foundations, Friends groups, and library supporters working to help Floridians understand what Amendment 3 will mean for public library services.

Amendment 3 is on the November ballot in Florida. It would significantly change how local public services are funded by increasing homestead exemptions for non-school property taxes. Local government and policy analysis indicate that the proposal could reduce revenue available for services, including public libraries, public safety, transportation, parks, and other community programs.

Public libraries are not protected in Amendment 3 the way schools are. They depend on local funding to keep doors open, staff available, shelves stocked, technology connected, and programs running. Across Florida, local governments and library supporters are already warning that Amendment 3 could mean reduced hours, hiring freezes, fewer books and materials, program cuts, delayed maintenance, and even possible branch closures.

EveryLibrary is serving as a national partner to the local Foundations and Friends groups who are leading this work in their own communities. Our role is to help operationalize the campaign: build the statewide message, support local outreach, strengthen digital organizing, help identify library supporters, and make sure people who care about libraries have clear ways to act.

The campaign plan is straightforward. We need to find the people who love their libraries, help them understand what is at stake, ask them to take the pledge, and encourage them to share the message with others. Florida has millions of library users, supporters, volunteers, donors, parents, students, seniors, job seekers, and readers who understand that libraries are essential local services.

This campaign matters because Amendment 3 is not just a tax issue. It is a local services issue. Libraries are local. Library funding is local. When local revenue shrinks, library services can shrink too.

Please visit www.KeepLibrariesFunded.org to get the facts, take the pledge, and share the campaign with people who care about Florida libraries.