EveryLibrary Launches Libraries2024 Initiative to Engage Voters About the Big Issues Affecting Libraries

EveryLibrary, the national political action committee for libraries, launches the Libraries2024 Initiative, a new voter-facing campaign to promote issue advocacy and civic education about school libraries, public libraries, and the profession of librarianship in advance of Election Days throughout the 2024 cycle.

EveryLibrary’s vision for Libraries2024 is rooted in our belief in the transformative power of libraries, and the proximity libraries have to Americans from every walk of life. The Libraries2024 campaign encourages all Americans to be civically engaged, registered to vote, and be informed about issues affecting their communities - especially public and school libraries. It is the only voter-facing digital campaign platform focused on libraries and election participation. 

In recent years, EveryLibrary has seen attacks on our democracy embedded in the rise of censorship of books and materials. EveryLibrary recognizes that the constitutional rights of the First Amendment are vital to sustaining democracy in the United States. We also recognize the right for people’s stories to be told. Now more than ever, it is important for citizens to be acutely aware of the issues surrounding the First Amendment and prepared to take actions to protect against threats to essential freedoms. We recognizes that voters have the power to influence and protect the freedom of speech by pledging to vote for libraries on the ballot, candidates who support libraries, and boards, councils, and commissions that uplift libraries and librarians. 

The Libraries2024 initiative aims to:

• Offer voters information on important federal, state, and local library issues and about local library ballot measures.
• Inviting voters to take the Pledge to Support Libraries on the Ballot - especially by voting for candidates who affirm the ability of school and public libraries to lend.
• Provide tools for voter registration and for finding local voting locations and information.
• Support voters in staying informed and holding them accountable to vote for libraries.
• Connect volunteers with local library campaigns and national voter engagement projects about the big issues affecting our sector.

“We are excited to launch Libraries2024 to inform voters about issues such as taxpayer support for public libraries, the First Amendment, and the defunding of public education that impacts school libraries throughout the nation,” said John Chrastka, Executive Director of EveryLibrary. “We hope to empower voters with information about how libraries support our communities, our schools, and the critical work of protecting democracy.”

EveryLibrary is deeply committed to upholding the principles of democracy, community engagement, and informed citizenship. Every day, EveryLibrary empowers people to support libraries and all that they stand for. We believe that all citizens should actively participate in our shared civic life. You can take the Pledge and learn more about EveryLibrary’s commitment to democracy at Libraries2024.org/.