Become a Library Advocate

Public libraries – and your freedom to read and access information in your local library – are under renewed threat from budget cuts on the state level and attacks on government institutions on the federal level.

Your voice is needed to let our state and federal representatives know that libraries are an integral part of an informed and prosperous community and that library funding is crucial to bringing programs and services to all.

Please click on the links below to advocate for your library, and libraries nationwide.

Become a Library Advocate

To receive e-mail alerts when your action is needed to act on behalf of libraries,
provide your information below. Advocating for your library services is quick,
simple and timely, and there is no cost to you.

Advocacy Questions Answered

What is the IMLS? How does the potential elimination of Federal E-Rate program funding affect internet access for schools and libraries? What is the New York State Library, what does it do and how will its elimination affect our local libraries?

Contact Your Congressman

To learn more about the IMLS and federal E-Rate funding and to send a letter to our local Congressional representative, click here. (Please be sure to add date and your name and address before printing.)

Defend IMLS Now!

On March 14, 2025, the President signed an Executive Order advancing elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which provides vital funding to libraries nationwide. Demand that Congress act to defend IMLS now!

ALA’s Statement
on the Elimination
of IMLS

Read the American Library Association’s statement on the termination of IMLS grants. Please contact you state and federal representative and urge them to continue to fund libraries across the nation. We need your support!

2025 Legislative Session

The 2025 Legislative Session is in full swing and New York’s library community needs your help to secure key budgetary and legislative wins in the coming months. Learn more about important library legislation and what’s at stake.

Local Government Contacts

Charles E. Schumer

U.S. Senator

Kirsten E. Gillibrand

U.S. Senator

Andrew R. Garbarino

U.S. Representative – 2nd District

Alexis Weik

NYS Senate – 8th SD

Monica Martinez

NYS Senate – 4th SD

More Resources

The New York Library Association (NYLA) is devoted to the promotion of library interests across the state.
ALA is the largest and most respected membership association in the world for the library industry. It is a community of people working together to ensure that libraries remain vital centers of literacy, access, and opportunity.
The Freedom to Read Foundation supports the community in ensuring access to books and information, challenging book bans and supporting libraries nationwide.