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librarypolicy.bsky.social
ALA Public Policy & Advocacy
@librarypolicy.bsky.social
2.7K followers 86 following 270 posts
Updates from the @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social Public Policy & Advocacy team in D.C. #LibrariesStrong #BuildLibraries #FundLibraries #eBooksForAll #ForOurLibraries

Become a library advocate: ala.org/takeaction
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librarypolicy.bsky.social
Thank you so much @ncte.org for hosting our team's Lisa Varga at #NCTE25 in Denver!

Along with educators and intellectual freedom defenders from across the country, Lisa presented on the challenges and opportunities facing libraries and schools in this intellectual freedom environment.
Presenters at the National Council of Teachers of English conference in Denver, CO, posting together with an NCTE 2025 sign. From left to right: Lisa Varga, Associate Executive Director for Public Policy & Advocacy, American Library Association; Ann David, Professor, University of the Incarnate World; Danielle Sullivan, Associate Professor of English, Bemidji State University; Cody Miller, Associate Professor of English Education, SUNY Brockport; Jennifer Silver, Humanities Faculty, Vistamar High School; and Lisa Ortmann, Associate Professor in Education, Gustavus Adolphus College.
November 21, 2025 at 3:39 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
Congratulations Rep. Adelita Grijalva on your official swearing in to Congress!

Rep. Grijalva comes from a multigenerational family of librarians and educators and she has always championed libraries, in the legacy of her father Rep. Raúl Grijalva.

We're excited to work together #ForOurLibraries!
Adelita Grijalva, pictured in 2022 at the Pima County Public Library in Arizona for a graduation event.
November 12, 2025 at 9:11 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
The Hour of AI activity catalog is now live with 60+ creative ways to learn about AI in multiple environments. Start exploring at HourofAI.org to find learning activities and more! #HourOfAI
60+ Hour of AI activities launch today! Uniting classrooms, companies, and communities in the world's largest AI learning movement.
November 12, 2025 at 7:44 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
NEW from ALA: Storytelling Advocacy Jumpstart

Looking for inspiration to incorporate storytelling into your advocacy?

This free member-exclusive recorded webinar gives you the tips & tools to turn your library story into a library advocacy win.

Learn more & view: elearning.ala.org/local/catalo...
Storytelling Advocacy Jumpstart: Essential Tools for Building your Library Story
November 11, 2025 at 6:04 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
When we work together to advocate, we go further. Learn about ALA’s Ecosystem Initiative to boost funding, influence & partnerships on our next webinar, featuring PPA's Lisa Varga. #ALAOneVoice

Join us on Thursday, Nov 13 @ 4pm Central / 5pm Eastern

Register now: ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Show Up, Speak Up: One Voice for Library Ecosystem Funding. Thur, Nov 13, 2025, 4pm Central. Jonna Ward, Founder & CEO Library Support Network; Deborah Doyle, President United for Libraries (2024-2025); Lisa Varga, Associate Exec. Director, ALA Public Policy & Advocacy Office. #ALAOneVoice.
November 10, 2025 at 8:47 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
Recent changes by the FCC to the #ERate program have rolled back discounts for Wi-Fi hotspot lending in libraries. Looking for more details on what this means at your library? We have an FAQ to help: www.ala.org/advocacy/fed...

Learn more about ALA's broadband advocacy: www.ala.org/advocacy/fed...
E-Rate Hotspot lending FAQ. ALA American Library Association.
November 7, 2025 at 6:25 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
Unite libraries for stronger advocacy! Learn about ALA’s Ecosystem Initiative to boost funding, influence & partnerships on our next webinar, featuring our office's Lisa Varga. #ALAOneVoice

Join us on Thursday, Nov 13 @ 4pm Central / 5pm Eastern

Register now: ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Show Up, Speak Up: One Voice for Library Ecosystem Funding. Thur, Nov 13, 2025, 4pm Central. Jonna Ward, Founder & CEO Library Support Network; Deborah Doyle, President United for Libraries (2024-2025); Lisa Varga, Associate Exec. Director, ALA Public Policy & Advocacy Office. #ALAOneVoice.
November 6, 2025 at 9:42 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
New in Public Libraries Online: What is spectrum, and how does it power your library?

Amelia Byrne explains how spectrum - invisible electromagnetic waves - enables everything from your book check-outs to your library's wi-fi service.

Read more: publiclibrariesonline.org/2025/10/spec...
Spectru, and Wi-Fi: The Airwaves that Power Your Library. Public Libraries Online, A Publication of the Public Library Association
November 6, 2025 at 7:52 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
Looking for new reads to help teach your young patrons about civic engagement this election season? @wearealsc.bsky.social & @ala-booklist.bsky.social have a booklist for that!

Check out the Inspiring Future Voters Booklist, with recs for all ages: www.ala.org/alsc/publica... #ReaderVoterReady
Reader. Voter. Ready. Inspiring Future Voters: A Booklist for Young Readers. ALSC, Booklist, ALA. ALA.org/readervoterready
November 4, 2025 at 7:12 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
Thank you again to the Schools Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition for having ALA at #AnchorNets2025!

ALA's Megan Janicki spoke on today's panel focusing on the impact of federal dollars on library connectivity and the importance of #ERate discounts for communities nationwide.
From left: ALA's Lisa Varga; ALA's Megan Janicki; Christine Morris of the Ohio Public Library Information Network; and Lauren Abner of the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives Megan Janicki, Christine Morris, and Lauren Abner presenting a panel discussion in a conference room. A screen reads: "Impact of Federal Dollars on Library Connectivity"
October 31, 2025 at 6:08 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
Our team is thrilled to be at #AnchorNets2025 hosted by our partners, the Schools Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition!

Libraries play a key role in digital connectivity - from access to skills - in communities nationwide. We're always grateful for the advocacy & recognition of our SHLB partners!
Members of ALA's E-Rate Taskforce, posing at the SHLB AnchorNets Conference. From left: ALA's Emily Durkin, Christine Morris of Ohio, Sharmaine Frazier of Mississippi, Cindy Church of Virginia, Bob Bocher, Amber Gregory of Arkansas, and ALA's Megan Janicki. Members of ALA's Telecom policy team posing together at AnchorNets. From left: ALA's Emily Durkin, ALA's Megan Janicki, Bob Bocher, and Michelle Frisque.
October 30, 2025 at 4:04 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
Does your library have questions about the recent repeal of #ERate discounts for Wi-Fi hotspots? We have a new FAQ to help. Learn more about what this means for your library: www.ala.org/advocacy/fed...

Explore our other digital equity policy and advocacy tools: www.ala.org/advocacy/fed...
E-Rate Hotspot lending FAQ
October 29, 2025 at 6:05 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
New in Public Libraries Online: What is spectrum, and how does it power your library?

Amelia Byrne explains how spectrum - invisible electromagnetic waves - enables everything from your book check-outs to your library's wi-fi service.

Read more: publiclibrariesonline.org/2025/10/spec...
Public Libraries Online: Spectrum and Wi-Fi - The airwaves that power your library
October 28, 2025 at 5:15 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
The New England Library Association conference kicked off yesterday in Newport, RI, w/ some special guests!

Thank you Sen. @reed.senate.gov for meeting with New England library workers - incl. ALA President-Elect @mariamccauley.bsky.social - & for your consistent dedication to libraries! #NELA2025
From left to right: Ed Garcia, Maria McCauley, Karen Mellor, Senator Jack Reed, Jennifer Gehly He, and Joanna Fuchs; all pictured posing together at the New England Library Association conference. ALA President-Elect Maria McCauley and Senator Jack Reed posing together at the NELA conference Joanna Fuchs, Jennifer Gehly-He, and Maria McCauley cutting the opening ribbon at NELA 2025.
October 27, 2025 at 5:20 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
Looking for new reads to help teach your young patrons about civic engagement this election season? @wearealsc.bsky.social & @ala-booklist.bsky.social have a booklist for that!

Check out the Inspiring Future Voters Booklist, with recs for all ages: www.ala.org/alsc/publica... #ReaderVoterReady
Reader Voter Ready: Inspiring Future Voters - A Booklist for Young Readers. ALSC, Booklist, ALA.
October 24, 2025 at 6:55 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
Our team's Lisa Varga is on the way to the AZ Library Association's annual conference. Look who she ran into at DCA on her way! Lisa & Senator @kaine.senate.gov had a quick conversation about the importance of libraries.

We're grateful for the Senator's support for VA's libraries & library workers!
Selfie of Senator Tim Kaine (VA) and ALA Associate Executive Director of Public Policy & Advocacy Lisa Varga.
October 23, 2025 at 8:38 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
NEW from ALA: Storytelling Advocacy Jumpstart

Looking for inspiration to incorporate storytelling into your advocacy?

This free member-exclusive recorded webinar gives you the tips & tools to turn your library story into a library advocacy win.

Learn more & view: elearning.ala.org/local/catalo...
Storytelling Advocacy Jumpstart: Essential Tools for Building Your Library Story. American Library Association
October 23, 2025 at 3:48 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
Our team's Lisa Varga was thrilled to be in Virginia for a screening of the new film "The Librarians", along with staff and leaders from the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library and library workers from across the state (many from the VA Library Association).

Thank you JMRL for a wonderful event!
ALA Associate Executive Director of Public Policy & Advocacy Lisa Varga, standing with staff and friends of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, in the Paramount Theater in Charlottesville, VA. ALA Associate Executive Director of Public Policy & Advocacy Lisa Varga posing with Molly Barnard, Library Director of the Washington County Public Library in Virginia. David Plunkett, Director of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library in Virginia, and ALA Associate Executive Director of Public Policy & Advocacy Lisa Varga, sitting together on stage in front of a screen that reads "The Librarians"
October 21, 2025 at 8:25 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
Federal funding cuts have forced libraries across Florida to curtail vital InterLibrary Loan services.

Bebe Kanter in Naples writes: "This service was a lifeline for small libraries... Now, our community libraries are isolated..." More: www.news-press.com/story/opinio... #ForOurLibraries
News-Press screenshot. Text: "This service was a lifeline for small libraries. It ensured that students and researchers in Collier County had access to the entire Florida collection. It created a more equitable and consequential library system by connecting us all to a vast collection. The shutdown was the direct result of a federal executive order to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). IMLS provided two-thirds of the program's funding. When that support was eliminated, the delivery service collapsed. Now, our community libraries are isolated, and our collective access to information is significantly diminished. This is a detrimental step backward for every Floridian who relies on the free exchange of ideas. We are turning the page on an era of statewide collaboration, and our communities will be poorer for it. Bebe Kanter, Naples"
October 21, 2025 at 5:02 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
NEW: Does your library have questions about the recent repeal of #ERate discounts for Wi-Fi hotspots? We have a new FAQ to help. Learn more about what this means for your library: www.ala.org/advocacy/fed...

Explore our other digital equity policy and advocacy tools: www.ala.org/advocacy/fed...
E-Rate Hotspot funding FAQ
October 17, 2025 at 2:54 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
It's election season, and @wearealsc.bsky.social & @ala-booklist.bsky.social have a #ReaderVoterReady book list for youth of all ages!

Help your students get excited and informed about elections and civic participation with a range of reading choices. Check out the list: www.ala.org/alsc/publica...
Reader Voter Ready, Inspiring Future Voters: A Booklist for young readers. ALSC, Booklist, ALA - ala.org/readervoterready
October 15, 2025 at 8:27 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
It’s Digital Inclusion Week every week in public libraries across the country.

With more than 17,000 technology-enabled and convenient locations with trusted staff trained to connect people with the resources they need to succeed! #DIW2025
NDIA, National Digital Inclusion Alliance. Oct 6-10, Digital Inclusion Week. Community Driven Digital Futures. Digital Inclusion Week (DIW) 2025 emphasizes that community-led solutions are essential building long-term, inclusive digital futures. Join DIW to help lift up community dreiven digital inclusion efforts.
October 10, 2025 at 7:50 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
During #NationalVoterEducationWeek (and every week!) libraries across the country are helping patrons find nonpartisan information about elections, get registered to vote, and learn about the issues. How is your library getting #ReaderVoterReady?

Head to ala.org/readervoterready to find resources!
Reader Voter Ready, ALA American Library Association, National Voter Education Week, Oct 6-11, 2025. We're here to get everyone #VoteReady: Register to vote, get to know your ballot, make a plan to vote, understand the process, share with friends & family.
October 10, 2025 at 2:56 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
Thank you Rep. @raskin.house.gov for your resolution on the House floor recognizing #BannedBooksWeek!

We're grateful for the support of library champions in Congress who are showing up for libraries, library workers, and intellectual freedom.

Full resolution: raskin.house.gov/_cache/files...
Resolution: Expressing concern about the spreading problem of book banning and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States. Whereas the overwhelming majority of voters in the United States oppose book bans; Whereas an overwhelming majority of voters in the United States support educators teaching about the civil rights movement, the history and experiences of Native Americans, enslaved Africans, immigrants facing discrimination, and the ongoing effects of racism; Whereas an overwhelming majority of Americans are confident that their community’s public schools select appropriate books for students to read;
October 9, 2025 at 4:04 PM
librarypolicy.bsky.social
During this #DIW2025, we’re celebrating the critical role libraries play in addressing their community’s unique needs.

From accessing telehealth services, help applying for jobs, connecting veterans with benefits and tech lending programs - libraries power community-driven digital futures for all.
NDIA, National Digital Inclusion Alliance, Digital Inclusion Week, Oct 6-10, 2025. Community-Driven Digital Futures: Digital Inclusion Week (DIW) is an annual nationwide event dedicated to raising awareness about digital equity and the vital importance or inclusion in our increasingly digital world. If you believe that everyone deserves digital access, DIW is for you!
October 8, 2025 at 6:05 PM