How to be a library advocate without donating money
Introduction
Let’s be real—not everyone has extra funds to spare. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be a powerful voice in support of public libraries. Libraries are more than just buildings full of books—they’re cultural lifelines, educational hubs, and some of the last truly public spaces we have left. And while financial support is important, what libraries really need right now is advocacy.
If you’ve ever borrowed a book, used free WiFi to apply for jobs, or taken your kids to story time—you’ve already been impacted by the work libraries do. You don’t need a checkbook to give back. You just need your voice, your presence, and your willingness to speak up. This guide is packed with free, actionable ways to advocate for your local library—even if your budget is tight. Let’s get into it.
Why Library Advocacy Matters (Especially Now)
Public libraries are facing serious pressure—from all sides. Between budget cuts, staff shortages, disinformation campaigns, and rising censorship efforts, the public library system is under fire.
And let’s be clear: it’s never just about the books.
Libraries provide:
Free and safe access to the internet
Educational tools for all ages
Support for job seekers, students, and entrepreneurs
Events that bring communities together
Resources for marginalized or underserved groups
When libraries are defunded, closed, or censored—it hits the most vulnerable members of our society the hardest. And in 2025, this pressure is only getting more intense. Whether it's a fight against book bans or funding cuts, the need for visible, vocal support has never been more urgent. Library advocacy isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Advocacy doesn’t mean you have to protest in the streets (unless you want to). It just means you show up, speak up, and stay informed. Because when libraries lose support, entire communities lose access. And when we fight for libraries, we’re really fighting for:
Literacy
Access
Equity
Empowerment
And the freedom to learn, explore, and grow
6 Free Ways to Be a Library Advocate
📣 1. Speak Up on Social Media
Your voice matters.
Even if you’ve got 200 followers and most of them are your cousins, your voice can spark change. Talk about why libraries matter. Share your personal stories. Tag your local library or elected officials. Use hashtags like #FundLibraries or #LibrariesAreEssential to amplify your reach.
Don’t have a story? Drop by your local branch and see what’s going on. Meet the staff. Learn about the programs. Then, share what you discover. Advocacy is more than reposting—it’s storytelling, and every voice adds to the narrative.
🗳️ 2. Vote with Libraries in Mind
Elections matter. Local ones especially.
Check where your school board, city council, and state representatives stand on public library funding. Don’t see that info? Email them. Call them. Ask them directly. Library budgets are often on the chopping block in city meetings. If we want those budgets to grow (or even survive), we have to elect people who care.
You can even volunteer to help get out the vote in support of ballot initiatives that benefit library systems. You don’t need to be a policy expert—just someone who understands the value of public resources.
🧾 3. Write to Your Reps
Got five minutes? That’s all it takes to write a quick email to your local or state rep. Tell them why the library matters to you. Mention what services you’ve used. Be specific. Your voice, as a constituent, carries more weight than you think.
Pro tip: pair your email with an ask—like “Please vote to protect library funding in the upcoming budget talks.” Simple and direct.
Bonus: letters to the editor in your local newspaper can also raise awareness and rally more support.
🧠 4. Attend Library Board Meetings
Most library board meetings are open to the public, but you can always call your local library to double-check. If it’s private for some reason, ask the staff about any public feedback forms you can fill out to share your concerns or praise the current systems set up to help the community. You can also ask questions about how your library operates so you can better support your community. Find out how decisions are made and what you can do to make sure community voices are heard. Keep in mind, showing up and speaking up helps increase visibility about the impact of these services.
📚 5. Use Library Services Regularly
Your library tracks community usage. The more services are used, the easier it is to justify funding, grants, and expansions. So yes, simply checking out a book is advocacy.
Use digital borrowing apps like Libby and OverDrive. Sign up for a library card. Borrow physical books, audiobooks, DVDs, or even tools (some libraries lend out tech, art supplies, and more).
And don’t forget the hidden gems: research databases, resume help, meeting rooms, free printing, language courses, and so much more.
Every visit counts. Every checkout matters.
🗣️ 6. Tell Your Story
Library advocacy is deeply personal.
Did your library help you start your business? Did you study there when the internet at home was unreliable? Did it give your kids a safe place after school? Whatever your story is—share it. With your friends. On your blog. In a letter to your rep. At the dinner table. At the next board meeting.
You never know who needs to hear it. Real stories change minds. They humanize the data.
Tools & Resources for Library Advocates
Here are some great starting points to help you go further:
📌 ALA’s Fight Censorship Toolkit
Includes talking points, templates, and advocacy best practices
Tracks active campaigns, ballot initiatives, and petitions
📌 Libby / OverDrive
Access and promote digital borrowing tools
📌 Follow on Social:
@EveryLibrary
@libraryfreedom
Your local library’s account(s)
These tools are free. They’re powerful. And they’re designed for people just like you who want to make a difference.
Conclusion
You don’t need deep pockets to protect your library—you just need to care enough to act. Whether you show up, speak out, vote, or simply tell your story, you are part of the reason libraries can continue doing their life-changing work.
Your voice might be the one that keeps a branch open. Or stops a book from being banned. Or ensures the next generation still has a safe space to learn, explore, and dream. So let’s be loud. Let’s be present. Let’s keep our libraries public, powerful, and protected.
🟡 Want to share your own library story or start a creative advocacy project? Tag @SpunkyPsyche and let’s amplify the impact together. spunkypsyche.com
