Mar
13
Action needed this week to support federal library funding and we NEED YOU!

1) FY27 federal budgets are being decided NOW — about a month earlier than usual.

2) The House of Representatives requires all “Dear Appropriator” letters to be finalized by March 20. These letters are circulated among Members of Congress to show support for specific programs, including library services. The more Members who sign onto a letter, the more likely that funding will be included in the final budget.

House letters will close March 19, so calls are most effective before next Wednesday at noon.

3) Library priorities:
https://www.ala.org/advocacy/federal-resources

Please ask your Members of Congress to:
- Fully fund the Library Services & Technology Act (LSTA) at $232 million
- Fully fund Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) at $50 million
- Protect and strengthen the E-Rate program with sustainable, predictable, long-term funding

4) Find your Members of Congress:
https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member

5) Check whether your Members have signed the Dear Appropriator letters
(scroll to the bottom of the page):
https://www.ala.org/advocacy/federal-resources/fund-libraries

6) If they have signed, contact them to say thank you.
If they have not, please contact them using the scripts below.

Calls are weighted more heavily than emails by Congressional staff. If calling, please do so before March 19, but emails are also important!
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Sample Phone Script

Hello, my name is [Name], and I’m a constituent from [City or ZIP Code].

I’m calling to ask [Congressmember/Senator Last Name] to support federal library funding in the FY27 budget by signing the Dear Appropriator letters supporting:
- Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) at $232 million
- Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) at $50 million

These programs help libraries provide literacy programs, technology access, and research support for students and families.

I also encourage the Congressmember to protect and strengthen the E-Rate program, which helps libraries and schools maintain affordable internet access.

Thank you for your time and for supporting libraries.

[Your Name]

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Sample Email Script

Subject: Please Support Federal Library Funding in FY27

Dear [Congressmember’s Name],

As a constituent from [City/ZIP], I respectfully ask you to support federal funding for libraries in the FY27 budget.

Please sign the Dear Appropriator letters supporting:
- Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) at $232 million
- Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) at $50 million

These programs provide vital funding that allows libraries to expand literacy programs, increase technology access, and support students, educators, and lifelong learners.

I also urge you to protect and strengthen the E-Rate program, which ensures libraries and schools have reliable and affordable internet access.

Libraries are essential community resources, and federal support ensures they can continue serving everyone who depends on them.

Thank you for your consideration and for supporting libraries.

Sincerely,
[Name]
[City, State]

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