How Libraries Keep the American Dream Alive

When people think of the American Dream, they each have their own idea of what it looks like. For some, the dream is about political freedom and the foundational rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Others might focus on economic or educational opportunities or social equality. However you interpret the American Dream, achieving it depends on the rule of law.

Law Day: The Rule of Law and the American Dream

May 1 is Law Day, an annual commemoration that celebrates the rule of law and cultivates a deeper understanding of the legal system. It was first established in 1958 by President Eisenhower to recognize how laws and the legal process protect our liberty, strive to achieve justice, and contribute to the freedoms that all Americans share. Each Law Day has a special theme—for 2026, it’s “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.”

The rule of law is the idea that no person is above the law. It ensures people's legal right to live as freely as possible and to pursue their dreams. The rule of law ensures liberty, justice, and prosperity for all Americans by guaranteeing fairness in educational and economic opportunities, maintaining due process, and protecting all Americans from criminals and tyrannical government.

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Libraries and the American Dream

While the ideal of the American Dream has been threatened in recent years, with some people concerned about whether it is still attainable, realizing that dream remains the aspiration of many. The idea that hard work and determination can help people earn a better life encourages many to keep moving forward, even through uncertain times.

Achieving the American Dream requires access to information, education, and opportunity—three fundamental pillars that depend on the rule of law to ensure they can be accessed fairly. Libraries are one of the few places where these pillars are provided for free, making them essential supporters of the American Dream.

Libraries, of course, are well-known providers of information. The resources they provide, like books and online databases, give people access to a wealth of knowledge on a variety of topics. When people have access to accurate and thorough information, they can better understand the world around them, including how to navigate complex processes such as dealing with legal issues or applying for business loans.

Students rely on libraries to help with their education, whether they need to borrow books, access the latest digital research tools, or get homework help and tutoring. Many adults also use libraries to further their education, either through independent study or through educational programs offered by the library. Libraries offer resources to help people pass the GED and other important tests, and many libraries have ESL classes and citizenship resources for immigrants.

Libraries provide an array of tools that give people access to important opportunities, both educational and economic. People who can’t afford their own computers or home internet can access them for free at the local library, as well as other useful technology like scanners and 3D printers. Libraries also offer job search support and workforce development for people seeking employment or a career change.

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Librarians Are Here to Help

Libraries don’t just have valuable resources; they also have hardworking staff who help patrons navigate the systems that shape our lives. Sorting through legal or government resources can seem daunting to many, and the amount of information and confusing legalese in those materials can turn people away from seeking the help they need. But librarians can assist people in finding and understanding those resources.

Library workers can help people find and fill out complex government forms and applications that often seem too overwhelming for novices. They can also help patrons sort through and find the right resources for housing and benefits information, legal self-help materials, voting information, and so much more. Librarians are there to help patrons develop the digital literacy skills they need to complete online forms and processes, no matter how complicated.

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Democratic Values and Civic Participation

Part of the American Dream requires free and fair democratic elections and civic participation. Libraries are critical cornerstones of democracy, and they work hard to protect democratic values such as fairness, equity, access, and intellectual freedom. They strive to guard these values by protecting their patrons’ privacy, defending the freedom to read, providing neutral public spaces for people to meet and share ideas, and ensuring the equitable access of resources regardless of a patron’s income or background.

Libraries also encourage and strengthen civic participation. They provide voter registration information to their communities and may serve as polling places or host ballot drop boxes. Many offer citizenship classes, and some even hold community sessions on how to run for office.

Libraries do so much to uphold the rule of law and help people pursue the American Dream. But libraries need our help, too. It’s important to support libraries so they can continue their work, and every little bit helps. In honor of Law Day, visit your local library, email your representatives to voice your support for library funding, or share this article to highlight the essential role libraries play in upholding the rule of law and the American Dream.

Visit www.everylibrary.org to learn more about our work on behalf of libraries. 

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