The Impact of a Donation to EveryLibrary

Every dollar donated to EveryLibrary returns over $1,600 in funding to libraries. Find out how!

What is EveryLibrary? 

EveryLibrary is a 501(c)4 organization that advocates for libraries and supports library and information issues and making sure that our nation’s leaders stand up for library funding. Donations fund pro bono action on behalf of public, school, and academic libraries. As of 2021, EveryLibrary has helped libraries win over 1.7 billion dollars in funding through voter and political action. Librarians all over the country benefit from a donation to EveryLibrary. As the National PAC for libraries, the organization supports hundreds of library campaigns and fights against anti-library legislation. 

Every $1 we raise helps us secure over $1,600 in stable funding for libraries.
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What Has EveryLibrary Recently Achieved Through Donations? 

With support from donations EveryLibrary has achieved the following recent successes: 

• In Nebraska EveryLibrary helped block LB969, a bill in the Nebraska state legislature that would have dismantled library boards of trustees, devolved hire/fire for all employees to local mayors and city councils, set up "advisory committees" to replace professional librarians to choose books and collections for libraries, and would have made all donations for the library go to the mayor and city council
• In Michigan, EveryLibrary recently supported four local campaigns on the ballot to support library funding, self-governance, and development. 
• In Kentucky, EveryLibrary is helping to stop Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin’s proposed budget which would eliminate state funding for libraries. 
• EveryLibrary continually pushes back as the AFP spent tens of thousands to divert funding away from libraries. 
• EveryLibrary has fought against school library closures in several states. Find out more at Save School Librarians. 

What Does EveryLibrary Do? 

“I have been involved in other types of campaigns but EveryLibrary brought great knowledge on what was unique about Library Bond elections. We were victorious on the second try with 78% yes votes. EveryLibrary helped us figure out the roles of the city, library foundation, and Yes committee that allowed us all to do our distinct work effectively." - Bill Thomas, Chair of Vote Yes McCall Library Expansion Bond - May 2021 building bond win

• Political Activity- EveryLibrary is the first and only national organization dedicated to building voter support for libraries. They are chartered “to promote public, school, and college libraries, including by advocating in support of public funding for libraries and building public awareness of public funding initiatives”. Their primary work is to support local public libraries when they have a referendum or measure on the ballot, to support school librarians in crisis through our SaveSchoolLibrarians.org initiative, and to build a national network of Americans who will take action to create a better future for library funding at all levels of government. 
• Pro Bono Campaign Consulting- EveryLibrary is the first and only national organization dedicated to building voter support for libraries when they are on the ballot. They do this in three ways: by training library staff, trustees, and volunteers to plan and run effective Information Only campaigns; by assisting local Vote Yes committees on planning and executing Get Out the Vote work for their library’s measure; and by speaking directly to the public about the value and relevance of libraries and librarians. 
• Funding the Future of School Libraries- The future of school library programs and school librarians is central to EveryLibrary’s mission and work. Their SaveSchoolLibrarians.org site provides two kinds of supports for school library budgets and school librarian positions. They support school librarians at the local level by activating parents and other local stakeholders for funding and jobs. At the state level, they are in coalition with state school library organizations to focus on the policy, revenue, and legislative agendas that determine a framework for education that includes libraries and librarians. 
• Voter Advocacy-​​ An Action platform allows EveryLibrary to support petitions and emailing targeted to elected officials and use social-influencing campaigns to affect positive change for libraries and library issues. EveryLibrary can set up a direct action in only a few hours. Because of donor support, they can fund the placement of over five million ads about the importance of libraries in front of voters and the American public to encourage them to support and take action for their local libraries.
• Campaign History- EveryLibrary is unique in its ability to work with the staff and elected/appointed leadership of libraries on planning and executing effective Information Only campaigns as well as being able to actively engage local ballot committees and citizen groups in advising and consulting on Get Out the Vote and voter engagement for the library measure. Since organizing in 2012, EveryLibrary has provided pro-bono support to 117 library communities at the ballot box with 79 wins and 24 losses. To date, they have helped secure over $339 million in stable tax revenue per annum for operations and facilities – that is over $1.8 billion over the terms of these various tax measures. 
• Education and Training- EveryLibrary board members and selected trainers are frequent speakers, presenters, conveners, and keynoters for library conferences and symposia across the country. They provide a wide range of workshops for staff, advocates, trustees, volunteers, and anyone interested in building and understanding political acumen to benefit libraries. These workshops include topics such as advocacy, fundraising, managing volunteers, political activism, holistic digital strategies, social media, developing strong coalitions and partnerships, and building effective messages.

Every $1 we raise helps us secure over $1,600 in stable funding for libraries.

What is the Impact of Library Funding? 

For every dollar spent on a campaign, EveryLibrary has returned over $1,600 in funding to libraries. The EveryLibrary Institute is working with the Syracuse University School of Information Studies to establish a Library Funding Map with the goal of developing an open-access interactive online platform that increases understanding of return on investment of public libraries at the local, state, and national level. Learn more about library finding in your community here. 

Where Can I Learn More? 

You can read more about EveryLibrary’s work through their Annual Report or visit their full website at EveryLibrary.org. As a 501(c)4 organization, contributions to EveryLibrary are not tax-deductible. However, if you'd like to make a larger tax-deductible donation to the EveryLibrary Institute (our 501c3) to support research and training for librarians, please visit everylibraryinstitute.org

How Can I Donate? 

Donate at everylibrary.org/donate
Donate via ActBlue
Donate via PayPal

You may also donate by check or money order (US Funds only) made out to:

EveryLibrary
P.O. Box 406
45 E. Burlington St.
Riverside, IL 60546

EveryLibrary is a registered 501(c)4 organization (FEIN 46-1534149). We invite you to check up on them before donating by finding out more on Guidestar, the most trusted guide to non-profits on the Internet.