Organization Spotlight: EveryLibrary Combats Book Ban Legislation, Advocates for Equitable Literacy Rates in US
By Sydni Rhody
EveryLibrary is the first and only national organization dedicated to building support for libraries. Committed to inclusivity, access, and empowerment, it promotes awareness and advocacy to ensure stable funding for public, school, and college libraries—ultimately making a difference at the voting booth.
To date, EveryLibrary has rallied over 90,000 people to support the right to read. It has also backed more than 100 grassroots initiatives aimed at combating book bans and has strongly opposed Donald Trump’s claim that book bans are a “hoax.” Through its advocacy, EveryLibrary has successfully helped overturn book bans in locations such as Douglas County, Colorado; Forsyth County, Georgia; and Glen Ridge, New Jersey—all of which sought to restrict access to queer literature.
“EveryLibrary helped us craft a message that resonated with our conservative community. During the height of our campaign, when we began facing opposition, it was reassuring to have an expert in library advocacy we could turn to at any time,” said Katy Pattison, Assistant Director of Christian County Library.
Beyond fighting book bans, EveryLibrary also monitors and challenges harmful state legislation that threatens libraries nationwide. The organization collaborates with state library associations to promote pro-library policies and combat anti-library legislation. One such initiative, the Libraries for All Act, seeks to uphold diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by integrating anti-discrimination safeguards into public library regulations. Through petitions, events, and social media engagement, EveryLibrary fosters a national movement of library supporters.
To further public awareness and advocacy, EveryLibrary partners with library, museum, and archival organizations as part of its coalition-building efforts. It provides free consultation to advocacy groups, libraries, and Vote Yes committees. While local library organizations often cover travel costs when needed, EveryLibrary leverages donations to eliminate expenses for underserved communities.
“With EveryLibrary’s guidance, the Coalition to Save Our Libraries in Miami-Dade County was formed, leading to a grassroots movement that halted four years of consecutive budget cuts, closed a $30 million budget shortfall, prevented further layoffs, increased funding for new materials and technology, expanded operating hours at some locations, and established a solid foundation for future growth,” said John Quick, President (2013-2014) of Friends of the Miami-Dade County Libraries and Co-Chair of the Coalition to Save Our Libraries.
Through EveryLibrary’s efforts, libraries have secured more than $2.8 billion in tax funding to help ensure their long-term viability. However, ongoing contributions are essential to sustaining these initiatives. The current presidential administration has already attempted to temporarily halt the disbursement of all federal financial assistance, a move that negatively impacts public libraries nationwide. Many rely on federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds to support interlibrary loans, educational databases, and staffing—critical resources that serve libraries across their states.
“EveryLibrary provided critical financial and informational support to help us run a successful campaign,” said Bill Boies, Chair of the Vote Yes Committee for Moniteau County Libraries. Fighting harmful legislation is vital, and EveryLibrary plays a key role by organizing donation drives and ensuring libraries have the resources they need to be as effective as possible.
Donations support national advocacy campaigns, local library funding efforts, grassroots initiatives against book bans, and operational expenses. A portion of these funds is allocated for voter education and mobilization through targeted social media outreach. Contributions to EveryLibrary are essential to sustaining and expanding its pro-library campaigns.
Learn more at everylibrary.org.
