EveryLibrary transforms outrage into action on behalf of libraries
Checking out from the news? Feeling overwhelmed about the American political situation? Want to put your head in the sand? Join Christine Barrington for the Apocalyptic Supperclub where she serves up stories to whet the appetite for the politically possible in these dire times.
The April episode features the organization EveryLibrary, [https://www.everylibrary.org] A 501(c)4 non-profit fighting to protect libraries and librarians by empowering American citizens to stand up for the freedom to read across the nation. In the face of rapidly evolving assaults to our library and information systems, citizens need resources and strategies to not only support their local libraries, but to also transform outrage into effective political action. Every Library shows you how.
Featured Guest: Patrick Sweeney Digital Director at EveryLibrary.
Mentioned in this show:
Run for Something [https://www.everylibrary.org/runforsomething#:~:text=Run%20for%20Something%20helps%20people,campaign%20cycle%20they're%20at.]. Tired of book bans, Run for Something! If you want to run with a pro-library agenda, with support and resources from EveryLibrary you could win.
Run for Office [https://www.runforoffice.org/] It is important for people who care about liberal values to fill every political vacancy. Just enter your address to see all available offices open in your area.
If you feel your local library system is safe it doesn’t mean it will be safe forever. EveryLibrary’s collective cry de coeur of “any library initiative anywhere matters to every library everywhere” reminds us that together we are powerful and that vulnerable libraries and librarians need our help. When you donate to EveryLibrary [https://www.everylibrary.org/donate] it translates into empowering frontline resources for those who need it most. To date, they have helped libraries win nearly 3 billion dollars in funding through voter and political action, which translates into every dollar raised delivering a return of over $1,600 in funding to libraries.
Freedom to Read Project [https://www.freedomtoreadproject.org] exists to develop education and research materials to help limit book bans and education censorship across the country.
American Library Association Funding Libraries Page [https://www.ala.org/advocacy/federal-resources/fund-libraries] has great resources for understanding how to support our library systems through contacting your representatives. “The president has repeatedly underestimated congressional support for libraries and the lengths to which advocates will go to protect library services. Thanks to library advocacy, Congress increased library funding, just as they did all four years of the president’s first term.”
The Librarians Documentary [https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/the-librarians/] on PBS.org. When lawmakers seek to review a list of books, librarians find themselves on the frontlines of a national battle. Across the U.S., librarians face the impact of uniting against library collection standards that include restrictions on race-related and LGBTQIA+ content. Drawing on historical context, The Librarians explores the broader implications for education and public life.
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Join Christine Barrington for The Apocalyptic Supperclub the second Friday of every month, where she serves up stories to whet your appetite for the politically possible and show just how much you matter.
For more inspiration check out Apocalypticsupperclub.com [https://apocalypticsupperclub.com] where you will find rich resources to inspire your inner citizen and make it easy to engage effectively, strategically and meaningfully.
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