It's Right to Read Day—Let's Take Action Against Book Bans - United for Libraries News & Updates Right To Read Day, April 20, 2026, is a time to celebrate libraries, intellectual freedom, and action against book bans.

ℹ️ Learn what library advocates across the country have achieved in the fight against #bookbans—plus the work that still needs to be done, and what you can do to help. https://bit.ly/4u39c8k

Red and white text on a black background reads: "Right to Read Day. April 20, 2026 | Everywhere. For your freedom to read. For access to information. For understanding our past. For our communities. For our libraries." Logos for Unite Against Book Bans and ALA 150 American Library Association are at the bottom.

It's #RightToReadDay!

Even when things are tough, we keep showing up to fight for the FREEDOM TO READ + strengthening the movement together.

📚 On this day during #NationalLibraryWeek, let's celebrate our wins + take action against book bans! https://bit.ly/43D9Dtw

Happy #NationalLibrarianDay! Visit your local librarians and let them know how much of a difference they make in your community.

Webinar promotional graphic for "Memorable Messaging: Conversations That Make an Impact." Presented by United for Libraries, featuring Lisa Braithwaite, a public speaking coach and presentation skills trainer. The event is on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026, at 2 PM ET, free for United members in select states. "Register Now" button included.

Every conversation is a chance to move your mission forward—but are yours leading to action?

Join us April 14 to learn how your library's employees, volunteers, and board members can communicate in ways that connect, inspire & drive real engagement. https://bit.ly/3EecI81

Show up for our libraries. ALA 150, American Library Association.

NEW: Congress has begun preparation for next year's federal budget, and they need to hear from library advocates like you.

The best way to show up #ForOurLibraries during the budget process? Take action.

Tell your Representative to #FundLibraries in FY 2027: ala.org/showup

Save the Date! United Virtual 2026 takes place July 28-30!

Thank you for your support @libro.fm! ❤️

Donate $15 or more this week to your local public library, library Friends group, or to ALA and receive a free audiobook credit!

Give to ALA here: bit.ly/4rFew1l

A graphic promoting the "United for Libraries 2026 Survey of the Library Field." It invites completion by Friday, March 13, for a chance to win a free United Virtual 2026 registration. The background features a rising arrow on a grid, symbolizing growth or progress.

At United for Libraries, we support those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for all types of libraries.

To best serve you, we need your feedback! Tell us how we can best support Friends, Foundations and Trustees for a chance to win FREE reg for United Virtual 2026. https://bit.ly/4kDlksW

Special announcement poster from Penguin Random House and United for Libraries. Text states that grants of $500 and $1000 will be provided to small and rural libraries for National Friends of Libraries Week, October 19-25, 2025.

Last chance: The applications for United for Libraries and Penguin Random House Grants to U.S. Rural and Small Libraries will close tomorrow! Submit your application: https://bit.ly/4hdubzv

National Library Legislative Day: December 12 Interest Deadline - United for Libraries News & Updates Join library advocates from across the country and make your voice heard on Capitol Hill on National Library Legislative Day, Feb. 25-26.

Heads up: Tomorrow, Dec. 12 is the deadline to submit the required interest form for National Library Legislative Day, #NLLD.

Join other library advocates from across the country and make your voice heard on Capitol Hill on February 25-26. Learn more and sign up: https://bit.ly/3KSw6ya

😱 #CyberMonday Sale on 'Friend of my Library' merch is live now! Save 30% when you spend $70+ at librarygiftshop.org--perfect opportunity to shop gifts for your Friends group and all the other library lovers in your life.

Hurry--this sale last one day only! https://bit.ly/3MyXqlp

Mission Telecom Matches FCC E-Rate Cuts to Safeguard Affordable Wi-Fi for Schools & Libraries - Mission Telecom Mission Telecom pledges to match FCC’s E-Rate cuts, ensuring affordable Wi-Fi stays accessible for schools and libraries nationwide.

OPPORTUNITY: After rollbacks to #ERate funding for Wi-Fi hotspots, many libraries have new gaps in their budgets.

@missiontelecom.bsky.social is offering to help bridge the gaps for libraries & schools that received approval only to see it taken away. Learn more: missiontelecom.org/news-and-ins...

Promotional image for National Friends of Libraries Week, featuring logos of Penguin Random House and United for Libraries. Text announces special grants of $500 and $1000 for small or rural libraries.

Special announcement for the 20th annual #NationalFriendsofLibrariesWeek:

We've partnered with @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social to provide:

💰 $500 & $1000 grants for Friends groups in small + rural areas
💻 1 year of eLearning on us
📚 $500 Book donation grants

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Wh5ZmM

TODAY at 6pm ET: Join us for a FREE #NationalFriendsofLibrariesWeek webinar feat. Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor, the filmmakers who created 'Free for All: The Public Library.' Learn more about the film + find out how to present a screening at your library 10/21 at 6pm ET. https://bit.ly/4nSbep9

🥳 It's #NationalFriendsofLibrariesWeek, the 20th anniversary! Join us in celebrating the irreplaceable role Friends of the Library groups play in sustaining, funding, and advocating for our libraries!

👇 Use the cover photo below to show your support for our library Friends this week.

🆕 Join us during #NationalFriendsofLibrariesWeek for a FREE webinar feat. Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor, the filmmakers who created 'Free for All: The Public Library.' Learn more about the film + find out how to present a screening at your library 10/21 at 6pm ET.

⏳ LAST CHANCE to get 20% off Friends merch for #NationalFriendsofLibrariesWeek! Cozy tees, hoodies, tote bags, mugs + more now thru Oct. 19--visit https://bit.ly/3Hfktjb

Promotional banner for 'FREE FOR ALL and Friends of the Library' webinar featuring four images: a person presenting to a seated group, two individuals in a library setting, and filmmakers Dawn Logsdon & Lucie Faulknor smiling. The event details include 'A free NATIONAL FRIENDS OF LIBRARIES WEEK webinar on Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. ET.'

🆕 Join us for a special #NationalFriendsofLibrariesWeek webinar feat. Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor, the filmmakers who created the acclaimed documentary 'Free for All: The Public Library.' Learn more about the film + find out how to present a screening at your library 10/21 at 6pm ET.

During the 2024-2025 school year, the @penamerica.bsky.social Index of School Book Bans documented bans in 87 public school districts and 23 states. Florida led the nation with 2,304 instances of book bans.

Read more on the normalization of book banning: https://bit.ly/4mZr8wI #BannedBooksWeek

🌠 #BannedBooksWeek is here! Join us this week in supporting and celebrating libraries and the #freedomtoread. https://bannedbooksweek.org/

How the 2025 Government Shutdown Will Impact Libraries | American Libraries Magazine The federal government shutdown, which begins today, will have cascading effects across the nation and our economy.

ℹ️ How will the govt. shutdown affect libraries?

On Oct. 1, "ALA members and other library workers ... have been pulled away from their work. Their income and employment have been put at risk, and the libraries and users who use their services are missing access to them..."
https://bit.ly/4pSdU7B

A graphic showing National Friends of Libraries Week merch, including a t-shirt and hoodie, on a Fall-themed background.

#NationalFriendsofLibrariesWeek is Oct. 19-25. Get your cozy gear--official hoodies, t-shirts, coffee mugs + more--in time for the 20th anniversary!

🏷️Fall SALE happening now: Save 20% on all #NFOLW merch thru Sun., 9/28!
https://bit.ly/4noCNWV

Promotional banner for a Virtual Trustee Retreat titled "Library Policy Retreat for Boards: Intellectual Freedom & Artificial Intelligence" scheduled on Saturday, September 27 at 12 p.m. Eastern. The graphic features a blue abstract design.

Last chance to register for our Trustee retreat, happening THIS Sat. 9/27 at noon ET!

Join us for a two-part session on AI in libraries! Learn how AI can be strategically implemented in the library + everything boards need to know about AI and policies. Register: https://bit.ly/4nI9FcE

⏳ Last chance to submit program proposals for #ALAAC26! https://bit.ly/4nrTNLC

In need of celebration ideas for #NationalFriendsofLibrariesWeek? Get access to free webinars, promotional assets, marketing materials, and more: https://bit.ly/3KcgrJk

Join the Facebook event to share ideas with other Friends groups and promote your own #NFOLW celebrations: https://bit.ly/4gA0ybZ

As library challenges increase, Foundations are being called upon to step up--but is yours ready?

Join us Tues. Oct. 14 at 2pm ET to learn how to 'level up' your library Foundation, from recruitment + communications to fundraising, donor relations, and more. Register: https://bit.ly/3EecI81

‼️ The call for #ALAAC26 program proposals closes Sept. 22. Library Trustees/Board Members, Friends, Foundations, and those who work with them are encouraged to submit United programs on advocacy, fundraising, board development, collaboration, fighting censorship + more. https://bit.ly/3IrHAaB

Promotional poster for the American Library Association's 'I Love My Librarian Award 2026.' Text shwon within a heart-shaped icon highlights a potential $5,000 prize for winning librarians, with sponsors listed at the bottom including Carnegie Corporation of New York and the New York Times.

🤩 Nominations are open for the I Love My Librarian Award!

Has a librarian made a difference in your life? Nominate them for the #ILoveMyLibrarian Award by Dec. 15 for a chance to win $5,000 and the honor of a lifetime. ilovelibraries.org/love-my-librarian

Promotional banner for "Practical Policy Management: A Guide for Trustees" with Dr. Andrew Smith, scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, at 2 p.m. Eastern.

Join us next Tues., 9/9 at 2pm ET for Learning Live: This session will educate both library Trustees and directors on the Trustee's role in creating policy. Learn practical steps for creating, maintaining, and managing effective policy. Register: bit.ly/3EecI81

Collage of images representing Public Library Association events, featuring diverse groups of attendees and speakers smiling and engaging in various activities, superimposed by the Public Library Association logo.

💡 Free webinar from PLA: "Using Grant-Funded Projects to Attract New Partners and Funders" 9/17 at 2pm ET

Hear from past grantees about how they leveraged ALA awards to increase and improve service to their communities, grow partnerships, attract new funding, and more. bit.ly/4n8IibK