Federal library funding is under threat, and urban communities have the most to lose. The House FY27 appropriations process is underway right now, and Congress needs to hear from us — loudly and clearly — that the Library Services & Technology Act (LSTA) and the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program must be fully funded. These aren’t abstract budget line items: LSTA funds the Wi-Fi hotspot lending, digital literacy training, job search support, and accessible technology that our patrons rely on every single day. IAL supports school libraries in the highest-need communities — our communities. The “Dear Appropriator” letters in the House are open for signatures until March 20th, and your rep needs to sign on. Urban librarians make things happen — and right now, that means making some noise. Take 2 minutes to contact your elected officials today.
