Resources that will help you advocate for your library

ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom - Established December 1, 1967, the Office for Intellectual Freedom is charged with implementing ALA policies concerning the concept of intellectual freedom as embodied in the Library Bill of Rights, the Association’s basic policy on free access to libraries and library materials. The goal of the office is to educate librarians and the general public about the nature and importance of intellectual freedom in libraries.

Get Ready, Stay Ready: Community Action Toolkit - The Get Ready, Stay Ready: Community Action Toolkit is an effort by a group of parents and librarians who believe that the power is in community. Here you will find curated resources including scripts for public speaking and writing, fantastic video presentations, training materials equipping you to learn more about (and fight back) censorship's impact on education and society, tools for civic engagement, and a network of organizations across the country that are determined to preserve your child's right to a high-quality education through intellectual freedom. 

READCON: A Curriculum for Library Readiness, Advocacy, and Community Empowerment During Challenging Conditions - READCON equips library workers with the skills to navigate challenging situations and build strong community relationships. We empower them to foster constructive dialogue, de-escalate tense situations, engage stakeholders and leaders, and develop positive messaging during crisis. Together, we build stronger libraries for the future.

Groups who will help you advocate for your library (South Carolina)

ACLU South Carolina - At the American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina (ACLU-SC), we envision a just South Carolina where We the People means all of us. To bring this vision to life, we advocate, litigate, educate, and mobilize to defend and advance the civil rights and civil liberties of all South Carolinians.

Families Against Book Bans - Advocates for intellectual freedom, educators and librarians, and socially just and public education. 

FreedomtoReadSC - Advocates and community leaders have launched “Freedom to Read SC,” a statewide coalition that will work to defeat unconstitutional efforts to ban books from school and public libraries.

Liberation is Lit - Liberation is Lit is a bookstore that aims to spark collective action for liberation and community building among readers and book lovers by promoting stories from intersectional experiences.

Midlands A.P.P.L.E. - We are educating and empowering the Midlands around issues that threaten public education, especially any form of censorship.

South Carolina Association of School Librarians - The South Carolina Association of School Librarians is more than a professional association. We are a community. Our members work in various school libraries around the state. We are all united by a common goal to strengthen the voice of libraries in South Carolina. 

School Carolina Library Association - A state chapter of the American Library Association (ALA) and an affiliate of the Southeastern Library Association (SELA). The association is made of librarians from all around South Carolina dedicated to providing innovative services and promoting libraries and intellectual freedom to all our citizens including the public, as well as those in higher education and in our schools.

Contact Lawmakers (South Carolina)

South Carolina Legislature

Become a SC Library Advocate - Stay up-to-date on the latest library advocacy news by subscribing today. Our mailing list ensures that you will receive South Carolina action alerts and updates on policy issues related to the library field. Updates include but are not limited to: SCLA and SCASL legislative alerts; Advocacy activity opportunities; Library Advocacy call to actions.

Other resources

Unite Against Book Bans