Public libraries are under pressure. Across the country, library budgets are being slashed, books are being challenged at record rates, and the very mission of libraries is being questioned. If you love libraries, you have probably signed a petition, attended a meeting, or shared an article online. But there is a more powerful step you can take: Run for office.

The idea of running for public office can feel exciting and then, almost immediately, intimidating.

On March 31, President Trump signed an Executive Order targeting voting by mail. While the policy raises significant concerns about the integrity and conduct of elections, it is important to clarify its immediate impact on election administration, particularly for libraries.

On October 28, 2025, EveryLibrary Institute, the National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation (NCDD), the Listen First Project, and Living Room Conversations came together to discuss the role of libraries as civic hubs within their communities. The following includes key takeaways from our democracy initiatives. 

Vote Early Day is on October 28, 2025.

Now more than ever before, it is important to make the tools of democracy as accessible as possible to citizens.

September 16, 2025, is National Voter Registration Day, a day to encourage all citizens to be active participants in our democracy by registering to vote. As a library community partner, you can help celebrate National Voter Registration Day.

True democracy cannot exist without an informed citizenry. September 15, 2025, is International Democracy Day, a civic holiday celebrating democracy through shared dialogue, building trust, and preventing disinformation.

EveryLibrary is a proud partner of Civic Learning Week, taking place on March 10-14, 2025. As democratic centers within communities, civic education is an important part of public libraries. 

VoteLibraries encourages all public libraries to serve as catalysts for civic learning by celebrating National Voter Education Week from October 7-11, 2024. This national campaign highlights the importance of civics in promoting and protecting constitutional freedoms at every level of government.