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Libraries for the People

@librariesftp.bsky.social
1.5K followers 22 following 11 posts

A leftist library project

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Reposted by Libraries for the People
Lisa Schiff @lschiff.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Excellent to see folks seeking #library governance positions, but there is a lot to know to be successful, even after becoming a commissioner. @librariesftp.bsky.social provides that training, support, & info. Check out these starter resources! www.librariesforthepeople.org/resources#10...
librariesforthepeople.org
Resources — For The People
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Libraries for the People @librariesftp.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
There's still time to sign up for the April 22nd FTP Friends & Foundations Network meeting! We'll spend part of the time talking about what to look for in by-laws followed by an open discussion. www.librariesforthepeople.org/events/frien... #FriendsOfTheLibrary #libraries #LibraryDefender
librariesforthepeople.org
Friends & Foundations Network April Meeting — For The People
FTP’s Friends & Foundations Network helps folks strengthen and protect their libraries by getting involved with a Friends of the Library or Foundation group!  Join us at our next monthly meet...
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kelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
The Eighth just granted Iowa the right to enforce their “Don’t Say Gay” laws that allow for rampant bans on LGBTQ+ books: www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/p...
desmoinesregister.com
Court lifts injunctions on Iowa's 'Don't Say Gay,' book ban laws
A federal court cleared Iowa to enforce laws banning discussions and books in schools on certain sex and gender topics.
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Lisa Schiff @lschiff.bsky.social · 05/04/2026
But #libraries will only remain free, publicly supported, shared spaces if we defend and strengthen them. From getting on library boards to amping up what your Friends group does, you can find lots of ideas from @librariesftp.bsky.social at www.librariesforthepeople.org
librariesforthepeople.org
For The People
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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 04/04/2026
Want to defend libraries and the freedom to read? Follow us and be part of the national movement standing up for books, libraries, and the right to knowledge. #FreedomToRead #SupportLibraries #LibrariesMatter #FundLibraries #library #libraries #read #reading #book #books
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Libraries for the People @librariesftp.bsky.social · 04/04/2026
The next monthly meeting of the FTP Friends & Foundations Network is on 4/22--we're taking a deep dive into by-laws, looking at how they can help or hinder leftist library goals! Sign up & get more info: www.librariesforthepeople.org/events/frien... #FriendsOfTheLibrary
librariesforthepeople.org
Friends & Foundations Network April Meeting — For The People
FTP’s Friends & Foundations Network helps folks strengthen and protect their libraries by getting involved with a Friends of the Library or Foundation group!  Join us at our next monthly meet...
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Lisa Schiff @lschiff.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
The April newsletter from @librariesftp.bsky.social is here! Lots of great info for those wanting to support and strengthen their #library!! librariesforthepeople.substack.com/p/for-the-pe...
librariesforthepeople.substack.com
For The People Newsletter Vol. XXXVIII
For everyone working to strengthen and expand public libraries
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kelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Illinois residents, take a few minutes to learn about House Bill 5236, which aims to protect libraries from price gouging and unfair practices related to digital materials. Read this handy guide from ILA, then submit a witness slip as a proponent of the legislation. www.ila.org/advocacy/rea...
ila.org
Ready, Set, Advocate: eBook Legislation
This page provides a comprehensive overview of House Bill 5236, known as the Digital Library Protection Act, and related resources. This page will be updated as needed. If you have any questions, plea...
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kelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
HR 7551, the National book ban bill, has passed the markup and is being recommended to the House with amendment. Here’s who voted how. This isn’t over. CALL YOUR HOUSE REPS NOW.
Votes recorded on hr 7661 in House Committee for Education and Workforce Development’s markup.
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Libraries for the People @librariesftp.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
Be a #LibraryDefenders and help take your #FriendsOfTheLibrary or #LibraryFoundation group to the next level, making sure our #libraries are the vital, common spaces we all need! Come to our 3/18 Friends & Foundation Network meeting to learn more: www.librariesforthepeople.org/events/frien...
librariesforthepeople.org
Friends & Foundations Network March Meeting — For The People
FTP’s Friends & Foundations Network helps folks strengthen and protect their libraries by getting involved with a Friends of the Library or Foundation group! Join us at our next meeting, March 18...
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Libraries for the People @librariesftp.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Your #library is as strong as you make it! At the March 18 @librariesftp.bsky.social Friends & Foundations Network mtg we’ll talk about about #library governance & how #FriendsOfTheLibrary or #LibraryFoundation groups can help libraries in these times! www.librariesforthepeople.org/events/frien...
librariesforthepeople.org
Friends & Foundations Network March Meeting — For The People
FTP’s Friends & Foundations Network helps folks strengthen and protect their libraries by getting involved with a Friends of the Library or Foundation group! Join us at our next meeting, March 18...
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Lisa Schiff @lschiff.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Hey #LibraryDefenders! Come to the March 18 @librariesftp.bsky.social Friends & Foundations Network mtg to learn about #library governance and how being part of a #FriendsOfTheLibrary or #LibraryFoundation group can help strengthen libraries! www.librariesforthepeople.org/events/frien...
librariesforthepeople.org
Friends & Foundations Network March Meeting — For The People
FTP’s Friends & Foundations Network helps folks strengthen and protect their libraries by getting involved with a Friends of the Library or Foundation group! Join us at our next meeting, March 18...
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kelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
The parallel disappearance of YA books from public libraries due to book bans and the disappearance of YA expertise in public libraries due to budget cuts, deemphasis in serving teens. bookriot.com/the-disappea...
bookriot.com
The Disappearance of Young Adult Books and Services in Public Libraries: Book Censorship News, February 20, 2026
Teen collections in public libraries are disappearing. So, too, are professionals dedicated to serving this demographic.
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Chris Tebbens @christebbens.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
If you’re interested in getting non-fascists on your library board, you should follow @librariesftp.bsky.social
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NYC Public Library Action Network @nycplan.org · 18/02/2026
While a candidate, @mayor.nyc.gov pledged to commit 0.5% of the city’s budget to public libraries. Unfortunately, Mayor Mamdani has broken this promise in his preliminary FY27 budget, released yesterday, where he allocated 0.39% to libraries. This amount is well below the promised 0.5%
Image showing Mayor Mamdani looking frustrated, with a text overlaid that reads “NYC Public Library Action Network” at the top, and in large bold letters text that reads “Mayor Mamdani did not honor his commitment to allocate 0.5% of the city expense budget to NYC public libraries in his preliminary budget” and then in smaller font below, there is text that reads “visit NYCPLAN.ORG for more information”
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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Let’s start with the basics: A public library is a publicly-funded institution that provides access to information through materials-lending, research services, events like classes and workshops, and sometimes preservation of heritage through special collections.
buff.ly
It’s called a Public Library! Here’s how it works…
It’s called a Public Library! Here’s how it works…
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kelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
And every time libraries "step in" to do things, it's added load to library workers who too often are seen as "no one."
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kelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
From an article last week: "My wife and I absolutely forbid our children from reading those horrible Judy Blume books," he said. "And because we didn’t clean up our society back then, then we have to deal with absolutely horrific things today." Yeah, THAT'S it. www.kjzz.org/politics/202...
kjzz.org
Arizona librarians could face felony charges for suggesting some books to kids under proposed bill
Librarians who work in public school or government-run libraries could face a felony charge if they recommend a book or media that contains sexually explicit content to a minor — including anything th...
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kelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
I need to create a database of all the ways I'm discovering schools and libraries undercutting their state's Freedom to Read laws. We knew it would happen and we know it's happening, but the methods by which it's being done are fucking wild. Book banners will ban books, law or not.
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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
SB8 will fundamentally destabilize and harm every Indiana public library. If Senate Bill 8 passes, libraries can be easily defunded by their county or city. This is not how library governance has worked in Indiana for generations. buff.ly/eGiy6MM
action.everylibrary.org
SEND AN EMAIL: Reject Senate Bill 8 and Protect Indiana Public Libraries
Contact your Indiana state Representative and tell them to "Reject Senate Bill 8" to protect our libraries.
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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Libraries don’t run on good intentions alone. If you’ve ever wondered how to step up for your neighborhood library, this Open House event from FTP will walk through how Friends and Foundations groups work and how you can join one. 2/19, 6:30–8pm ET. RSVP at
buff.ly
FTP Friends and Foundations Network Open House — For The People
Strengthen and protect your library by getting involved with a Friends of the Library or Foundation group! FTP is launching a Friends and Foundations Network to help folks get involved in these local…
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Libraries for the People @librariesftp.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
A form of #resistance is supporting & strengthening something positive, like #libraries, a rare & true commons in this privatized society. Come to our Friends & Foundations Network Open House Feb 19 to learn how to protect this important shared space! www.librariesforthepeople.org/events/ftp-f...
librariesforthepeople.org
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Libraries for the People @librariesftp.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Want to stop #BookBans? Want to make sure #libraries continue as shared spaces for all? Become a #LibraryDefender! Come to our Feb. 19th Open House to learn about how #FriendsOfTheLibrary and Foundation groups can play a role in strengthening libraries. www.librariesforthepeople.org/events/ftp-f...
librariesforthepeople.org
FTP Friends and Foundations Network Open House — For The People
Strengthen and protect your library by getting involved with a Friends of the Library or Foundation group! FTP is launching a Friends and Foundations Network to help folks get involved in these local ...
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kelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
IMO, one of the most important Lit Activism posts in a long time.
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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Libraries serve a wide range of people like those with different backgrounds, disabilities, and culture. action.everylibrary.org/library_spac...
action.everylibrary.org
Library Spaces are Made for Everyone
Library Spaces are Made for Everyone
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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Don't let the State Government take over local libraries in the state of Alabama! buff.ly/7dVzfKE
buff.ly
Stop SB26: Protect Independent Library Boards in Alabama
Supporting the Right to Read in All Alabama Libraries
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Lisa Schiff @lschiff.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
#Libraries, vital community resources, are only as strong as we make them! @librariesftp.bsky.social helps library lovers exercise power & become #LibraryDefenders. Come to our Feb 19 open house to learn how Friends & Foundation groups are part of this: www.librariesforthepeople.org/events/ftp-f...
librariesforthepeople.org
FTP Friends and Foundations Network Open House — For The People
Strengthen and protect your library by getting involved with a Friends of the Library or Foundation group! FTP is launching a Friends and Foundations Network to help folks get involved in these local ...
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Libraries for the People @librariesftp.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
Yes to this call from @everylibrary.bsky.social! One action is to get involved in your local #FriendsOfTheLibrary group! Learn how these groups can help strengthen & protect #libraries at our Feb 19th Friends & Foundations Network Open House! www.librariesforthepeople.org/events/ftp-f...
librariesforthepeople.org
FTP Friends and Foundations Network Open House — For The People
Strengthen and protect your library by getting involved with a Friends of the Library or Foundation group! FTP is launching a Friends and Foundations Network to help folks get involved in these local ...
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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Let’s show that Americans love their libraries! Like, follow, and share! #library #libraries #read #reading #book #books #librarylove #author #publiclibrary #literature #lit
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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
"In celebration of the premiere of THE LIBRARIANS on PBS Independent Lens on Feb. 9, I’m raising money to help stop book banning. Donate at least $5, and I'll toss the name of your local book banner into the litter box."
buff.ly
Donate to Make a Stink About Book Banning!, organized by Martha H
Hi everyone! My name is Martha, a recently retired high school librarian. In celebration of … Martha H needs your support for Make a Stink About Book Banning!
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Libraries for the People @librariesftp.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
If you're part of a #FriendsOfTheLibrary group or want to learn more about them, come to our open house on February 19th where we'll talk about the Friends & Foundations Network that For The People is starting: www.librariesforthepeople.org/events/ftp-f...
librariesforthepeople.org
FTP Friends and Foundations Network Open House — For The People
Strengthen and protect your library by getting involved with a Friends of the Library or Foundation group! FTP is launching a Friends and Foundations Network to help folks get involved in these local ...
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Libraries for the People @librariesftp.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Love #libraries? Then become a #LibraryDefender! You can start by getting involved in your local #FriendsOfTheLibrary or Foundation group. Learn how at our Feb. 19th Open House: www.librariesforthepeople.org/events/ftp-f...
librariesforthepeople.org
FTP Friends and Foundations Network Open House — For The People
Strengthen and protect your library by getting involved with a Friends of the Library or Foundation group! FTP is launching a Friends and Foundations Network to help folks get involved in these local ...
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Lisa Schiff @lschiff.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
After watching The Librarians, become a #LibraryDefender! Come to the @librariesftp.bsky.social Feb 19th Open House to learn about how #FriendsOfTheLibrary & Foundation Groups can be great places for strengthening and protecting libraries! www.librariesforthepeople.org/events/ftp-f...
librariesforthepeople.org
FTP Friends and Foundations Network Open House — For The People
Strengthen and protect your library by getting involved with a Friends of the Library or Foundation group! FTP is launching a Friends and Foundations Network to help folks get involved in these local ...
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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
Call for Papers: The Political Librarian invites all levels of information, memory, library, and cultural heritage professionals, administrators, educators, researchers, policy analysts, and stakeholders to contribute to the Spring 2026 issue of The Political Librarian.
everylibraryinstitute.org
The Political Librarian Journal
As an open source academic journal, The Political Librarian is dedicated to expanding the discussion of about library advocacy and activism while promoting research and new thinking about policy and f...
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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
In communities across the country, school and public libraries are under attack from another direction: book bans, criminalization of librarians, and efforts to erase entire groups and perspectives from public view.
buff.ly
Defending Free Speech in the Stacks
How Libraries, Book Bans, and Censorship Impact All of Us  (Problem vs. Solution) Libraries used to feel untouchable. As a kid, I thought of them as neu...
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Kruttika Susarla @kruttika.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
We made a resource zine on Friends of the Library groups over at @librariesftp.bsky.social: www.librariesforthepeople.org/resources#fo...
Friends of the library zine cover featuring three people enclosing a library. The background is blue.
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Libraries for the People @librariesftp.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
Thank you @everylibrary.bsky.social for this strong resistance to #censorship!
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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
Don’t let the government regulate your reading www.bookbanpetition.us
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Libraries for the People @librariesftp.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
Want to be a #LibraryDefender? Join (or start!) a Friends of the Library group. #FriendsOfTheLibrary groups are a great way to strengthen your local library and fight for #InformationAccess for all! Learn how in our new Friends of the Library 101 Zine! www.librariesforthepeople.org/resources#fo...
librariesforthepeople.org
Resources — For The People
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