EveryLibrary.org Libraries Get Their Own PAC

Nope, that’s not PAC as in “Publicly Accessible Catalog.” That’s PAC as in “Political Action Committee,” and it is about time.

I was very excited to hear about EveryLibrary. A PAC that it is dedicated to:

…support these [local library funding] campaigns through non-partisan, pro-library voter education and get out the vote work. “We want to work with the local committee to enhance their efforts,” says Chrastka. “We will work best when we work with you. This new national library PAC will make a real difference in your tax or bond campaign.”

I love it! Non-partisan, pro-library, and local. More than making folks feel good about libraries, or love reading, here is an organization meant to directly support libraries at the local level with funding. Workbooks and lectures are good, but now here is some serious rubber meets the road support. This will never support the grassroots support we need from our communities, but it certainly will help foster that support. Instead of seeing ourselves as victims or pawns to politicians (“quick get a picture by the books”), we now can build an alley in the fray.

Here is the full press release:

For Immediate Release
September 5, 2012

Contact: John Chrastka,
[email protected]
312-574-0316

EveryLibrary – a National PAC for Libraries

EveryLibrary is launching today as the first and only national political action committee (PAC) for libraries. Focused exclusively on local library ballot initiatives and measures, EveryLibrary is dedicated to helping libraries win at election time. The organization, found online at www.everylibrary.org, will fundraise nationally to support local library ballot committees and PACs, and provide them with technical support and consultancy on how to run – and win – at the ballot box.

“EveryLibrary is built on the idea that any library ballot initiative anywhere matters to every library everywhere,” says John Chrastka, executive director of EveryLibrary. “EveryLibrary will allow us to raise funds and support specific ballot measures that keep libraries open and thriving. Elections are the “last mile” of library advocacy and this new PAC is an amazing opportunity for our community to talk directly to voters.”

During each election cycle, library districts and other jurisdictions put hundreds of millions of dollars in bonds, milliages, levys, and other taxing authority on local ballots. EveryLibrary will be organized as a 501c4 social welfare organization to support these campaigns through non-partisan, pro-library voter education and get out the vote work. “We want to work with the local committee to enhance their efforts,” says Chrastka. “We will work best when we work with you. This new national library PAC will make a real difference in your tax or bond campaign.”

EveryLibrary is conducting a $50,000 fundraising round from September 5 to November 7, 2012 to underwrite the fees associated with its legal filings and to create campaign toolkits, voter education materials, and messaging targeted to 2013 election initiatives. Visit http://rally.org/everylibrary to learn more and to donate today. Individuals, corporations, unions, and certain foundations are eligible to donate. EveryLibrary will use donations to support local committees and PACs while providing technical assistance to campaigns.

More information about EveryLibrary can be found online at www.everylibrary.org and via social media at www.facebook.com/everylibrary or @EveryLibrary on Twitter. Donations made via http://rally.org/everylibrary are secure but not tax deductible for income purposes.