Advocacy

From the American Library Association:

“Libraries are among the most trusted institutions in America. From cradle to grave, libraries provide opportunity and enrichment for everyone in their communities. Yet in recent years, libraries have been facing unprecedented challenges – bans on library materials and programs, threats to cut local funding, and state legislation that would criminalize librarians for doing their jobs. Now the federal government is moving to cut off its modest but effective support for libraries, from withdrawal of funding for broadband to the elimination of the only source of federal funding for our nation’s 125,000 libraries, the Institute of Museum and Library Services.”

If you have 5 minutes, you can make a difference! Check out the ALA’s Advocacy page for easy ways to add your voice.

Show Up for Our Libraries!

Everylibrary.org

EveryLibrary.org is the first and only national organization dedicated to building voter and public support for libraries of all kinds, including public, school, and college libraries.

Its core mission is to:

  • Secure Funding: Help libraries win funding at the ballot box and through legislative advocacy, ensuring stable financial support.
  • Fight Censorship: Actively work to defeat “bad bills” that threaten libraries, oppose book banning, and protect librarians’ jobs and access to materials.
  • Build Advocacy Networks: Identify, cultivate, and empower a national network of Americans to advocate for libraries and take action.
  • Provide Pro Bono Support: Offer free consulting and resources to libraries and “Vote Yes” committees for funding campaigns, and support school librarians in crisis.
  • Educate the Public: Publish articles and content to inform and enlighten the American public about the value and impact of libraries and librarians.
Take Action for Libraries!

Write a letter of support or make a phone call to U.S. Senators John Fetterman and David McCormick, U.S. Representative Dan Meuser, PA Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver, PA Representative Robert Leadbeter, and/or your local officials to let them know how much you enjoy using the public library and to ask them to provide more funding.

Federal Representatives:

U.S. Senators for Pennsylvania:

Senator John Fetterman

  • Washington D.C. Office Address: 142 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
    • Phone: (202) 224-4254
  • Harrisburg Office Address: 320 Market St., Suite 475E, Harrisburg, PA 17101
    • Phone: (717) 782-3951

Senator David McCormick

  • Washington D.C. Office Address: 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
    • Phone: (202) 224-6324
  • Harrisburg Office Address: 200 N. 3rd St., 14th Floor, Suite 14A, Harrisburg, PA 17101
    • Phone: (717) 231-7540

U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania’s 9th Congressional District

Representative Dan Meuser

State Representatives:

State Representative Robert Leadbeter (House District 109, serving Columbia County)

  • District Office 1 (Catawissa): 555 River Hill Drive, Catawissa, PA 17820
    • Phone: 570-387-0246
  • District Office 2 (Berwick): 134 West Front Street, Suite 102, Berwick, PA 18603
    • Phone: 570-759-8734
  • Harrisburg Office: 141B East Wing, P.O. Box 202109, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2109
    • Phone: 717-783-1102

State Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver (Senate District 27, which includes Columbia County)

  • District Office: 603 West Main Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
    • Phone: 570-784-3464
  • Capitol Office: 168 Main Capitol, Senate Box 203027, Harrisburg, PA 17120-3027
    • Phone: 717-787-8928

Local Representatives:

Columbia County Commissioners:

  • Address (Commissioners’ Office): 11 West Main Street, Main Street County Annex, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
    • Phone: (570) 389-5697
  • Commissioners:
    • Dean A. Brewer
    • Randy Karschner
    • David M. Kovach

Columbia County Municipalities:

  • Beaver Township
    • Address: 826 Brick Plant Road, Beavertown, PA 17813
    • Phone: 570-658-3508
  • Benton Borough
    • Address: PO Box 520, Benton, PA 17814
    • Phone: 570-925-6101
  • Benton Township
    • Address: 236 Shickshinny Road, Benton, PA 17814
    • Phoner: 570-925-6166
  • Berwick Borough
    • Address: 1800 N. Market Street, Berwick, PA 18603
    • Phone: 570-752-2723
  • Bloomsburg (Town of Bloomsburg)
    • Address: 301 East Second Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
    • Phone: 570-784-7123
  • Briar Creek Borough
    • Address: 6029 Park Road, Berwick, PA 18603
    • Phone: 570-759-1566
  • Briar Creek Township
    • Address: 150 Municipal Road, Berwick, PA 18603
  • Catawissa Borough
    • Address: 307 Main Street, Catawissa, PA 17820
    • Phone: 570-356-2561
  • Catawissa Township
    • Address: 153 Old Reading Rd, Catawissa, PA
    • Phone: 570-356-2686
  • Cleveland Township
    • Phone: 570-900-5486
  • Fishing Creek Township
    • Phone: 570-683-5900
  • Franklin Township
    • Address: 313 Mount Zion Road, Catawissa, PA 17820
  • Hemlock Township
    • Address: 26 Firehall Rd, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
    • Phone: 570-784-6178
  • Main Township
    • Address: 345 Church Road, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
    • Phone: 570-784-0951
  • Millville Borough
    • Address: 136 Morehead Ave., PO Box 30, Millville, PA 17846-0030
    • Phone: (570) 458-5709
  • Orangeville Borough
    • Address: 301 Mill Street, Box # 176, Orangeville, PA 17859
    • Phone: (570) 683-5915
  • Scott Township
    • Address: 2697 Columbia Blvd, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
    • Phone: 570-784-9114