CILIP and EveryLibrary Institute launch a new digital hub to engage the public with the power, impact, and importance of properly funded library services

In an effort to raise awareness and make a meaningful, long-term impact on the future of library funding, CILIP and the EveryLibrary Institute today announce the launch of LibrariesDeliver, an advocacy campaign that connects people from across England in support of their libraries.

The core of the campaign is LibrariesDeliver.uk, a new GDPR-compliant advocacy website designed to activate and connect an extensive network of individuals and advocacy groups about library funding and use.

On LibrariesDeliver.uk, library supporters can sign up to become part of the campaign, pledge to support libraries, show their support for library funding, donate to support libraries, and become better organized and connected.

LibrariesDeliver is dedicated to addressing real challenges to library funding by organizing and focusing support from people across England and the UK. “We want to create new capacity for library advocates and supporters by sharing the life-changing work that libraries do every day and encouraging a national conversation about the future of library funding,” says Nick Poole, CILIP’s Chief Executive. “As it grows, LibrariesDeliver will focus new attention on policy and funding choices by local councils and national government to demonstrate support for proper library funding. We do all this work in partnership library leaders, local groups and supporters to reach better funding outcomes,” adds Poole.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Arts Council England, LibrariesDeliver is launched as an international collaboration between UK-based CILIP, the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, and the US-based EveryLibrary Institute. In communities of all sizes and means, libraries are poised to help people overcome their most pressing challenges. From literacy services and early childhood supports to creating more livable, interesting, thriving, and prosperous places, libraries and librarians empowers people and communities.

The goal of LibrariesDeliver is to engage people with the life-changing work of public libraries and to preserve, protect, and extend funding for them. “We are asking library supporters around England to sign up on LibrariesDeliver.uk and spread the word to colleagues, friends and family on social media,” says John Chrastka, executive director of the EveryLibrary Institute. “There are many factors contributing to the decline in library funding in the UK. The truth remains that if we want to reverse this slide we need to be organised and engaged. We need the entire UK library community to come together to make a real impact.” Visit LibrariesDeliver.uk and facebook.com/LibrariesDeliverUK to learn more and to sign up today.

About the EveryLibrary Institute

The EveryLibrary Institute is a US Based 501c3, non-profit organisation, dedicated to enhancing public and political support for library funding and the visible role of librarians in society. The core work of the EveryLibrary Institute is to advance a research, training, and programmatic agenda that strengthens the public policy and funding framework for libraries and librarians in the future. Please visit http://everylibraryinstitute.org for more information.

About CILIP

CILIP is the UK’s library and information association. Founded under Royal Charter in 1898, its role is to promote the long-term development of library and information services and to support librarians and information professionals. Information about our work, including this project, is available at http://www.cilip.org.uk.

For further information, and to arrange an interview with Nick Poole of CILIP or John Chrastka of the EveryLibrary Institute, please contact Ayca Ilcen at [email protected].