We Need Librarians to Run for Office

Libraries are at the heart of our communities and schools, and who better to represent those communities than the librarians and staff who serve them every day? We tracked several librarians running for office nationwide on November 5, 2024. Each one of these colleagues wanted to do something important for our democracy: they wanted to show up for the issues they believe in and their communities. They understood the mission, vision, and values of libraries and would bring that ethic to their service if they ran for office. 

As we look ahead to 2025 and 2026, it's time for more librarians to consider stepping into public office. Librarians and library staff have the knowledge, dedication to access, and passion for literacy and lifelong learning that make them uniquely qualified to shape policies that support and strengthen communities. Librarians are directly impacted by the decisions of state legislators and local elected officials, so they are well-positioned to recognize the influence of public office. 

Librarians can bring a valuable perspective to public decision-making. Whether serving on school boards, city councils, state legislatures, or executive offices, librarians can influence policies that can directly impact education, access to information, and funding for community services. Here's why librarians - even retirees -  should run for office:

- Librarians are strong communicators. Librarians are skilled in engaging with people from all walks of life. They explain complex topics in accessible ways, making them effective communicators in public office.

- Librarians are community-minded. At the heart of a librarian’s work is a commitment to improving the quality of life for all, ensuring access to knowledge and resources for the diverse communities they serve.

- Librarians are informed and adaptable. Librarians stay up to date on evolving technologies, media, and societal trends, enabling them to bring fresh, innovative ideas to policy discussions.

- Librarians are problem-solvers. Whether it's helping patrons find information or working within tight budgets, librarians know how to navigate challenges and create solutions that work for everyone in their community.

- Librarians understand public services. Libraries are essential public institutions, and librarians and their staff understand how government decisions—whether local or federal—affect these vital community resources.

This isn't just workers in public libraries. School librarians would make tremendous advocates for educational equity in office. School librarians see firsthand the disparities in resources and access within the education system. Running for office would allow them to champion equitable access to quality learning materials, technology, and support for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

Academic librarians should also answer the call to be protectors of academic and intellectual freedom. As curators of diverse collections, these librarians know that censorship limits student access to information and that higher education needs policies that uphold the freedom to read, research, and learn to promote a flourishing society.

Why Librarians Should Run for Office

- To champion access to information. As public servants committed to intellectual freedom, librarians can advocate for policies that protect free speech, privacy, and equitable access to information.

- To ensure public investment in education and literacy. Public officials with library backgrounds understand the critical importance of funding education and literacy programs and can drive initiatives that benefit schools, families, and lifelong learners.

- To represent their communities. Librarians interact with individuals from all parts of the community daily, giving them a unique insight into what their constituents need.

- To lead with empathy and service. The core of librarianship is helping others. Librarians promote and protect social-emotional learning on a daily basis. This service-driven mindset is essential for leaders at every level of government.

- To bridge community and civic divides. As inherently civic institutions, librarians are already familiar with civic spaces and recognize the importance of elections to protect democracy. Their nonpartisan role allows them to participate in bridging conversations that bring together people from every political ideology - both inside and outside of the library space. As candidates, librarians continue this pattern of promoting democracy rather than politics. 

Librarians have always been defenders of knowledge, information, and democracy. Now is the time to take that awareness to the next level. Whether you're running for office or supporting those who do, your voice is crucial in shaping the future of our schools and communities.