Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Maryland Library Association @mdlibraryassoc.bsky.social · 1d

This week we celebrate the freedom to read. Orwell's "1984" warned us about censorship—today we're living that warning. Together, we can defend every reader's right to access books that challenge ideas and expand understanding.

Learn more: www.ala.org/bbooks
Support MD libraries: mdlib.org/donate

Maryland Library Association @mdlibraryassoc.bsky.social · 6d

The good news? If it's brief, most library services will continue since funding has already been distributed to states. But a longer shutdown could mean serious disruptions.

Learn more and contact your representatives at: ala.org/fundlibraries

Tell Congress to #FundLibraries

The American Library Association is leading the charge for libraries. Librarians, information professionals, and everyone who loves them must tell their members of Congress to support full federal fun...

ala.org

4 7

Maryland Library Association @mdlibraryassoc.bsky.social · 6d

The federal government shutdown that started October 1st is affecting libraries across the country and there are concerns about potential elimination of library-supporting programs. Learn more about what this means for agencies, funding and staff:
americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-sc...

How the 2025 Government Shutdown Will Impact Libraries | American Libraries Magazine

The federal government shutdown, which begins today, will have cascading effects across the nation and our economy.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org

1 6 7

Maryland Library Association @mdlibraryassoc.bsky.social · Sep 5

Thank you to our Southern Maryland library directors for their thoughtful letter to the editor about federal library funding! Carrie Willson, KennethWayne Thompson, and Michael Blackwell highlight the vital role of the IMLS in supporting community libraries.
www.somdnews.com/opinion/lett...

Eliminating federal funds for libraries would harm local support systems

As the directors of Southern Maryland’s three public libraries, we see each day how the library enriches the lives of community members by connecting them with information, resources and experiences.

www.somdnews.com

1

Reposted by Maryland Library Association

American Library Association @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social · Sep 2

NEWS: A House of Representatives Subcommittee just voted to continue library funding in next year's federal budget. This is thanks to YOUR hard work as library advocates.

The fight to #FundLibraries isn't over yet. Stay tuned for more ways to take action for libraries. #ForOurLibraries

You made your voice heard for libraries. The House listened. A House of Representatives Subcommittee just voted to continue library funding in next year's federal budget.
The fight to #FundLibraries isn't over yet, but this good news is thanks to your hard work.
Stay tuned for more ways to take action for libraries. Show up for our libraries. American Library Associaiton.

5 340 900

Maryland Library Association @mdlibraryassoc.bsky.social · Aug 25

Maryland libraries receive $3 million annually from IMLS for digital access, lifelong learning, staff training, and youth services. State Librarian Morgan Lehr Miller discusses what's at stake as federal funding faces cuts.
Listen at: www.wypr.org/show/on-the-...

How federal cuts could affect your local Maryland library

Maryland libraries get millions of federal dollars for some of their most creative projects, and they’re fighting to hang onto it.

www.wypr.org

1

Maryland Library Association @mdlibraryassoc.bsky.social · Aug 15

When library leaders and state officials come together, great things happen for Maryland communities! Check out these photos from the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Summer Conference in Ocean City.

Ashley Teagle from SMRLA with Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, proudly displaying our "Support Maryland Libraries" message!

Dana Newman from Talbot County Free Library, Rachel Wright from Cecil County Public Library, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, Andrea Berstler from Carroll County Public Library, and Ashley Teagle from SMRLA

Lieutenant Governor Miller and Andrea Berstler

2

Maryland Library Association @mdlibraryassoc.bsky.social · Jul 29

The Maryland Library Association is teaming up with the Sustainable Libraries Initiative to help cultivate library leadership for community resilience.

Check out the full press release here: members.mdlib.org/news/Details...

1

Maryland Library Association @mdlibraryassoc.bsky.social · Jul 17

Shoutout to MLA member Michael Blackwell, Director of St. Mary's County Library, who co-authored a new study on Ebook Availability, Licensing, and Pricing in Canada and the U.S.!

Take a look at the findings here:
www.infotoday.com/cilmag/jul25...

www.infotoday.com

2 1

Maryland Library Association @mdlibraryassoc.bsky.social · Jul 10

Maryland Library Advocates Unite!✊Ready to be a powerful voice for Maryland libraries? Join us for a one-day conference on Thursday, July 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. that will equip you with the tools to speak up and take action.

🔗 Register now: members.mdlib.org/eventcalenda...

2

Reposted by Maryland Library Association

Josh Stone @libraryjosh.bsky.social · Jun 30

Hey #alaac25! Last chance to get a Very Radical button and show your support for Maryland (and all) libraries! Come see us at booth 2100.

1 1 3

Maryland Library Association @mdlibraryassoc.bsky.social · Jun 26

Good news for Maryland school libraries! The state school board just approved new regulations to support the Freedom to Read Act, making it harder to remove books from school libraries without proper due process and requiring schools to have a certified librarian on staff.

It just got tougher to ban books in Maryland school libraries

Maryland’s school board changed state regulations to align with a law that prevents removing books from school libraries without due process.

www.thebaltimorebanner.com

3

Maryland Library Association @mdlibraryassoc.bsky.social · May 27

Your advocacy worked! A HUGE thank you to the MLA members and friends who contacted representatives—and to the Maryland legislators who signed onto the critical funding letters to #FUNDLIBRARIES! See which Maryland reps signed: ala.org/advocacy/fund-libraries

House LSTA Results
- 123 signatures (up from 104);
52 new supporters and 21 newly elected members
- 18% increase from last year

House IAL Results
- 86 signatures (up from 61);
42 new supporters and 12 newly elected members
- 41% increase from last year

Senate Results
- LSTA: 42 signatures; 9 new supporters
and 6 newly elected senators
- IAL: 33 signatures; 6 new supporters
and 5 newly elected senators

1

Maryland Library Association @mdlibraryassoc.bsky.social · May 21

Last week’s storm hit the town of Westernport in Allegany County very hard, damaging public infrastructure, including the public library, with flooding and high winds. Please consider giving in support of our Western Maryland neighbors. www.alleganycountylibrary.info/support-us/

1

Maryland Library Association @mdlibraryassoc.bsky.social · May 12

With equal amounts of determination and grace, Dr. Hayden forever changed libraries and librarianship. Across the nation, she inspired leaders and improved access for those who need it most. Her term may have been cut short, but her impact will outlast this administration and many more to come.

2

Reposted by Maryland Library Association

American Library Association @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social · May 9

NEW: ALA salutes Dr Carla Hayden for her exceptional service to the nation as the Librarian of Congress. We are deeply disappointed in Dr Hayden's abrupt & unjust dismissal last night, an insult to the scope & breadth of her work.

Read ALA Pres. Cindy Hohl's statement: www.ala.org/news/2025/05...

The American Library Association praises servic of Dr. Carla Hayden, decries 'unjust dismissal' of Librarian of Congress. [Image of Dr. Carla Hayden standing in the stacks in a library]

20 560 1.4K

Maryland Library Association @mdlibraryassoc.bsky.social · Apr 21

Each year Congress crafts a budget proposal that funds agencies across government, including the Institute of Museum & Library Services (IMLS). Tell Congress to provide sustained funding for IMLS in FY26! app.oneclickpolitics.com/campaign-pag...

Urge the House of Representatives to fund libraries!

app.oneclickpolitics.com

3

Maryland Library Association @mdlibraryassoc.bsky.social · Apr 17

🦀 The spring issue of The Crab just dropped!
Catch statewide library news + a great cover story featuring State Librarian Morgan Miller and Library Board Chair Kristen Pironis — both named to the Leadership Maryland Class of 2025. marylandlibraryassociation.growthzoneapp.com/ap/CloudFile...

marylandlibraryassociation.growthzoneapp.com

Maryland Library Association @mdlibraryassoc.bsky.social · Apr 11

"This is especially true in rural communities, where the library often delivers the only access to the internet, to job help, to safe spaces and to books and literacy — essentially, to everything that makes a difference in a person’s life."

Maryland Library Association @mdlibraryassoc.bsky.social · Apr 11

"Few community institutions care for people and their problems [like libraries do], not to mention are sufficiently resourced and positioned to help people do something about them." #FundLibraries #MSLA #IMLS
www.baltimoresun.com/2025/04/10/r...

Rural Maryland libraries depend on vital federal funding | GUEST COMMENTARY

Federal funding losses stand to devastate rural Maryland libraries, writes Morgan Lehr Miller.

www.baltimoresun.com

1 1 2

Maryland Library Association @mdlibraryassoc.bsky.social · Apr 8

It’s #NationalLibraryWorkersDay! Let’s show love to the library staff who protect our right to read and keep our communities informed. 💙
1️⃣ Nominate a stellar library worker → ala-apa.org/nlwd/
2️⃣ Send a postcard of support → uniteagainstbookbans.org
3️⃣ Become a library advocate → mdlib.org/advocate/

1

Maryland Library Association @mdlibraryassoc.bsky.social · Apr 7

Today is #RightToRead Day — a national day of action to defend the freedom to read and resist growing censorship efforts in libraries and schools.
Join us in saying: Libraries are for everyone.
🔗 uniteagainstbookbans.org/right-to-rea...
#UniteAgainstBookBans #FreedomToRead

1 1

Reposted by Maryland Library Association

Unite Against Book Bans @uabookbans.bsky.social · Apr 7

It’s #RightToReadDay.
NEW data from @oif.bsky.social shows that 72% of book bans in 2024 were initiated by organized groups and elected officials. We need EVERYONE to #UniteAgainstBookBans & take action against these organized attempts today: uniteagainstbookbans.org/right-to-rea... #DrawnToFreedom

Take action today. Right to Read Day. April 7, 2025 #RightToReadDay. #DrawnToFreedom. Unite Against Book Bans. bit.ly/RightToReadDay. Above the text is an illustration by Nate Powell featuring people at a public library and various things you can do at the library.

89 130

Maryland Library Association @mdlibraryassoc.bsky.social · Apr 7

Happy #NationalLibraryWeek! Check out this video from @govwesmoore.bsky.social highlighting the invaluable role libraries play in our communities. Tell us why you love your library in the comments! #101Reasons #LoveMyLibrary
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHIB...

Maryland Governor Wes Moore Celebrates National Library Week 2025

YouTube video by Maryland State Library

www.youtube.com

1

Maryland Library Association @mdlibraryassoc.bsky.social · Apr 4

Take action now! Call your representatives and urge them to restore federal library funding. Our communities depend on it. www.ala.org/advocacy/sho...

Show Up for Our Libraries

Join us and Show Up #ForOurLibraries.

www.ala.org

1 1